This 3D-printed homelab is perfect for Raspberry Pi enthusiasts
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We’ve covered all sorts of projects on PCGuide, and when it comes to creative hardware builds, the Raspberry Pi community is always ahead of the game. Just a few days ago, we saw the popular AI LLM DeepSeek running on a Raspberry Pi board, and while the performance was quite slow, it was still functional and useful for various tasks. Now, there’s another fascinating project in the Raspberry Pi lineup—a compact, 3D-printable home lab that’s perfect for anyone with spare Raspberry Pi boards looking to put them to good use.
In a post on the Homelab subreddit, user CB_4D has showcased an impressive creation called the Microlab, and the name makes perfect sense once you see it. The Microlab has a 160mm x 160mm footprint, 5-inch racks, and supports standard 4U and 6U options, making it a great small-form-factor home lab that fits neatly on your desk without taking up too much space. It can be placed vertically or laid on its side and is designed to work not just with Raspberry Pis but also with other hardware, including:
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• TP-Link SG105 Network Switch
• Raspberry Pi 5
• Raspberry Pi 4
• SATA 2.5″ Drives
• 120mm fan on top or bottom
• Intel NUC 13 Motherboard (Other generations are supposed to be compatible too. Screw positions and dimensions didn’t change much but I didn’t try)
User CB_4D, Reddit
Your own Raspberry Pi home lab
Since the Microlab is fully 3D-printable, you can make one at home and customize it however you like. The creator has shared free downloadable files on Printables or Maker World, so anyone can try it out. However, as with any DIY project, there are areas that could be improved. Some users have suggested better airflow design to ensure all components stay cool, and thinner cables for a cleaner, more organized look. That said, the creator has been actively gathering feedback from Reddit comments and has already started working on a second version where we might see them address these improvements.
If you’re looking to test your engineering skills by building a small home lab, whether for backup storage, server management, or personal projects, the Microlab is a fantastic option. However, there's no step-by-step assembly guide, which could make it a bit tricky for complete beginners. But given how responsive the creator has been in the comments on the original Reddit post if you run into issues, you could always try asking for guidance along the way.