Homelab Builder
Proxmox Homelab Setup
Build the lab shape first: single-node PVE, HA clusters, Ceph, TrueNAS, and Proxmox Backup Server prompts.
OpenFactory helps plan Proxmox homelab setup by generating bootable preparation labs around the topology: PVE nodes, storage nodes, backup targets, service VMs, networking assumptions, and validation checks.
Pick the right Proxmox path
A good Proxmox homelab grows in layers. Start with one node and useful services, add backups, then move into HA and shared storage once the basics are boring. OpenFactory's prompts mirror that progression so each design can be reviewed before you touch production hardware.
Single-node Proxmox lab
PVE host, Pi-hole LXC, and one VM workload.
3-node Proxmox HA cluster
Three PVE nodes plus a QDevice witness.
Proxmox + Ceph cluster
Three Ceph MON+OSD hosts and an RBD client.
Proxmox + TrueNAS stack
PVE host, TrueNAS SCALE VM, and NFS client wiring.
Proxmox + PBS backup
PVE source, PBS target, and off-site PBS mirror.
What OpenFactory validates
- Topology: node count, witness pattern, aliases, and service roles.
- Storage intent: local disks, NFS wiring, Ceph targets, or PBS datastore.
- Service ports and APIs expected to respond after boot.
- Runbook gaps that remain operator responsibility on real hardware.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best first Proxmox homelab setup?
A single-node Proxmox VE host with one network service and one VM workload is the best first setup. It teaches storage, networking, backups, and VM lifecycle without requiring quorum or shared storage.
When should a homelab use a 3-node Proxmox cluster?
Use a 3-node cluster when you need quorum, HA practice, or shared operational patterns. It is more complex than a single node, so backups and network design should be in place first.
How does OpenFactory help with Proxmox?
OpenFactory does not replace Proxmox VE. It helps generate bootable lab images and prompt-based preparation stacks around Proxmox patterns so you can test topology, config files, service ports, and validation checks before carrying the design into real hardware.
Related OpenFactory pages
Self-hosted app installer
Add Jellyfin, Nextcloud, Immich, DNS, and monitoring workloads.
Custom Linux ISO builder
Build appliance images for services that live inside the lab.
Pi-hole DNS cluster
A practical first HA service to run alongside Proxmox.
nginx TLS reverse proxy
Expose self-hosted services cleanly after the lab is running.
Build the image instead of hand-assembling it
Use OpenFactory to turn the same requirements into a bootable, testable Linux system.