I've been encouraged by some people at work to build an unRAID server. 

I'm trying to keep it inexpensive because I don't need a lot of features or really even a lot of space. Basically this will be a replacement for my USB attached external USB attached harddrives.

 

Here are the parts I'm considering using. Let me know if any of them seem out of line or if anyone can foresee any issues with them or the combination of them.

 

CPU: AMD A4-3300 Llano 2.5GHz Socket FM1 65W Dual-Core Desktop APU

Motherboard: ASRock A55M-VS FM1 AMD A55 (Hudson D2) Micro ATX AMD Motherboard

RAM:  Crucial Ballistix Tactical Tracer 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM

Case: iMicro ATX Micro Tower Case CA-IM1207P

Power Supply: Logisys Corp. 550W PSU ATX 550 Power Supply PS550E12BK

 

Parity Drive and two Data Drives: WD Green 2 TB SATA III, 64 MB Cache - WD20EZRX

 

After a quick review, the only thing that jumps out at me is the power supply. You need to make sure it has a single rail, but only 2 SATA connectors? Geez! If I read that correctly there's also some 4 pin Molex so are you going to use adapters? Those adapters can be a source of troubles over time with creating write errors to the drives.

This is going to be a box you put in a corner and don't check on too much. Over time connectors can give you problems.

 

The mobo with onboard video is good. Use good quality locking SATA jumpers and get a USB-header to USB socket cable so the USB stick is inside the case. The case has two external 5.25 slots which you may not use. Hopefully it has a big fan to blow air on those drives.

 

Have fun with your project!

I'm partial to Intel so if I was in your shows I'd go for the this CPU/Mobo:

 

http://m.newegg.com/Product/index?itemNumber=N82E16819116889

 

http://m.newegg.com/Product/index?itemNumber=N82E16813135343

 

Costs a about $10 bucks more but performs much better and uses less power.

 

 

As to the comment about the PSU, if he's only going to use a few drives the dual +12 volt rails will likely be OK. I will say though it is worth spending some extra money on a good brand name PSU. Providing a good quality, consistent supply of power to all your system components will keep them from dying prematurely.