Lolight

A self-built system. You'd probably need more CPU cores for VMs, e.g. the i5-12400. The 804 can hold 8 HDDs. Get a mATX mobo with 6 SATA ports for future expansions. If you're after maximum efficiency then you might want check this thread: https://www.hardwareluxx.de/community/threads/die-sparsamsten-systeme-30w-idle.1007101/page-96 https://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/

A review:

A legit Basic Unraid License included - confirmed by @SpencerJ

According to this post the EPC timings problem seem to be related to HBAs: "Some kind of activity that I haven't identified yet―possibly some mildly intensive I/O―puts the drives into a state where they're not doing EPC anymore. I want to blame the LSI HBA because I bought 4 more Seagate Exos X20 hard drives, put them in another server that doesn't have an HBA (direct SATA to motherboard), and saw that their EPC timers were working as advertised with no fuss." https://github.com/Seagate/openSeaChest/issues/111

Connected to an HBA, SATA card or motherboard ports?

Sure, an LTS option won't be popular on the new feature desire thread. 😉

I've found this informative post on ASPM, in the contest of Debian. And particularly this quote: "Its normally not a thing an OS plays with but should be handled by BIOS. The problem is that motherboard vendors mostly only design for windows. So in case that your motherboard does not have any options, you can at least have linux kernel overpower the BIOS. A warning though, only do this if you are absolutely sure that your device does support ASPM." https://www.reddit.com/r/debian/comments/8c6ytj/active_state_power_management_aspm/

Do you have any news on testing? It's been a while... Thank you.

Thank you for the report. Could you please provide the model number? The problem might only be applicable to a certain model(s) and/or the particular bus interface (SATA vs SAS). https://www.seagate.com/content/dam/seagate/migrated-assets/www-content/datasheets/pdfs/exos-x20-channel-DS2080-2111GB-en_SG.pdf

Yeah, I've seen that in the docs but there is a huge difference between a nominal support claim and real world implementation and interaction with countless hardware configurations. Any tests reports would be welcome.

That's an interesting claim. Too bad there was no much info provided on the setup and settings. There are so many variances involved - no way to know how it was achieved on that particular system. As an example here's a very good write up on what is involved in trying to determine system behavior under various component setups. Scroll down to "Power Consumption Puzzles – Swapping from the JMB585 to the ASM1166" https://mattgadient-com.translate.goog/7-watts-idle-on-intel-12th-13th-gen-the-foundation-for-building-a-low-power-server-nas/?_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=wapp

Apparently there isn't one. But there are reports of at least some SATA expansion cards playing nice with C-states.

But then it won't be LTS

No need to maintain multiple distros. The upgrade should be allowed to the main branch only, when/if required/needed. When on the limited branch, the old hardware could support basic features for decades .. Wanna move to the latest and greatest - then upgrade to the main branch. And newcomers by then will only be able to utilize used hardware when deciding on the purchase of the cheaper limited branch since the upper limit CPU cutout will be out of production by then. No confusion and savings all around...

Well, but that's precisely the point that I'm trying to communicate. Sorry for not being articulate enough. I'd like to see a classic, limited in features (no ZFS, multiple arrays, VM snapshots, ARC drivers) Unraid version that is supported by up to a specific generation of hardware (e.g. up to the 12th gen Intel) which would still remain absolutely capable of serving as a platform for its intended use case as a "classic" Unraid NAS, for many years to come. Priced at, say, half the cost of the main branch, as it should be considering the lack of capabilities and features. I don't think anyone would complain. They should also be allowed to upgrade to the main branch if/when they decide to require latest features, which could be done at they same time they upgrade to the latest hardware. I think such branching design could becoming a hit, generating many more sales AND revenue as compared to what would be possible otherwise with the current, constantly evolving with new features but still fairly expensive current version.

A message from Robbie at NASCompares: "Hi fellow backers! Robbie from NASCompares here. I am in the process of setting up a Zoom session, for backers to discuss the campaign, to exchange thoughts/feelings on it so far, as well as hopes for the future of the project... Mid next week I will fire the zoom registration link here. https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/storaxa/fully-customizable-home-cloud-storage-with-remote-access-nas/comments This zoom will appear as the October update video in my coverage..."

It shouldn't take much of an effort maintaining a frozen in time, "basic" version. It would only make sense to offer it at a lower cost which is a common practice.

