Hi

 

I want to build a budget system for now, to use it for 2 years, and in 2 years, i will build a really high-end system, very high-end system.

 

For the time being, a budget system, that will be able to run unRAID, as well as many Add-ons.  I don't want to bump into resources issues (e.g. CPU, memory...etc.)

 

What latest configuration/parts will you recommend?

 

I prefer Intel based system over AMD.

 

Thanks

 

P/S. i want to be able to expand up to 20 HDD.  I would also prefer a tower case for now.

http://www.greenleaf-technology.com/blogs/prototypes/index.php

My budget system - although not meeting all of your specific requirements in every way would be an HP N40L microserver, at a cost of only £140 after rebate its perfect for unraid, throw in a bit more memory if you want to run lots of options. I have 2, one is a backup / test so far and the other is a media server which i have sqeezed 6 disks into and currently has about 8TB of data loaded into it - quiet (and will be quiter when i do the fan mod in a few days i hope), neat, small, good build quality. Great idea if you live in the UK, not sure where you are though. and when you move to bigger things and ideal backup solution ......