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Laptop as server, how to best manage battery? (lemmy.ca)

submitted 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago) by mgrimace@lemmy.ca to c/selfhosted@lemmy.world

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Hello folks,

What do folks recommend as good practices to use a laptop as an always on, always plugged-in server? Specifically, how to manage the battery and some of the potential cautions/dangers of keeping it plugged in.

I have a spare Dell workstation laptop that I'd like to use as a Proxmox node. I've seen a number of posts where folks will mention that using a spare laptop works well because it has a built in 'UPS', but then in the comments there's caution about the battery being plugged in all the time.

I'm curious what folks do in terms of battery management, assuming I want to keep this as hands-off/low maintenance (but fireproof) as possible.

Thank you all so much, ~M

Update: thank you all so much for the great advice. This is a Dell Workstation and it does have a 'Primarily AC use' power setting in the BIOS, as well as custom charge levels available. Appreciate it and I hope this discussion helps other folks looking to do the same!

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[–] Pika@sh.itjust.works 4 points 6 days ago* (last edited 6 days ago)

As others have stated, if your model is able to have the battery removed and have it still run off power, no problem, do so.

You should be using a dedicated UPS for something like that if you're concerned about power going out , For a power input that a laptop requires, you could very easily find a $30 or $40 one at your closest big box retail store.

If you must keep the battery in it be careful to monitor it. I ran a laptop as a server for almost four years. It does work really nice. But depending on model, they may be prone to having the battery expand if it's on 24-7. And even if it doesn't, that battery is going to be shot after two or three years of constant use anyway.

You can mitigate the battery health issue by making sure you have some form of battery management software running where it stops charging the battery once it hits like 80-85%. and allows it to discharge on its own. But realistically using a laptop battery as a backup power source isn't super recommended.

Plus with a UPS, you could also hook your router and modem/ONT up to it, which means that not only is your laptop going to remain on, but usually your network will remain up as well since communication lines are quite a bit more durable and generally stay alive even if the power goes down