NASCompares seem to be SUPER excited about this particular one. So, it's just another small NAS box that is jam-packed with multiple drives - 6 HDDs and 4 M.2 SSDs. Without any attention given to proper ventilation. They don't even mention it in the project's description and don't provide any design details on cooling as if it's somehow irrelevant!!! At least it is promoted by a legit brand that has successfully delivered on its prior crowdfunding campaigns. https://zimacube.zimaboard.com/

Each HDD shouldn't be using more 25W (max 30W and only momentarily) during their spin-ups. That splitter wouldn't be a problem. As long as you don't do this: https://forums.unraid.net/topic/146332-parity-drive-issue-turned-into-a-bigger-issue/?do=findComment&comment=1315918

Yeah, you need to go through every available power regulation setting in the BIOS, especially related to CPU power management. Have you tried to update the BIOS? I'm assuming you've dowloaded the mobos manual? Also make sure that your USB Unraid key is connected to a USB 2.0 port Find out if you can disable ASMedia USB 3.0 HUB controller in the BIOS. Try to disable all PCIe slots via the onboard PCIe x16 Lane switch. You can try a SATA card.

Make sure to set Maximum Energy Savings in the power plan. Your mobo comes with a Wi-FI chip - disable it in the BIOS. Then remove by unscrewing a couple of screws located underneath and then pull it out of the socket. Make sure to activate ASPM and enable ErP mode. DMI Link Speed --> Auto Some of you SATA ports are connected to a separate SATA controller (ASMedia) - the bottom 4 SATA ports. Is there an option to deactivate that controller in the BIOS as a test? You will still get 6 SATA ports remaining, that are connected directly to the chipset. Make sure that all of your 6 HDDs are connected to the chipset's SATA ports and then test.

Probably need to look more closely into BIOS settings also try to disable every unneeded circuity in BIOS.

If you're not in the hurry, you might want to wait a few weeks just to see how the coming 14th gen Intel launch affects 12/13 gen prices. But in general, a CPU with the buit-in UHD 770 iGPU would be the most powerful option for multiple stream 4K transcoding. But the lesser UHD 730 in the cheaper i3 processors should also be able to transcode 4-5 streams without a problem. The choice of the UHD 770 would necessitate in the selection of a higher grade processor since those are only found in the i5-12500/i5-13500 and up. https://uk.pcpartpicker.com/list/ A stock Intel CPU cooler is actually not that bad for the NAS use case, when it's paired with a generally lightly loaded processor or you can go with the cheaper aftermarket that's been reviewed to have a good value, e.g. DeepCool AK400 PSU - if you're after efficiency at very low loads (idle) then the Corsair RMx (2021) series considered to be the most desirable which reduces its availablity and drives up the price. Otherwise, a 500-600W unit, at least Tier B, mid-range or better: https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/ RAM - DDR4 NVMe - Samsung (not QVO) or WD Black Motherboard - ATX form factor with 8 SATA ports which are connected directly to the chipset without any SATA add-on controllers built into the mobo. Easy to find out just by looking at the motherboard's storage specs. It seems that all lower priced, commonly available mobos with 8 SATA ports are made by ASRock. There is a variancy of chipsets - the Z690 and newer Z790. The 13th gen CPUs are compatible with both. But be aware that the Z690 based motherboards usually come with an older BIOS that would need to be updated in order for it to accept the 13th gen CPU. If that is the case then it would be required to acquire a 12th gen processor just for the purpose of performing the update. There were also reports on the latest ASRock motherboards not allowing the CPU to enter into the highest power saving modes but it's hard to say if it happens across the range. NIC - depends on your current home setup and future plans. To expand beyond motherboard's SATA ports you have an option of adding an HBA (would not recommend due to extra power consumption, produced heat/cooling requirements and its interference with the CPU's idle states) or a SATA expansion card which is IMO a better option. They're generally cheap but It takes some research to select a better quality one, or you might choose to go with a guaranteed quality from a well known manufacturer but at the higher cost (SilverStone ECS06).

More often than not that's mostly applicable to the SATA, not NVMe type of M.2 devices, but yeah, it always pays to check mobo's storage specs at the manufacturer's site prior to purchasing.

The description is correct. SATA power adapter - https://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-Power-Splitter-Adapter-PYO4SATA/dp/B0086OGN9E?th=1