I have an SSD connected to mine which doesn’t need external power and runs fine off the “official” power adapter. The case I have isn’t the greatest (two pieces of acrylic and some stand-offs lol), but it costed 50p and gets the job done.

As for scale, you’re beyond a Pi at that point.

TINYINT

Probably not “good”, but a tin of chickpeas and a jar of store-bought curry sauce (doesn’t really matter which one) is super easy. Just put the chickpeas and sauce in a saucepan, and simmer for 20 minutes (also get some rice).