Lolight

Sounds to me like it's time to replace the old, failing hardware (MB in particular is the prime suspect) with a brand new component set. Even if it means discarding the old but still functioning parts. There is no reason to look for an outdated motherboard just for the purpose of re-using the also outdated RAM (DDR4 is real cheap now) or inefficient by today's standards CPU. Especially considering that Unraid makes the process of hardware upgrading real simple.

For a CPU cooler selection consult the videos below. Fans - Arctic or Noctua Case - depends on the number of HDDs and case size preference. I like the Fractal Node 804. ECC is not "needed". For power supplies consult this link - choose a high-end, tier A, single rail model from the list. https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/

Seems to be no major issues and listed in the high-end A tier list. Should be good.

That's the reason why I've mentioned specific models. But yeah, it gets even more complicated. As you've noticed by looking at the listed in the referenced above link, some PSU models on the list are marked with a model number year. The reason being is that some manufacturers, even those at the high end (e.g. Corair!!!) do not play it straight, and switch their suppliers from one model year to another for the exact same model of a PSU. Who knows what else they switch behind consumer's back - the end result is that some model years are not being recommended by testing community while others are. A very deceptive practice. And not uncommon in the consumer electronics industry. That's the reason for the suggestion to buy only the community tested and proven PSU models and model years if applicable.

Go for a high end PSU from the list in the link above.

Don't just go by brand name - every manufacturer has its share of DUDs including SeaSonic and Corsair. Look for a specific model, that's been tested and proven itself. https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/

Version 6.12.0-beta6

It isn't.

I suspect it's being designed as "idiot proof" Unraid Light.

Thanks for the video. So, it's official then (starting at 2:26:52): "...team headed by two long-time Tech veterans who recently completed an eight-year stint at Unraid..."

Back in December in the linked below video Linus has mentioned his decision to invest $250K of his own money into a new "user-friendly" NAS software that is based on an existing product. Are we talking of the same clip or do you have a more recent announcement? He hasn't mentioned any names at that time but it's been pretty much assumed that the project is being worked by former Unraid employees.

But Unraid doesn't wear memory cells down via multiple write/erase cycles. Therefore I'd think the USB sticks failures in Unraid can not be attributed to that kind of wear. I'd say the USB drive standard (2.0 v 3.0) makes a bigger difference.

Linus (Linus Tech Tips) has pre-announced back in December a ~$250K investment of his own money into a new user-friendly DIY NAS software.

Did you check the drive's SMART data? What does it say? What errors do you see? Something like UDMA CRC errors in most cases are caused by bad/improperly seated SATA cables. Seagate Exos drives work in Unraid just fine . But here's a word of caution: many of those drives are being re-sold as new, at sizeable discounts, by multiple third party vendors. That's where it becomes tricky...

You don't need to use a GPU for Plex - use the built-in iGPU.

You won't need a HBA card if you opt for bigger drives, preferably in the 14-18 TB range. Every drive is a potential failure point - the fewer the better for the overall server reliability.

Well, the reality is Lime Technology is a very small company. Do you really think they can spare any manpower/resources on an enormous task of porting x86 Unraid to ARM? At the moment Apple's M-series controls just 13% of the PC market by sales (Q3 2022). Yes, they have grandiose plans to increase that share to 30% in a couple of years. My assumption is If that projection becomes reality then Lime Tech might "consider" looking at that market niche. Would be interesting to read from someone "in the know" what are their thoughts on the topic.

IMO ARM support is probably the last thing the devs would ever consider to work on. btw, these x86 SBCs are already super efficient. And they've also been tested on Unraid: https://www.hardkernel.com/shop/odroid-h3/

https://www.tomshardware.com/news/cyberpower-ups-smoke-reports-continue

As to finding a suitable motherboard and ensuring general system compatibility https://pcpartpicker.com/list/ could be real helpful. I'm not aware of similar to PSU tiered mobo lists.

Welcome! I'm not a fan of small cases no matter how aesthetically pleasing they are. Too many functional drawbacks IMO: limitations on storage expandability, airflow, upgradability and just generally harder to work with. I'd say the Node 804 is clearly superior on all those factors - accepts bigger mATX motherboards (easily found with 6-8 SATA ports), has plenty of airflow for HD's cooling, lots of room for expansion and easy to work on. You won't have a need for a HBA card either. As for a PSU (probably the most overlooked component) get the highest quality ATX model meeting your budget, from a reputable brand. Preferably of the tier A grade (single rail) in the lowest available at your local market wattage: https://cultists.network/140/psu-tier-list/

And how can one be sure that they weren't abused (mistreated, neglected, mishandled etc.)?

I'd suggest to check this video. Spaceinvader One has been tremendously helpful at everything Unraid.

If they're unable to raise prices in the inflationary environment then the production rates will get cut to the levels that achieve a new equilibrium. The companies are not going to continue to churn new product out if they can't meet their minimum profit margins. And the margins are slim throughout the industry.