Homelab Server vs Dedicated Machine

[Auron Chernobog]

I seem to be in my own head from thinking too much on this topic. I'm trying to figure out a cost effective way to get 4 kids a basic PC to all play on a Private Minecraft Server. What I am trying to figure out is if it makes more sense to build a homelab server to build 4 virtual machines that they can each remote into from their current laptops or if its just cheaper to build a simple Intel Arc/1660 PC.

If the homelab server makes more sense, where do I even start? Any help is appreciated.

[Needfuldoer]

1 hour ago, Auron Chernobog said:

I seem to be in my own head from thinking too much on this topic. I'm trying to figure out a cost effective way to get 4 kids a basic PC to all play on a Private Minecraft Server. What I am trying to figure out is if it makes more sense to build a homelab server to build 4 virtual machines that they can each remote into from their current laptops or if its just cheaper to build a simple Intel Arc/1660 PC.

If the homelab server makes more sense, where do I even start? Any help is appreciated.

Get each of them a used laptop or ultra-small office PC. Buy a fifth machine as the server.

 

Virtualizing it on one big PC has its own logistics issues, and they would need client consoles to use anyway.

 

Minecraft doesn't really need dedicated graphics. Modern integrated graphics (Skylake or newer) should be plenty.

 

If you shop around a little, in the US you can find laptops with 8th gen i7s for around $100 apiece. With Windows 10 going EOL in about a year, you'll want something with official Windows 11 support.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/256218888824