Hi guys,

 

I'm new in the nas world and I'm planning to build a media server for xbmc (now kodi), my concerns is about the lowest possibly power consumption in idle, since the most time it will be unused. Then I saw this Intel nuc atom powered that has just 5W tdp as maximum: http://www.intel.it/content/www/it/it/nuc/nuc-kit-de3815tykhe.html

So this are my question:

I'll use a raspberry pi with openelec to play the files in 1080p 30FPS max resolution, can I use the 4 usb ports to connect the storage HDDs?

I was planning to use the internal sata port for a cache drive, what do you think about?

If the USBs aren't good to setup the unraid server I was arguing if a sata multiplier can be reliable for this usage, somedbody can suggest/discurage this option??

 

thanks for answering and sorry for the noob questions  .

I would say you could go with the WD Green drives. Ultimatly total cost would probably be cheaper via the usb rout due to all you need is the drives. Most USB drives will spin down while not in use. All really depends on Cost.

I had used a Raspberry Pi as a NAS for quite a few years with USB hard drives.

Thanks for answering @demonmaestro,

 

I've done some reserch and I'm ended up to this configuration wich has the same costs and comparable TDP of the atom nuc but better power and space management:

-ASUS j1900A-i with the intel celeron j1900 cpu

-4gb ram

-bitfenix phenom mini-itx case

-be quiet system power 7 350w 80+ bronze

 

I'll spend 200€ the same that I'll spend if I choose the nuc+ram+HDD case option, but I have a pretty case, more room for HDD and sata multiplier and can trie to put the raspy inside too.

 

for the drives I think I'll go with the 3TB WD REDs 'cause I have one.

 

About the cache drives: I should prefer a bigger and slower drive or a faster little one? I can't decide between a 120GB 500mbs/500mbs SSD or a 3TB 7200rpm HDD.

Are you happy with your build ?

 

Is someone else build a server with one of these j1900 bay trail MB ? Is it the best option for a low power consumption build ?

I'm looking right now at the X10SBA from supermicro which has 6sata ports (http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/celeron/X10/X10SBA.cfm).

 

I looked in the forums, but these CPUs don't seem so popular... not enough cpu power for most of you ?

 

Thanks

Hi,

 

how is going with the build? I'm interested in buying a motherboard with the same CPU.

 

Thanks!