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 and 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.