So I was wondering, what is exactly the use case of owning a server rack with huge CPUs and 256GB of DDR4 RAM with 1PB of storage?
Obviously, I'm kind of exaggerating here, but it does seem that most homelabs are big server racks with at least two CPUs and like 20 cores in total.
Why would I want to buy a server rack with all the bells and whistles when a low-power, small NAS can do the trick? What's the main advantage of having a huge server, compared to an average Synology NAS for example?
Honestly, I only see disadvantages tbh. It consumes way more power, costs way more money and the processing power it provides is probably only relevant for (small) businesses and not for an individual like me.
So, convince me. Why should I get a homelab instead of a regular NAS?
Like others have said, it's all about your goals. If you just want to selfhost some apps or have additional storage/local backups, by all means, keep it simple and efficient.
In my case, my homelab is justified because of my job. I'm a senior systems engineer who specializes in designing, deploying, and managing distributed infrastructure. So having a dedicated server room at home with a rack, 20A circuits, and HVAC allows me to more easily emulate certain environments, test out hardware on loan from vendors, experiment with new ideas or software solutions, and stay immersed in my craft.
Aside from the work-related benefits, in return for my higher than average power bill my home network gets to rival most corporations, and I can self host anything I (or my wife) wants.
While this setup is great for me, I would never recommend it for someone who would be better off with a NAS.