Mismatched drives are a no-go for ZFS, which FreeNAS uses. You need to ensure identical drives for a reliable pool. Look for drives with the same capacity, speed, and cache size. Noise is common in older models like the Optiplex. Consider changing the case fans and check the BIOS settings; …

Comprehensive guide you've got here. I'd add that server admins should also look into overclocking their CPUs for better performance, provided their cooling solution is up to the task. On top of that, making sure your BIOS settings and server's power plan are optimized for performance can make a significant …

Not everything is suited for the cloud, my friend. There are compliance and security considerations that can make local servers more appealing, especially for certain industries. Plus, having your physical server can give you that sweet low latency and full control over your setup. It's not always about keeping up …

Mumble is known for being lightweight and less CPU-intensive compared to Discord, even during intense gaming sessions. If you're running a slightly older setup, you'll likely notice better performance. Plus, since it's open-source, you can tweak it to your needs! Remember to keep it updated for the latest security patches.