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For most home users, buy a mini PC with an Intel N100, 16GB of RAM, and at least a 512GB NVMe SSD. Immich publishes a baseline of four CPU cores and 8GB RAM, while Vaultwarden is lightweight enough to share that host. Move to an Intel Core i3-N305 system with 16–32GB RAM and a 1TB NVMe SSD if you expect a large first import, several additional containers, or heavier machine-learning queues. Spend at least as much planning storage, cooling, and backups as you do comparing processors.
The two configurations that make sense
The right choice depends mainly on library size, import workload, and the other services you intend to run. CPU speed matters most while Immich indexes a new library or runs recognition jobs; after that, storage capacity, backup reliability, and sustained cooling usually matter more.
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|---|---|---|---|
| Modest library and a few containers | Intel N100 mini PC, 16GB RAM, 512GB or larger NVMe SSD | Four cores meet Immich’s published baseline, and the 6W processor is suited to a low-power always-on host. | Confirm 16GB is actually installed, the drive is NVMe, Linux is supported, and the system has wired Ethernet. |
| Large first import or several services | Intel Core i3-N305 mini PC, 16–32GB RAM, 1TB or larger NVMe SSD | Eight cores provide more concurrent CPU capacity for indexing, containers, and queues. | Choose a chassis with adequate cooling and RAM that is upgradeable or already large enough. |
| Very large photo archive | N100 or N305 host plus separate high-capacity photo storage | Keeping the operating system and database on NVMe avoids forcing the database to compete with a capacity disk. | Use independent backups; a second disk in the same chassis is not a complete backup strategy. |
These are hardware recommendations, not published Immich performance benchmarks. Intel lists the N100 at four cores, four threads, up to 3.40GHz, and a 6W TDP. The N305 has eight cores, eight threads, up to 3.80GHz, a 15W TDP, and a 9W configurable TDP-down. More cores should reduce contention when several jobs run together, but they do not establish a particular indexing time.
What Immich and Vaultwarden actually require
Immich’s baseline
Immich’s requirements documentation recommends a 64-bit Linux or another 64-bit Unix-like operating system, Docker for the standard installation, four CPU cores, and 8GB of RAM. Its documentation also states that thumbnails and transcoded video add 10–20% to the photo-library size on average. PostgreSQL should be placed on local SSD storage rather than a slow network share.
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An N100 with 16GB therefore clears the published CPU and memory baseline while leaving room for the operating system, Docker, and Vaultwarden. The extra memory over the 8GB recommendation is useful when thumbnail generation, video transcoding, database activity, and other containers overlap.
Vaultwarden’s practical needs
Vaultwarden is a Rust server distributed in container images and does not publish a large hardware requirement. In practice, its resource demand is small compared with photo indexing. The non-negotiable requirements are operational: the web vault requires HTTPS and a secure context for the Web Crypto API, and the project recommends a reverse proxy, persistent container storage, and regular backups.
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Intel N100: the efficient default
What the processor provides
Intel specifies four cores, four threads, a maximum burst frequency of 3.40GHz, a 6W TDP, Quick Sync Video, and support for up to 16GB of memory for the N100. Those specifications explain why it is a sensible always-on host for one main photo service plus a handful of light containers.
Quick Sync can assist supported video-transcoding paths. Immich’s machine-learning acceleration is a separate matter: using Intel GPU acceleration requires the documented Linux device configuration and OpenVINO setup. Do not assume that having Quick Sync automatically enables Immich’s smart-search or facial-recognition acceleration.
Where an N100 system fits
- A small or moderate personal library with one or a few users.
- A host running Immich, Vaultwarden, a reverse proxy, and basic monitoring or automation.
- Installations where low heat and low electricity use are more important than the shortest possible initial import.
Because Intel specifies a maximum of 16GB memory, buy the 16GB configuration if possible. A listing with 8GB may run the software, but it leaves less headroom for OpenVINO, database cache, and additional containers.
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N100 buying checks
- Verify that the advertised memory is 16GB, not an optional upgrade price.
