Lolight

Why not to do it the common, simple way (big case/motherboard, on-board SATA)? You don't need to go mobile to get power efficiency.

Maybe it would be a better choice to switch to a desktop cpu based system? Why do you insist on the N100?

https://docs.phil-barker.com/posts/upgrading-ASM1166-firmware-for-unraid/ Newest firmware download: https://www.silverstonetek.com/en/product/info/expansion-cards/ECS06/

Sorry, I'm probably too thick to understand your point but I still don't get it. Why do you compare the 6th-7th gen processors to the still current N100? Comparable costs? I'd suggest that you check the prices then. And then in the very same post mention the Matt Gadient's build as an example of a very powerful yet super-efficient at idle (even more efficient than the N100 examples) 6-core i5-12400? Basically validating my point that it's a prevalent mis-conception that if the goal is to save on electricity by building a very efficient NAS then the only option is to use a "low power" embedded/mobile SKU like the N100.

The "F" CPUs have no iGPUs - so no QuickSync there. Don't see anything wrong with the motherboard.

Correct, Intel's Quick Sync is a default choice for transcoding. If just direct-playing then it doesn't really matter but overall Intel is still considered to be a more stable and efficient platform for a NAS. https://de.pcpartpicker.com/list/ Regarding the USB stick - please be aware of fakes. It's usually recommended to choose a USB 2.0 part. It's a long thread but I'd advise to read till the end.

A nice report! You can only use a single NVMe SSD since there is only one compatible M.2 (Key M) slot. Yes this board should be compatible with Unraid and you could utilize onboard SATA ports.

Low powered as in more efficient? Those are two different things. Low TDP CPUs are specifically designed to be implemented in small-factor systems with heat dissipation constraints. They don't have much (if any) additional efficiency built in them when compared to other CPUs within the same generational design. As in Effeciency - energy used for the same amount of calculations.

I don't quite understand the premise of this thread. What do you mean by saying a low-power NAS? If you mean overall power efficiency then all other things being equal, there's very little difference between the ultra low TDP CPUs and their more common brethren within the same generation. In addition, a "regular" say 60W TDP CPU might actually be a more efficient solution overall.

I really don't want to get into an argument since it will lead to hijacking of this tread by an unrelated topic... I'd suggest creating another thread if you'd like to discuss it.

Yeah, it's an outdated but still a surprisingly common mis-conception that the HDDs build quality and ultimately reliability can be judged by its communication interface.

Actually those Transcend JetFlash drives used to be a "familiar" brand back in the day. Just about every legit USB drive manufacturer does include a unique GUID with each manufactured USB stick. A case of a non-unique GUID is normally a clear indication of a counterfeited product. And that was a reason for my question on the nature of @Zonediver doubts. IMO any USB drive made by a lesser known but legit brand, particularly when purchased online would be a significantly safer bet in comparison to any "famous" brand since those are the once that are normally targeted by counterfeiters.

What is it about that stick that made you question its GUID? Just wondering...

Are those Asrock motherboards?

Modern CPUs are super-efficient at managing their power consumption. Just make sure to enable all power saving settings in the BIOS. Be aware of fakes. It's normally suggested to get a USB 2.0 drive - they tend to run cooler.

If you're willing to spend that kind of money then why not.. But IMHO, it's unnecessary since it won't make your NAS any better than a significantly cheaper system.

No need for Supermicro... Any consumer motherboards of the well-known brands should be fine. Not every motherboard comes with the up to date BIOS, therefore the 12th Gen CPUs might be a better choice - no need for the BIOS update to make it compatible with the 13th gen. https://pcpartpicker.com/list/

You don't need to transcode if your device(s) is capable of direct play. Nvidia shield should be able to direct-play anything. For the devices that are not direct-play capable Emby premier will do that on your processor's iGPU.

The Linux kernel is aware of e-cores and should be able to utilize them. Sorry, don't have any specific info.

Ultimately it's your choice. I'd go with a set of brand new hardware and try to build a NAS system that would require no add-on cards. There's absolutely no need for additional complexity and unnecessary power consumption. Which means going with an Intel CPU containing a built-in iGPU that could be utilized for its very efficient transcoding abilities. Also choosing an ATX motherboard with 8 SATA ports and an ATX case. Then you won't need to have a discrete video card and an HBA. Unless if you're absolutely set on having ECC RAM in your system then you can disregard this advice.

The Ironwolf has a worse workload rate limit (180 TB/year vs 300 TB/year) and shorter warranty (3 years vs 5 years) Those processors have no efficiency cores. The 12600 has a more powerful iGPU (only useful for multiple 4K transcoding streams).

Well, yeah, it would be nice if ECC had become a standard RAM throughout the PC industry. But the way it is now, you would need to spend a significant extra just for the "luxury" of having it in your system. It's NOT necessary to have it in a home NAS. It will not make much of a difference for your overall data resiliency. What you should be concerned is with the ability to recover from the far more likely to happen events such as: user errors (accidental deletion), lightning strikes, electrical surges, fires, floods, earthquakes etc, etc... Why would you need to limit power? To save your CPU from overheating? Low TDP doesn't mean higher efficiency. TDP - thermal design profile. Your Node 804 has more than enough room for a chunky CPU cooler - no reason to limit anything. Your CPU will fall back into its idle state as soon as it's done doing the work. A low TDP CPU will not save electricity - might actually consume more since it will keep the rest of the system stay active for longer.

And this one - https://aoostar.com/blogs/news/aoostar-new-diy-nas-metal-shell-mini-pc-with-6-hdd-bays-6-nvme-slots-10-gbe-ethernet-port-2-x-2-5-gbe-ethernet-ports-led-screen-and-a-ryzen-7-5800u-processor

Welcome!