Motherboard and CPU suggestions

[mattail]

I've decided to build my own unraid NAS/server which is new to me.

The main purpose of this NAS/server will be to run plex media server, store pictures, movie, documents etc. and run different background applications such as torrent client and sickrage.

But I might also want to use it for virtualization and this is where I could use some help regarding which motherboard and CPU to use.

Is it correct that for VM's I would need a CPU with onboard graphics or add a graphic card to the server?

My dilemma is that I would like a low power mini-itx form factor setup but I would like also IPMI and the ability to run VM.

 

1 .I've looked at the Asrock C236 WSI mini-itx with 8 sata ports  http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=C236%20WSI#Specifications

With this board I could use an intel core I7-6700T with onboard graphics (9140 in passmark) and  a TDP of 35 Watt which is really nice. Or use a Xeon E3-1260L V5 and then buy

a graphic card. But I don't think it would fit in a mini-itx case and there is no IPMI.

 

 

2. Asrock E3C236D4U http://www.asrockrack.com/general/productdetail.asp?Model=E3C236D4U#Specifications with one of the mentioned CPU.

It has 8 sata ports, IPMI but is a micro atx.

 

Byt the way are there any benefits using this xeon E3-1260LV5  compared to the I7 6700T? In terms of TDP and benchmark they seem to perform pretty much the same.

 

 

 

[ashman70]

It depends what you want to do with your VM, some people like to use their VM for gaming so they want to pass through a gaming capable GPU, or others just want a VM to run a few applications in which case you can use VNC to connect to your VM and do not require a separate GPU for it, its up to you. In terms of your CPU choice the only difference I can see is that the 6700T supports higher resolutions for its internal graphics, otherwise they seem to be on part in their offerings.

[mattail]

It depends what you want to do with your VM, some people like to use their VM for gaming so they want to pass through a gaming capable GPU, or others just want a VM to run a few applications in which case you can use VNC to connect to your VM and do not require a separate GPU for it, its up to you. In terms of your CPU choice the only difference I can see is that the 6700T supports higher resolutions for its internal graphics, otherwise they seem to be on part in their offerings.

 

I think you just answered my question then as I won't be using VM for gaming.

I just noticed that the intel I7-6700T doesn't support ECC memory, would you think that this is necessary for an Unraid build? What would you suggest if it was up to you?

[ashman70]

ECC is nice to have but not a need to have for a build like this IMO.