- Verify an NVMe SSD is included and identify its capacity and replaceability.
- Look for a wired Ethernet port; Wi-Fi is convenient for administration but is not a substitute for a stable storage path.
- Confirm the manufacturer supports Linux or allows you to install it without firmware restrictions.
- Inspect the cooling design, because a tiny fan and blocked intake can reduce sustained performance even when the processor specification looks adequate.
Intel Core i3-N305: when the extra headroom is worth it
What changes versus N100
Intel lists the Core i3-N305 with eight cores, eight threads, up to 3.80GHz, a 15W TDP, and a 9W configurable TDP-down. The doubled core count is useful when Immich is indexing while Docker services, media tasks, or several users are active.
The N305 recommendation is based on its published hardware capacity, not on a universal Immich benchmark. Real import and machine-learning times depend on cooling, storage, database state, library composition, and whether acceleration is configured.
Choose N305 if your workload looks like this
- You will import a large existing archive in one operation.
- You expect several simultaneous containers beyond Immich and Vaultwarden.
- You want more CPU capacity for repeated recognition or search jobs.
- You prefer to keep the host for several years and accept somewhat higher heat and power than an N100 system.
Prioritize a chassis with a substantial heatsink, an unobstructed fan path, and memory that can be replaced or expanded. The cited Intel specification does not state a maximum memory capacity for N305; rely on the mini PC manufacturer’s tested limit rather than assuming every model accepts 32GB.
N100 versus N305 at a glance
| Specification or concern | Intel N100 | Intel Core i3-N305 | How to interpret it for Immich and Vaultwarden |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPU cores / threads | 4 / 4 | 8 / 8 | N305 offers more concurrency during imports and container activity. |
| Maximum frequency | Up to 3.40GHz | Up to 3.80GHz | Maximum burst figures are not sustained indexing benchmarks. |
| Processor TDP | 6W | 15W | N100 is easier to cool quietly; N305 needs more capable cooling. |
| Configurable TDP-down | Not stated in the cited N100 facts | 9W | A lower configured power target can change performance; check the system maker’s settings. |
| Intel media capability | Quick Sync Video | Intel GPU and media features depend on the exact system implementation | Verify Linux device passthrough and supported codecs for your chosen model. |
| Maximum memory in cited processor information | Up to 16GB | Not stated on the cited product specification page | Check the mini PC’s tested RAM limit before buying. |
| Measured idle power, noise, warranty | Not stated universally | Not stated universally | These vary by chassis, memory, SSD, firmware, fan curve, and seller; compare current listings. |
Memory: 16GB is the sensible floor for this combined host
Immich’s published recommendation is 8GB RAM, but a combined server benefits from 16GB. The operating system, Docker engine, PostgreSQL, Immich workers, Vaultwarden, reverse proxy, and filesystem cache all compete for memory. OpenVINO acceleration may use more RAM than CPU processing, so the extra capacity matters if you enable Intel GPU acceleration for smart search or facial recognition.
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- The N305 host will run several additional services.
- You want to process a large queue while users browse the library.
- You plan to add virtual machines or memory-intensive monitoring.
- You want to avoid replacing memory during the host’s useful life.
Do not pay for 32GB solely because a seller lists a larger number. Confirm that the motherboard and firmware support it and that the memory is included, not merely available as an upgrade.
Storage design: capacity and placement matter more than a faster CPU
Size the live data set
Start with the original photos and videos, then reserve the documented 10–20% average increase for thumbnails and transcoded video. For example, a 500GB source library implies roughly 550–600GB before allowing room for the operating system, Docker layers, PostgreSQL growth, logs, and temporary import space. A 512GB SSD is therefore a minimum for a genuinely small library, not a universal recommendation.
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Use a 1TB NVMe SSD when the initial archive approaches the practical capacity of a 512GB drive or when you expect regular video additions. Leave free space for maintenance and database growth rather than filling the device to its nominal capacity.
Put the right data on the right device
- Internal NVMe SSD: operating system, Docker data, Immich PostgreSQL, thumbnails, and active working data.
