Proxmox is an open-source server management platform that allows you to deploy, manage, and monitor virtual machines. With Proxmox, you may run multiple OS or services over a web interface using any web browser.
So whether you are a student, tech enthusiast, or business owner, you can install Proxmox on an Intel NUC hardware or x86-based mini-PC to create a DIY home lab and manage various services, including home automation software, media servers, NAS storage, etc. from the Proxmox web interface.
Prerequisites to Installing Proxmox
To install and run Proxmox on an Intel NUC or x86alternative to an Intel NUC mini-PC, you will need an Intel NUC that meets the following system requirements:
We are usingIntel NUC10I3FNHN. It’s a barebones mini-PC powered by a 10th-generation Intel i3 processor. In addition, we installed:
You will also need:
Once you have the mini-PC that meets these hardware requirements and other required things, follow the steps given below to install Proxmox:
Step 1: Create a Proxmox USB Installer Media
To create a Proxmox USB media installer:
Download:Proxmox
This will create the Proxmox USB media installer that you can use to install Proxmox on Intel NUC or any x86 PC. You may also usebalenaEtcher to write the Proxmox ISO image file to a USB.
Step 2: Prepare Your Intel NUC or x86 Mini PC for Proxmox Installation
To prepare your Intel NUC or x86 PC for Proxmox installation, you need to power on the Intel NUC and open BIOS. Usually, you need to press theDelorF10key continuously to enter the BIOS.
Once you are in the BIOS, make the following changes:
Once you have updated the BIOS and enabled virtualization technology, you can proceed with installing Proxmox on your Intel NUC or x86 PC.
Step 3: Install Proxmox on Your Intel NUC or x86 Mini PC
After creating the bootable USB drive, insert it into your Intel NUC or x86 PC and restart the system.
Step 4: Configure Proxmox Post Installation
Once you have successfully installed Proxmox on your Intel NUC or x86 PC, you may access the Proxmox web interface using your preferred web browser by entering the IP address of your Proxmox server at port 8006. For instance,https://192.168.0.144:8006.
Step 5: Create VMs and Install OSes in Proxmox
With Proxmox, you can create and manage virtual machines from a web browser using the Proxmox web interface. You can install and manage a wide range of operating systems on these virtual machines, including Linux, Windows, and FreeBSD.
To create a VM and install OS using the Proxmox web interface, follow these steps:
Once you have created a virtual machine, you can start, stop, or migrate it to another Proxmox host.
Proxmox offers live migration capabilities that allow you to move virtual machines between hosts without any downtime. This feature is handy for load balancing or hardware maintenance purposes.
Harness the Power of Virtualization With Proxmox
Installing Proxmox on an Intel NUC or x86 mini PC is pretty straightforward. However, it opens up a world of possibilities for virtualization and server management.
Proxmox and Intel NUC are a perfect combination to harness the power of virtualization due to their lightweight nature and power efficiency. You may use Proxmox to run both small-scale and large-scale server deployments and manage them efficiently from any device, including a tablet or smartphone.
