I have used XBMC for years and have generally just used my main desktop as my server but wanted to finally look into a better solution and came across unRAID. 

 

I wanted some advice on a budget friendly server and have been combing over the forums.  I was hoping someone could give some budget friendly suggestions for a motherboard and ram and also give feedback on the other components.  I really just want to stream movies/tv shows to multiple XBMC systems and use couch potato as well on the server. 

 

Here is what I have come up with so far:

 

Mobo:

RAM:

Case - $109.99: Fractal Design Define R4 Black Pearl w/ USB 3.0 ATX Mid Tower Silent PC Computer Case

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352020

PSU - $79.99: CORSAIR TX Series CMPSU-650TX

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139005

CPU - $119: Intel Core i3-3240

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116773

 

Thanks for the help!!

A few thoughts ...

 

=>  The CPU you've selected is fine ... you can use any good Socket 1155 motherboard that combo and it'll make a nice setup.

 

However, I'd consider using a Haswell CPU and motherboard -- slightly more processing power;  notably lower power consumption and heat generation.

 

Hmmm sorry new to this still, so something like this:

 

Intel Core i3-4130 Haswell 3.4GHz

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116946

 

ASRock Z87 Extreme3 LGA

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157372

Yes, exactly.  That motherboard/CPU combo would be a great choice.

 

By the way, you'll like the Define R4 => I recently did a build for a friend with that case.  It's a VERY nicely made case for the price ... I do most of my builds with far more expensive Lian-Li cases, but will certainly do more with the Fractal !!

 

Awesome, thanks for the help!! Excited to get started