Nuc based k8s cluster

22 October, 2026 Edit this page

Three-Node Talos Kubernetes Cluster

Goal

Build a self-contained, three-node Kubernetes appliance for developers to experiment with distributed systems, high availability, and cluster administration.

Target retail price: ~$1,000

The prototype will use commodity hardware inside a desktop cube, with one AC power connection and one Ethernet uplink.

Hardware

Component	Specification	Estimated cost
Compute	3× Beelink SER3, Ryzen 3 3200U, 16GB RAM, 500GB SSD	$660
Network	Waveshare Gigabit-Switch-5P, 5-port Gigabit	$25
Power	Shared regulated 19V/250W DC supply	$100–185
Distribution	Four fused DC outputs, cables, connectors	$20–40
Enclosure	2020 aluminum extrusion desktop cube	$50–90
Cooling/mounting	2× 120mm fans, brackets, shelves	$25–50
Total		$880–1,050

Optional: 600–850VA AC UPS (~$100).

Reference hardware:

Power Architecture

All three SER3 computers and the Ethernet switch run from one 19V DC supply.

Each SER3: 19V × 3.42A = 65W adapter rating.
Three SER3s: 195W combined adapter rating.
Waveshare switch: accepts 5–36V DC, including 19V.
Fans: use 19V-compatible fans or a DC-DC converter for 12V fans.
Supply: regulated 19V/250W, subject to startup and full-load testing.

Use a fused distribution block with four independently protected outputs: three barrel connectors for the Beelinks and one screw-terminal connection for the switch.

Verify barrel dimensions, polarity, wire ratings, and power consumption before assembling.

No power redundancy is required.

Enclosure

Build an approximately 300mm desktop cube using 2020 aluminum extrusion.

Three independently mounted Beelinks, retaining their original cases initially.
Waveshare switch mounted internally.
Two 120mm fans providing front-to-back airflow.
Shared DC supply and distribution.
One external Ethernet uplink and one AC power connection.
Accessible node power buttons and replaceable components.

Final dimensions depend on thermal and mechanical testing.

Kubernetes Software

Install Talos Linux on all three nodes.

Component	Configuration
Kubernetes	Talos-managed
Control plane	3 schedulable control-plane nodes
etcd	3 members, tolerates 1 node failure
Networking	Talos default CNI initially
Ingress	Traefik
Load balancer	MetalLB or equivalent
Storage	Local SSD initially
Observability	Optional OpenTelemetry/Grafana

The cluster provides 6 physical CPU cores, 48GB total RAM, and 1.5TB raw SSD capacity.

Storage is not automatically replicated. Distributed storage such as Longhorn or Ceph can be installed experimentally.

Prototype Milestones

Compute: Acquire three identical SER3s and install Talos.
Cluster: Establish a working HA Kubernetes control plane and test node failure/recovery.
Power: Measure consumption and implement the shared 19V supply with four fused outputs.
Enclosure: Assemble the cube, mount the computers and switch, and install cooling.
Validation: Test simultaneous startup, thermal behavior, sustained load, power recovery, upgrades, and node replacement.
Productization: Develop repeatable setup, LAN discovery, secure credential provisioning, factory reset, and recovery documentation.

Path to a $1,000 Product

The prototype uses retail hardware and may cost as much as the intended selling price.

For production, target $600–650 hardware and assembly cost by:

Sourcing complete mini PCs directly from an OEM.
Eliminating redundant cases and individual power adapters.
Purchasing the switch as a bare PCB.
Standardizing shared DC power distribution.
Replacing the extrusion frame with an inexpensive manufactured enclosure.
Automating Talos provisioning and hardware testing.

The product’s primary differentiator is a ready-to-use, physically distributed Kubernetes environment, not raw CPU performance.

Success criterion: A developer can connect one power cable and one Ethernet cable, initialize the cluster, and immediately begin running and breaking real distributed workloads.