Im looking at converting my current WHS server to an unRAID server but i need to get a new mobo/proc to go along with that. I see a pile of threads around here with what people are using but im curious what the most recommended boards and procs are? The box will be running the following addins - subsonic, crashplan, plex media server, couchpotato, sickbeard, sab, headphones, maraschino, ftp server, plus something else i seem to be forgetting as well as streaming to multiple XBMC clients around my house.  I have 8 drives out of 10 available via a couple 5in3 icydocks.

 

I would like to keep the price below $500 for a mobo/proc/RAM if possible but not limited to that area.

One of the more professional setups is the Supermicro/Xeon combination.  See my .sig for a setup which came in at $535, at Amazon prices.  Other combinations could easily come in at below $500.

 

The Supermicro, like most other mobos, will only support six drives - what disk controller do you have, or plan to use?

 

Apart from using the preferred Intel network chipsets, Supermicro offer the option of IPMI which allows you to fully manage your server (including BIOS settings and flashing) from a remote computer - no screen or keyboard required.