Lakitna

Hi all, I’m planning to build a compact Unraid server and would appreciate some feedback on whether this configuration makes sense for my intended use, and where improvements might be needed. Planned (future) configuration: CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 225 Motherboard: ASUS Prime Z890M-PLUS WIFI Case: Jonsbo N3 CPU cooler: Scythe Big Shuriken 4 Memory: Kingston Fury Beast KF560C36BBEK2-16 (currently looking at 16 GB total) Power supply: Sharkoon SilentStorm SFX Gold 500W Estimated system cost (excluding storage): ~€1,000 Intended use: The system will run 24/7 as an Unraid server. Primary workloads will be: Docker (approximately 14 containers) Plex (with hardware transcoding) Three Windows 11 VMs (usually not running simultaneously) Existing hardware: I already own four Toshiba N300 8TB HDDs, which I plan to reuse. In the future I may expand to a total of eight HDDs. Requirements and constraints: CPU must support hardware transcoding Compact case due to limited physical space Reasonable airflow despite the small form factor No overclocking planned No strong brand preferences, but I do value quality and reliability Open questions: Is the selected CPU sufficient for this mix of Docker containers and up to three Windows 11 VMs? Does 32 GB of RAM make sense for this workload, or would more (or less) be advisable given current pricing? Is a quality 500W SFX PSU sufficient, especially when expanding to eight HDDs, or should I be looking at a higher wattage unit? Thanks in advance for any insights or recommendations.