Now let's get to the interesting part of this wiki. In the following paragraphs, I'll walk you through the set-up the way I did it and mentions anything that might help someone who plans to build their own home server as well.

What you need for the set-up besides everything already mentioned:

• a wired USB keyboard
• a wired USB mouse
• a DisplayPort cable
• an external display
• a new CR2032 battery (optional but recommended)

Unpacking the thin client and functional test

Since this is a used machine, the first thing I did was test it myself. Although it comes pre-tested and all, I just like to be sure. I connected it to one of my external monitors using the top DisplayPort on the rear, connected a wired mouse and keyboard (well I only connected the mouse later as I figured just a keyboard would be fine, but I did need it inside the BIOS to select the files for the BIOS update as well as the boot sequence) and plugged it in. It turned on without any issues, tried booting and finally settled in a very basic menu with three options as it didn't find anything to boot from (as expected given the machine came without an OS).

BIOS update

By pressing F2 (some machines require F12 as well) I entered the BIOS (no password necessary, but just in case it should be 'Fireport') and checked the version on the machine. Since it was outdated (which is to be expected), I headed over to the Dell website to get the most recent drivers for the BIOS. Currently (December 2023) this means version 1.27.0. Click on 'Download' to get the file Wyse_5070_1.27.0.exe. Format your flash drive with FAT32 (it'll be wiped but you probably know that) and just copy the file there. I put it into my machine and restarted it to perform the update. After that, remove the drive and restart it again. Check the BIOS to see if the version update was performed sucessfully. While you're here, you might as well check your storage capacity and RAM in system information. This will come in handy after the next steps are complete so you can verify that the machine recognizes your upgraded hardware.

Disassemble the machine

Turn the computer off and remove all cables. Using a screwdriver I unscrewed the single black screw between the four USB ports and the power cable hook on the back. Next, sort of slide the case off carefully to reveal the interior.

Install the RAM upgrade

Unhook the currently installed RAM by pressing the two metall holders outwards carefully. Slide it out and put it to the side. Slide in your new RAM (one or two sticks) carefully and make sure the metall holders are back in place!

Install the SSD upgrade

Insert your SSD carefully in the correct orientation (use the dents to guide you!). Press it down carefully and use a single screw to keep it pressed down and placed correctly. Since I did not have a matching harddrive screw, I used one of the spares that came with my Wowstick. DO NOT OVERTIGHTEN THIS SCREW!

Change the battery (optional)

Since the computer is already open, you might as well change the internal battery for a brand new one (CR2032).

Reassemble the machine

Carefully slide the case back together and reattach the single black screw between the four USB ports and the power cable hook on the back. Re-attach all cables and turn the machine on.

Verify your upgrades

Once again enter the BIOS by pressing F2. Navigate to system information to verfiy that the machine recognizes your upgraded hardware.

Prepare Unraid boot device

On your computer (not the thin client) download the official Unraid USB Creator for your system from their website (MacOS or Windows). Insert your flash drive and execute the USB Creator. This will take a few minutes. Once it's done, insert it into the thin client.

Set boot order

In the BIOS on your thin client, navigate to General - Boot sequence and make sure USB is the top option (use the arrows). Restart the machine.

Run Unraid

If the boot order was correct, you will now see Unraid starting up.

Setting up Unraid

You have two options now:

1. Set-up Unraid directly (in this case simply continue and follow the instructions)
2. Turn off the machine, place your server (without the external monitor, keyboard, mouse etc.) whereever you want it, attach it to a wired connection, turn it on and set-up Unraid via the web browser on your computer (simply type in your servers URL which you can get from your router for example)