packetprotector on Nostr: You should be able to run Start9's EmbassyOS and run a Bitcoin/Lightning node easy ...

You should be able to run Start9's EmbassyOS and run a Bitcoin/Lightning node easy enough with those specs.

EmbassyOS makes it pretty easy to backup channels to an external NAS as well. If you want the simplist setup, that's probably the way to go.

I have been buying Mini Desktop PCs off eBay with at least a 6th gen i5, 8GB RAM, and then buying a cheap 1TB SSD off Amazon. Can get total cost down to around $120 if I can find a good deal. ($80 mini PC + $40 1TB SSD)

If you want to go the mini desktop route, here is some copy/pasta I use for other recommendations...

For an easy setup/low cost Bitcoin full node:

Mini Desktop models ($80-$100):
- Dell OptiPlex [7040/7050] Micro
- HP EliteDesk/ProDesk 800 [G1/G2/G3] Mini
- Lenovo ThinkCenter [M700] Tiny

CPU: (included with mini desktop)
- i5 (min 6th gen, quad core, 2.5Ghz+)

RAM: (usually included with mini desktop or is upgradeable)
- 8GB

Storage: ($40)(sometimes included with mini desktop, but generally not 1TB)
- 1TB SSD (can be less if running pruned node)

Software:
Start9 EmbassyOS (https://github.com/Start9Labs/embassy-os)

Known working hardware by Start9:
https://community.start9.com/t/known-good-hardware-master-list-hardware-capable-of-running-embassyos-v0-3-3/66

Purchase via eBay. Can also get through Amazon and Newegg , but not as cheap.