New Build

[lazant]

Hi, looking for some advice on hardware for a new build to replace my aging Atlas server. I'd like to keep it under $5k. Here's what I'm wanting to run:

• Plex server with a 40TB library either on an Ubuntu VM or in a Docker
• 1-2 Windows VMs that I can connect to remotely to do work in Quickbooks and possibly Rhino if the latency isn't too bad
• Nextcloud Docker for file storage

I'm thinking 2U is the form factor I'd like since I'm almost out of room in my rack, however, I also want to make it somewhat quiet. Doesn't need to be silent but I don't want it to sound like a jet engine. I already have an X10-DRI-T and 2x E5-2660 v3's laying around. Here's what I'm thinking for hardware:

• Supermicro CSE-826BE1C-R920LPB 2U chassis with either the BPN-SAS3-826EL1 or BPN-SAS3-826EL1-N4 and the optional rear drive kit for 2x SSDs.
• 4x Samsung 32GB 2Rx4 DDR4 PC4-2133P Registered ECC Memory
• Supermicro AOC-S3008L-L8E SAS3 12Gbps 8-Port Internal PCI-e 3.0 HBA Controller
• 5x 14TB WD Red drives to start

 

Questions:

• Is it worth getting the backplane with the NVME capability for VM's, docker containers or cache drives?
  • If so, what is the best way to connect to MB to get the most of the speed and reduce bottlenecks?
• Any recommendations for making it quieter? I've seen several videos of people replacing the mid fans with quieter Noctua's which is what I'm thinking I'll do. Should I also go with liquid cooling for the CPU's or just an active or passive heatsink?
• Would it be worth getting a low profile graphics card for Plex transcoding?

 

Thanks in advance for any advice or just confirmation that these parts work.