Building a Nas / Media server

[mikefearn83]

Hi folks. 

 

I would like to build a Nas for use as a network storage for the family, together with a media server for plex most likely. 

 

I have brrn looking at a few posts about building one instead of buying say a synology etc. 

 

I would like to try and future proof it with some decent specs, but would also like to keep it as small as possible. I was looking at the fractal node case as a starting point and ultimately want 4 x 4tb.

 

Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I can get all the knowledge and component suggestions etc. I'm fine at building computers so would thing this will be relitevely straight forward. I just want to make the right choices. 

 

Thank you. 

 

Mike. 

[Windows7ge]

It's not vastly different from building a PC. In fact you can get away with using PC parts it's just not recommended. All depends on your budget and how "proper" you'd like it to be.

 

The hardware is easy. An Intel Xeon, or AMD Ryzen. ECC RAM, server motherboard (I recommend one with IPMI - will make your life a lot easier), Any well regarded PSU will do.

 

Many server OS's can be ran from thumb drives but can also run from SSD's. Both form factors have their pros/cons.

 

Have you picked an OS? Do you plan to need virtualization?

[mikefearn83]

sorry for my slow response.

 

I just want a simple NAS / Media server to ber able to stream movies and have a main file backup centre.

 

I'm looking to spend around £400 / 500 without drives and would like 4 drives in total.

 

I wont want the unit to work as a standalone and will access it though the LAN only. I can add a montor for setup etc when required.

 

Ive been looking at a Ryzen with 16gb ram and a MB of some description. Do I need to be looking for certain componants for this. This is where I get a bit lost and dont know what to use specifically for a NAS and media server.

 

Thank you once again.

[Jarsky]

If you aren't running any VM's and just want a basic file server + plex, i'd recommend looking at either Intel 8th Gen+ i3's, or Ryzen 3400G. Theyre both capable of transcoding h264 & h265 if you need transcoding functionality. 16GB memory is overkill, unless its cheap 8GB would be just fine for a fileserver & plex. 

 

 

 

[mikefearn83]

Hi.

 

The 3400G is the exact CPU ive been looking at. What MB do you suggest, ive been recommended to get an IPMI board but I dont really understand why this is important. 

 

Thanks. 

[Jarsky]

45 minutes ago, mikefearn83 said:

Hi.

 

The 3400G is the exact CPU ive been looking at. What MB do you suggest, ive been recommended to get an IPMI board but I dont really understand why this is important. 

 

Thanks. 

You don't need IPMI/OOB for home use. It's so you can remotely manage the server at a hardware level, which requires its own IP interface as well. 

Motherboard depends on what case you go for, you might want a case that can fit in a home entertainment setup, or just a cube case that sits to the side, or a midi tower hidden away in a closet etc....In saying that though you can't really go wrong with the B450 boards.