When you add up the component costs for RPi with NVMe, suitable case, cooling and power supply, it is not much cheaper than a mini PC which generally outperforms the RPi.
I use several RPis of various models. But there are times when even an old Intel/AMD laptop is a more suitable solution.
I’m not sure what electricity costs where you live, but my calculations tell me I’d have to run an intel n4000 for 5+ years before I break even compared to buying a CanaKit rpi 5.
Eh? I'm using an old MacBook as a home server; I kind of naively assumed that there was a whole load of protection circuitry and firmware controls in there that would turn it off before it expands or the magic smoke comes out.
I use several RPis of various models. But there are times when even an old Intel/AMD laptop is a more suitable solution.