New Server: Debian 11 vs Debian 12

[bitmap]

So...I know you asked a specific question, but you're worried about footprint, why are you running a server with a UI at all? Why not run it sans UI or entirely headless?

To answer your question: I would look at the support profile of each and choose whichever one will receive support. I run Ubuntu and they have a pretty clear pattern for support of both LTS and non-LTS versions. Unsupported versions come with security risks and lack of updated features, which means you won't get bugfixes, support for new hardware, new software, and possibly even new features for existing software if it's not compatible. Running anything on a 64 GB SSD with a UI present sounds like a recipe for disaster, so again, I might consider familiarizing yourself with the terminal a bit more and getting comfortable without a UI (or maybe you already are, but choose to run with a UI?). If you're planning on upgrading anything that needs the newer OS, it might be worthwhile planning ahead as well. If not, and Debian 11 serves your needs...I think it's all about preference?

I resisted updating to even Ubuntu 22.04 for the longest time because 20.04 served my needs. Then I started playing with AV1 and bought an A380. Then I went full on 23.04 and I won't look back. It's faster, has a better terminal interface, some cool features, better docker support in some instances, and WAY better support for the hardware I'm running.