Home Server Stack
Building a stable media and utility stack with Plex, Sonarr, Radarr, Jackett, qBitTorrent, and Windows Server as the core platform.
The Citadel
Jake Nordin
Home lab builder.
Systems tinkerer.
Curious problem solver
I build practical tech at home because I like understanding how things really work. This page is the story of my lab, my experiments, and the projects I'm building as I learn.
Who I Am
I'm an Information Support Representative, a dad, and someone who learns by doing. If there is a new tool to test, an environment to rebuild, or a weird bug to chase, I'm in.
I build things because I want real skills, not just theory. My home lab is where I test ideas, break them, fix them, and keep improving.
Outside pure tech, I still make time for gaming, family days out, and occasionally photography.
Current Projects
Minecraft Server for Friends & Family
Running a persistent Minecraft server as both a learning exercise and a future project to share with my son.
Ubuntu + Docker Lab Attempts
A running experiment in container workflows, VM storage tuning, and recovering gracefully when I break my own setup.
The Citadel Site Refresh
Turning a simple journal into a cleaner one-page home that feels more personal and easier to explore.
Lab Journal
A stream of what I tried, what worked, and what broke.
September 23, 2022
Server stability and new hardware
The Z420 has been running reliably with media tools and a Minecraft server. I also picked up a Dell R420 and started planning its long-term role.
August 28, 2022
Switched to Windows Server 2019 with an Ubuntu VM
Reworked the stack around Hyper-V, expanded VM storage, broke the VM once, then rebuilt using my notes.
August 22, 2022
CSS mistakes, Docker wins
Figured out markdown/CSS formatting issues and finally got Heimdall running after fixing a port definition mistake.
Quick Facts
Primary Lab BoxHP Z420
RAM Installed64 GB ECC
OS Swaps During SetupMore than I planned
Favorite Build TypeAnything I can break and fix
Current Side QuestUpgrading my sister's PC
Long-Term GoalBuild with my son
Contact
If you want to follow what I'm building, these are the best places to find me.