Since Plex has finally built their PMS for UnRaid, I am ready to build my first server!  Can someone recommend a good CPU that can handle transcoding?  All I know is I need a dual-core 2.4GHz CPU but want to make sure it is compatible with UnRaid.  Also how much Ram do you think I would need for this?  Any guidance on the rest of my build would be greatly appreciated.  Looking at around 7 Drives to begin with.

 

So far I have purchased:

 

Case: Thermaltake V6

PSU: CX500 V2 500W

Since Plex has finally built their PMS for UnRaid, I am ready to build my first server! 

Plex on linux/Slackware(unRAID) is still very new.  Building the server purely to store media and run plex is nice and all, but don't be disappointed if it does not work perfectly.

 

Can someone recommend a good CPU that can handle transcoding?  All I know is I need a dual-core 2.4GHz CPU but want to make sure it is compatible with UnRaid.

A CPU is a CPU is a CPU to unRAID.  Any modern Intel or AMD will work perfectly fine.

 

Also how much Ram do you think I would need for this? 

2GB would probably be enough, but in this case I would buy as much as you can afford.  4GB should be enough.

 

Any guidance on the rest of my build would be greatly appreciated.  Looking at around 7 Drives to begin with.

Take a look at Rajahal's prototype designs

 

So far I have purchased:

 

Case: Thermaltake V6

PSU: CX500 V2 500W

Those look just fine.  Should be able to run 15 green drives off the PSU.

Thanks Prostuff1.  I realize the plex server is not flawless yet, but main need for an UnRaid server is to house my ever growing media collection.  I just fully expect to make this be a media server at some point so wanted to build it out for the future.

 

As for the CPU, I noticed Raj's recommended builds use a single core processor.  Since this is my frist time buying parts and building a machine, I wanted to be sure to get the right thing.  Since I need dual core, should this do the trick? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103903

 

Also the Mobo he has listed is no longer an active link so wasnt sure where to get that BIOSTAR A760G M2+ from since newegg and amazon dont carry it. 

search on ebay for the board.  other than that, do some reading in the UCD subforum to see what people are using in there rigs, and also check out the Hardware Compatibility Page.

The CPU you linked should be fine.  How many disks do you want to be able to support with your server?  Do you want the option of expanding to more disks in the future?  I don't have a perfect replacement for the Biostar A760G M2+ yet (working on it), but I can make a few recommendations based on a few boards I've recently been testing.

I have 7 drives now and would like the possibility to expand in the future (probably to 15 green).  I have been all over the UCD forums and dont want to come off as not doing my research.  But being the n00b that I am I wanted to run everything by you guys before I buy all of these expensive parts.

I'm currently testing some motherboards with the intention of finding a new budget board for 15 drive servers.  If you aren't in too much of a hurry, you can wait for me to finish my testing and then buy whatever board I decide is best.  I can't give you an exact time frame, but it shouldn't be more than a month or so.  So far I've already ruled out one board:

 

Do not buy: ASRock 880GM-LE - looks great on paper, but I received two defective boards from Newegg in a row (both would not post video or emit any beeps).  I'm always willing to give a board a second chance, but not a third.  I requested a refund.

 

The next board I'm testing is this:

Potential: JetWay JMA3-880GTV2-LF - again, looks great on paper.  I haven't received it yet, so I haven't been able to test it yet.  It should arrive soon, so I should have at least some preliminary results by the end of the week.  Jetway boards have proven to be fairly good with unRAID, so I'm hopeful about this one.

 

If you want to buy a board today, then I think your safest bet is this:

Safe to buy: JetWay JHZ03-GT-V2-LF - It is Level 1 Tested, has great expandability options (up to 22 drives!), and is relatively cheap.

 

Not quote as cheap as the Jetway board I'm testing, but it is still a very good choice.  It is up to you if you want to potentially save a bit of money by waiting for my testing to finish, or just get the already tried-and-true board right away.

 

 

Thanks for that Raj!  I am very impatient so I think I will go with your "Safe to buy"  I am going to make the plunge and buy everything today     Here is what I am going with...all look good?

 

Mobo: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813153201

CPU: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103903

Ram: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820211450

USB: http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Cruzer-Micro-Flash-SDCZ6-4096-A11/dp/B000NWVAFO

That all looks good to me.  unRAID really doesn't need RAM that fast, but it is so cheap that it really doesn't matter.  I also prefer these flash drives because of their small size: Verbatim Clip It, but the SanDisk Cruzer is fine as well.

I am up and running and the setup was easier than expected! Big thanks to Raj for all your guidance, I would of been at a loss without you.  I wanted to make sure I could get the free version up and running before making any other purchases.  Now that I have, I am ready to start loading this bad boy up. 

 

I think I will pick up the Norco SS-500-is it safe to assume I will have to bend the tabs on my V6 like I hear other people doing with other cases?  Also, do I need to buy any kind if adapter for my CX500 PSU to hookup to this?  Thanks again.  Loving my UnRaid system so far!

I think I will pick up the Norco SS-500-is it safe to assume I will have to bend the tabs on my V6 like I hear other people doing with other cases?  Also, do I need to buy any kind if adapter for my CX500 PSU to hookup to this?  Thanks again.  Loving my UnRaid system so far!

 

SS-500 is a great product.  Currently available for about $90 with free shipping.  You will have to bend the tabs as you note, but it's pretty straightforward with a C-clamp.

 

No additional connectors required - it uses 2 of the standard molex connectors from your PSU (see good pictures here)

Thanks Chris!  I saw it for $90 on newegg but with $10 shipping.  Mind telling me where you found it for free shipping? 

Of course... here you go:

http://pcdirect.com/noss5baysasa.html