eBay sourced minimal build


Recommended Posts

I've done a few builds for Unraid that are on the larger side - 4U chassis with dual CPU motherboards.  They are big ugly brutes relegated to the network closet.  I'm looking to build a smaller, somewhat better looking system for a friend that will serve as a Drobo replacement.

 

It will use 5-8 drives (8 would really be the max). No Docker, no VMs. Just basic network shares for Kodi / Plex.

 

I'm sure I can source just about anything on eBay, but trying to figure out the best approach: 

 

Case: Something like the Silverstone CaseStorage CS380

It has 8 front facing slots for drives.


Motherboard: Having trouble with this. I don't need much, so I can go with an older chipset. MicroATX? Low power CPU? Should I look for a micro-ATX motherboard with a single PCI slot and grab one of those IT flashed DELL HBAs with dual SAS ports on it?  I've used those cards before - that would give me 8 SATA, plus bonus ports on the motherboard.  Something in the LGA1150 socket like this, for $50?  (Gigabyte H81)

 

CPU: If I do an 1150 socket, I've seen i5-4460 CPUs for $30-$40.

 

------

 

Has anyone done a build like this, where you just want basic file sharing only?

 

Thanks so much!

 

 

 

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.