- Separate internal disk, USB enclosure, or NAS: the original photo and video library when NVMe capacity is insufficient.
- Independent backup target: a different device or location containing recoverable copies of the library, Immich database, and Vaultwarden
/data.
Keeping originals on a separate capacity disk can make expansion easier, but it does not remove the need for a backup. A second disk inside the same mini PC is exposed to the same theft, power event, malware, and hardware failure as the live data.
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NVMe slot and expansion checks
- Confirm whether the mini PC has one NVMe slot or multiple storage bays.
- Check the supported drive length and interface before ordering a replacement.
- Determine whether adding a 2.5-inch drive disables an M.2 slot or changes cooling clearance.
- For a NAS or USB enclosure, use a stable wired network or direct connection and test disconnections before entrusting it with the only copy.
Graphics acceleration and machine-learning jobs
Immich documents OpenVINO acceleration for Intel GPUs and says it can reduce CPU load for smart search and facial recognition. The setup is not automatic: the Linux container must be given the appropriate device access described in Immich’s documentation, and the host must expose the Intel graphics device correctly.
- Install a supported 64-bit Linux distribution and current graphics-device drivers.
- Install Docker and deploy Immich using its standard container installation.
- Verify that the Intel GPU device is visible on the host before changing Immich settings.
- Apply Immich’s documented OpenVINO container and device configuration.
- Run a small recognition or search job, watch memory use, and confirm that the expected worker is using the device.
If memory pressure increases, disable acceleration temporarily and process the queue on the CPU. OpenVINO can consume more RAM than CPU processing, so a 16GB N100 may need careful concurrency limits while a 32GB N305 offers more margin.
Video transcoding is separate from machine learning. N100 Quick Sync may help supported transcoding paths, but codec support and container permissions depend on the exact mini PC, Linux drivers, and Immich configuration.
Networking, HTTPS, and remote access
Use wired Ethernet for the server whenever possible. Importing a large archive and serving original videos can expose the limits of Wi-Fi long before either processor is saturated. A fast Ethernet port is useful, but the available data does not establish a universal speed requirement or a guaranteed transfer rate for any mini PC model.
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Vaultwarden’s web vault requires HTTPS and a secure context for the Web Crypto API. Put it behind a reverse proxy that terminates TLS, renew certificates, and forwards only the required service. Do not expose an unencrypted Vaultwarden endpoint directly to the internet.
Remote-access checklist
- Assign the mini PC a stable local address or DHCP reservation.
- Terminate HTTPS at a maintained reverse proxy.
- Forward only the ports you intentionally publish.
- Use strong, unique credentials and enable the security controls available in your client ecosystem.
- Test access from outside your home network and verify that the certificate and hostname are correct.
Installation plan for a reliable host
- Choose the hardware tier. Select N100 for a modest library and low heat; select N305 when concurrent work or expansion justifies the extra 15W-class processor.
- Install 64-bit Linux. Immich’s standard installation expects Docker on Linux or another 64-bit Unix-like system. Update firmware and the operating system before importing data.
- Prepare storage. Keep Docker data and PostgreSQL on local NVMe. Mount the photo library at a stable path and record the filesystem permissions.
- Deploy Immich. Follow the current standard Docker deployment, then confirm the containers start after a reboot and that PostgreSQL remains on the SSD.
- Deploy Vaultwarden. Bind its
/datadirectory to persistent storage. Never rely on a container’s writable layer for passwords or attachments. - Configure HTTPS. Place Vaultwarden behind a reverse proxy and verify the web vault loads only over HTTPS.
- Import a small test set. Confirm originals, thumbnails, dates, playback, search, and mobile uploads before starting the full archive.
- Enable acceleration deliberately. Configure OpenVINO only after the base installation works; then measure memory pressure and queue behavior.
- Automate backups. Back up the photo library, Immich database, and Vaultwarden
/datato an independent target. Schedule restore tests, not just backup jobs. - Monitor the first full index. Watch temperatures, memory, disk space, and container restarts. A sustained slowdown usually points to cooling, storage pressure, or memory contention rather than a missing peak-frequency number.
