Qubes whonix on a cheap Lenovo pc

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I’ve seen on Qubes-Whonix hardware specification page that to run properly it is required to have 16GB RAM, a SSD disk and a compatible processor.

I’d like to use a cheap under $100 Lenovo computer featuring an Intel i5-4570T, 1TB 7200 RPM HDD and 8GB DDR3, is it enough to run Qubes + Whonix (both Gateway and Workstation) to host a blog on Tor as an onion service?
Is it advisable (and cheaper) to run via home network or should I get a VPS? I am afraid most will not allow hidden services and full disk encryption may not be possible.
Thank you

[HulaHoop]

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I’d like to use a cheap under $100 Lenovo computer featuring an Intel i5-4570T, 1TB 7200 RPM HDD and 8GB DDR3, is it enough to run Qubes + Whonix (both Gateway and Workstation) to host a blog on Tor as an onion service?

You’re likely getting used machine for this price? Not recommended to use secondhand hardware for sensitive uses.

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Is it advisable (and cheaper) to run via home network or should I get a VPS?

Always go for self hosting if you have a reliable connection with no quotas. VPS anonymous payment may be a headache, they can always shut you down if forced or get taken down.

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I’ve found some local (buy via cash, in person) post-Christmas offers for new items, both the Lenovo and an Intel NUC nuc5cpyh with 8GB ram. However, none of such computers is listed as compatible in the Qubes page.
I admit the nuc would be a great choice as it is very small, low power and fanless, but the Intel Celeron N3050 looks quite unable to sustain two VMs running.
Server-wise I’m using nginx and PHP, trying to cache articles. To offload some work I can run the database on a second server but it would introduce lag since it will connect via Tor.

I have around 50Mb download 1Mb upload no quota always on connection.

[Patrick_mobile]

Qubes hardware questions are better directed at Qubes. As per:

What to post in this Qubes-Whonix forum and what not.

As a rule of thumb: Everything that happens “inside” the virtual machines is Qubes-Whonix and belongs into this sub forum. Everything that happens “outside” the virtual machine is Qubes and the Qubes help should be consulted. Some examples: EFI → Qubes support Errors by by Qubes VM Manager (QVMM) → Qubes support libvirtError → Qubes support Issues that also apply to Debian based VMs. → Qubes support error: Failed to save domain whonix-ws-dvm to /var/lib/qubes/appvms/whonix-ws-dvm/dvm-savef…

Once Qubes ready, will be Qubes-Whonix ready too.

[Algernon]

Avoid anything Intel for security/privacy based on virtualization.

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I am afraid most will not allow hidden services

How would they know?

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and full disk encryption may not be possible.

Depends …
Anyways, with a VPS the average provider could always see what you are doing.
You could use the NUC as the gateway PC.

[HulaHoop]

@Algernon

Avoid anything Intel for security/privacy based on virtualization.

Stay away from Chinese OEM stuff too.

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Can I use the NUC as both Gateway and Workstation?

[HulaHoop]

I doubt Intel supports vtx on low end chips. Otherwise yes you could. Intel has terrible process isolation and not recommended.

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Do you know any AMD-based mini pc like the NUCs?

[HulaHoop]

For embedded form factors:

https://www.asrockind.com/overview.asp?Model=4X4%20BOX-V1000M
https://www.asrockind.com/overview.asp?Model=4X4%20BOX-R1000V

I don’t know the pricing or availability in your country.