Hi

 

I've goign to be building my first unraid build soon, and are getting all the parts together. Below is my proposed build on pcpartpicker, are there anything i need to look at. The server is mainly going be a Plex/Emby mediaserver, with a little downloading from sonarr/sabnzdb on the side, no need for VM's or other things. I'm mainly thinking that the cpu is overkill (But it's still quite cheap), and would love some input on low power alternatives which would still be able to handle transcoding, as the plex server will be transcoding files (Mainly medium-high bitrate 1080p files)

 

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-10100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-L9i 33.84 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Asus PRIME B460I-PLUS Mini ITX LGA1200 Motherboard 
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory
Storage: Samsung 970 Evo 1 TB M.2-2280 NVME Solid State Drive
Storage: Western Digital Red 4 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Western Digital Red 6 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Western Digital Red 6 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Storage: Western Digital Red 6 TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case
Power Supply: Corsair SF 450 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular SFX Power Supply
Case Fan: Noctua A9x14 29.72 CFM 92 mm Fan
Case Fan: Noctua A9x14 29.72 CFM 92 mm Fan
Case Fan: Noctua A14 PWM 82.5 CFM 140 mm Fan 

Hi,

 

Performance will be good for Plex/Emby though unless size is really an issue then I'd go for at least an mATX build as you will have more expansion options later. e.g. node 804 ... other brand cases are available

 

Space disappears quicky when you start adding media.

 

Also for HDD, the parity size sets the maximum for the other drives. With only 4 sata connectors I'd be looking at least a 12GB parity and second drive to start then add the extra drives as required. The cost per TB is fairly similar, you just have to soak up the cost of the larger parity first off. While you can add a sata card into the PCI-E slot, going larger drives initially pushes that need out quite a way. 

 

If you did go for a build with more options(mATX), I'd still start with at least 8TB drives. There is no throughput advantage to more drives and you can easily add additional drives to the array unlike classic RAID systems.

 

For power consuption, the Intel CPU will idle on a few watts, with drives spun down and a decent quality and not oversize PSU (as you have) I'd be expecting less that 30W idle for the full system. Low power quickly becomes a zero sum game where the power savings dont cover the additional hardware cost in it's lifetime.

 

 

Thanks for the reply

 

Was actually looking add the Node 804 also, as it would allow for expansions later, and give me more options for motherboards. So will have to look in to that.

 

The advice on the HDD's is noted, hadn't thought about that. Price is a bit of a concern though right now, as this is already around my budget for this build, which i know i didn't mention, but the advice is appreciated none the less 

The CPU heatsink for Intel only and mounting design so bad. Suggest NH-D9L or others, far better a lot and cost not much.

1 hour ago, Vr2Io said:

The CPU heatsink for Intel only and mounting design so bad. Suggest NH-D9L or others, far better a lot and cost not much.

I'm not sure i understand, i'm already using a NH-L9i which is just the low profile version og the one you are suggesting? 

If you already own those cooler then forget it.
If new buy, then suggest another model.

35 minutes ago, Vr2Io said:

If you already own those cooler then forget it.
If new buy, then suggest another model.

Okay, any suggestions besides the NH-D9L?

NH-L12S L9x65 also good, you will found they use same mounting method, support Intel and AMD, just L9i not.

Edited October 10, 20205 yr by Vr2Io