Cooling, noise, and power: what can and cannot be predicted
Processor TDP is not a complete mini PC power measurement. The final result depends on the board, memory, SSD, power brick, firmware limits, fan curve, and attached devices. No universal idle-wattage, noise, or warranty result exists for every N100 or N305 configuration.
Cooling checks before purchase
- Look for a real heatsink and a vent path that is not blocked when the unit is placed behind a monitor.
- Prefer a model with accessible fan cleaning and replaceable storage.
- Check whether the seller publishes a sustained-load test or only a short burst specification.
- For N305, favor larger cooling hardware because its 15W default target can sustain more heat than N100’s 6W target.
After installation, place the mini PC in open air, keep vents dust-free, and observe it during the initial import. If the fan runs continuously or indexing speed falls sharply after several minutes, improve airflow or reduce concurrent workers before replacing the processor.
Common failure modes and fixes
Import stops with disk-full errors
Check original files, thumbnails, transcoded video, Docker layers, logs, and free space. The 10–20% Immich overhead is an average, not a hard maximum for every video-heavy library. Move originals to a larger mounted disk, expand NVMe, or both; do not delete database files to recover space.
Search or face recognition consumes all RAM
Confirm whether OpenVINO is enabled and reduce concurrent jobs. Leave room for PostgreSQL and the operating system. If the workload is persistent, move from 16GB to a supported 32GB configuration, usually on an N305 system whose chassis and motherboard allow it.
Vaultwarden data disappears after an update
Inspect the container definition and verify that /data is a persistent bind mount or named volume. Restore a test copy from backup before changing the live deployment.
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Web vault refuses to load
Check the reverse proxy certificate, hostname, clock, and HTTPS forwarding. The web vault needs a secure context; an HTTP-only endpoint is not an acceptable workaround.
Video playback fails while the CPU appears idle
Review the codec, client, and container device permissions. Quick Sync support on the processor does not guarantee that every codec or application path is enabled. Test one file, then adjust the documented hardware-acceleration configuration.
The N305 is slower than expected
Check sustained temperature, power-limit configuration, and fan behavior. The 3.80GHz figure is a maximum burst specification, not a promise that all eight cores hold that frequency during a long index.
How to choose between listings
When two mini PCs use the same processor, compare the complete system rather than the product name.
| Priority | Questions to ask the listing | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Memory | Is 16GB or 32GB installed, and is it upgradeable? | Determines headroom for Immich workers, OpenVINO, PostgreSQL, and other containers. |
| Storage | Is the SSD NVMe, what capacity is included, and can it be replaced? | Immich recommends local SSD for PostgreSQL; capacity must include generated data. |
| Expansion | Are there additional M.2 or 2.5-inch bays? | Lets the photo library grow without moving the operating system and database. |
| Graphics access | Can Linux expose the Intel GPU device to containers? | Required for documented OpenVINO and supported Quick Sync paths. |
| Networking | Is wired Ethernet present, and what speed is specified? | Improves large imports and remote media service reliability. |
| Thermals | How is the heatsink ventilated under sustained load? | Protects indexing consistency and fan noise. |
| Support | What warranty, return period, and Linux firmware support are provided? | A home server is difficult to recover if replacement parts or firmware are unavailable. |
Bottom-line buying decision
Choose the N100 configuration—16GB RAM and a 512GB-or-larger NVMe SSD—for a modest Immich library, Vaultwarden, and a few lightweight containers. It meets Immich’s published four-core and 8GB baseline with low heat and straightforward storage requirements.
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Choose an N305 with 16–32GB RAM and a 1TB-or-larger NVMe SSD when the initial import is large, several services will run concurrently, or machine-learning queues need more CPU headroom. In either case, use local NVMe for PostgreSQL and Docker data, keep capacity storage separate when necessary, configure HTTPS for Vaultwarden, and maintain independent backups. Those design choices will affect reliability long after the initial indexing workload has finished.
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