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

submitted 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) by mgrimace@lemmy.ca to c/selfhosted@lemmy.world

30 comments fedilink hide all child comments

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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[–] eager_eagle@lemmy.world 47 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

I'd just take it out if it's removable. If you really care about keeping it on during power outages, I'd get an actual UPS to have router and potentially other equipment also plugged in, because I don't see a "remote" laptop on its own as being very useful without at least the local network up.

if you decide to leave it plugged in, you can configure it to stop charging at e.g. 80% and charge it again at e.g. 30%, that way it keeps a percentage that will extend the battery life.

[–] 51dusty@lemmy.world 19 points 1 month ago (2 children)

take it out. I had more than one ballon on me when I left them in.

there are lots of reasons it can happen,but since this was in a closet I didn't notice it and I suppose could've been a fire hazard eventually.

some laptops might have reduced performance in this configuration though.

[–] MagnificentSteiner@lemmy.zip 14 points 1 month ago (1 children)

The technical term is "spicy pillow" :D

[–] xzinik@feddit.cl 1 points 1 month ago

but how do i free the angry pixies out of their cells if it doesnt become a spicy pillow first

those poor pixies yearn for their freedom :c

[–] iamthetot@piefed.ca 6 points 1 month ago (1 children)

There's no supposing necessary. It was a fire hazard, and presently not eventually. When something has caused a fire, it's no longer a hazard, it's just, you know, a fire.

[–] 51dusty@lemmy.world 2 points 1 month ago

you are correct @iamthetot.