Home Server GuideBuild it. Understand it. Maintain it.

First Boot

Start Your Raspberry Pi

Connect the completed server in the correct order and allow Raspberry Pi OS to finish its first startup.

Guide difficulty⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beginner Friendly
Estimated time⏱️ Around 10 minutes

Before you start

The server should already be fully assembled by following the case-build video and the changes explained in Chapter 2. The Raspberry Pi, Radxa Penta SATA HAT, drives and Noctua PWM fan are already inside the case.

Raspberry Pi OS should already be written to the microSD card. Keep the 12V power brick disconnected until the final step below.

Start the server in the correct order

  1. Make sure the 12V power brick is disconnected from the wall.
  2. Insert the prepared microSD card fully into the Raspberry Pi.
  3. Connect an Ethernet cable from the server to your router or network switch.
  4. Check that the completed server is stable and that no cables are trapped or loose.
  5. Connect the power brick’s barrel plug to the Radxa Penta SATA HAT.
  6. Connect the power brick to the wall and switch it on last.
  7. Leave the server powered on for at least five minutes while Raspberry Pi OS completes its first startup.
PHOTO PLACEHOLDERRear of the completed server showing Ethernet connected and the 12V barrel plug connected to the Radxa Penta SATA HAT. The Raspberry Pi USB-C socket should be visible and unused.
Required photo: Rear of the completed server showing Ethernet connected and the 12V barrel plug connected to the Radxa Penta SATA HAT. The Raspberry Pi USB-C socket should be visible and unused.

How do I know it worked?

Most of the hardware is hidden inside the completed case, so you should not rely on seeing the Raspberry Pi’s internal LEDs. The reliable check is whether the Raspberry Pi appears in Advanced IP Scanner on the next page.

After waiting five minutes, continue to How to Find Your Pi.

If the server does not appear to start

Do not open the case or move internal cables while power is connected. Switch the power brick off at the wall, disconnect it, and use the First Boot Troubleshooting page after trying the network scan.

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