In the last days, I’ve been studying and reading possible solutions to adopt for my future NAS/Media Server that I’ll build for my home.
Currently, I’ve an old Synology NAS box that is begging for a replacement.
The first choice to make, was to consider if building an own system would be a better choice than simply buy a newer Synology box, e.g.DS415play. If so, also chose the respective OS to run in that system.
After some analysis, I’ve chosen that the best approach in term of performance/cost, would be to build a system with unraid OS, even considering some personal lack of experience in doing this kind of stuff.
As a result, I’m now evaluating the respective build of the system.
The purpose of the system will be essentially data storage, streaming for HTPCs, backups and some extra apps like bit-torrent. In data storage, I mean by host all the music/moveis/TV shows/photos/etc. Regarding streaming, this system will be the major content source for an HTPC box with Kodi and I should also consider some transcoding for Plex (Emby is also under analysis), possibly 2 machines (max. 3) at the same time.
I’m setting up a build, where power consumption is the main driver. I also would like to have something like 5-6 drives. Following, I present some possible hardware choices:
OS: Unraid
CPU: Atom C2750 or Atom C2758
Motherboard: Supermicro A1SRi-2758F or ASRock Rack C2750D4I
RAM: 16GB DDR3 1600MHz (ECC or non-ECC, depend of the MB)
Case: Lian Li Q-25 or Fractal Design Node 804 or other Mini-ITX case
Power Supply: Some PSU SFX with 300W
Parity Drive: 3TB WD Red
Data Drives: Start with 2x3TB or 2TB WD Red
Cache Drive: In the future, a 2.5'' SSD drive
My first question would be if this system is capable for my needs? I’ve been reading a lot about these new Atom CPUs and these boards, and I know that they had a lot of problems in the first days with Unraid systems. But I think now everything was solved and they are a good choice for a low power consumption system. Am I correct?
Another doubt is if ECC memory is important or not. I believe it is mandatory, if the Supermicro MB is chosen. And that, leads to another doubt, if Atom is the right choice, which MB is a better choice?
The case from Lian Li I think fulfills my needs but other choices can be considered. I believe it is important to have a good match between the case and other components like MB and PSU.
For the power supply, I'm thinking something like 300W, and following some recommendations, with the SFX “size”. Is this power the right approach?
Sorry for the long text guys. I've tried to be the most objective as possible.