AMD-Based Budget Linux NAS

[Ross Stuart]

I will start by answering the suggested FAQ.

 

1) Budget & Location
I am located in the northwest United States. I would prefer to spend no more than $500 USD but am open to spending a little more if necessary.
2) Aim
I want a centralized place to store all my files on several centralized HDDs with backups for each HDD. I want it to be Linux based because the recent Windows 10 update fiascos make me question the safety of keeping local files on any of my Windows rigs, and also I would prefer not to buy another copy of Windows 10.
3) Monitors
Already have a spare monitor.
4) Peripherals
Already have a spare keyboard and mouse.
5) Why are you upgrading?

I am not upgrading, I am building from scratch.

 

What I currently possess
1) A micro-atx NZXT case with some fans.
2) A newer 2TB HDD inside one of my existing machines that is currently holding my video files.

 

What I plan on buying and know that I will be buying
1) 1 128GB m.2 SSD for OS and any needed programs. There is a $27 on Amazon from Adata and given that I'm not doing any gaming I don't need super fast read/write.
2) 2 4TB HDDs and another 2TB HDD. One 4TB HDD will be for video storage, one 2TB HDD will store music, pictures, and documents, and each will have a backup. Brand recommendations are appreciated.
3) A micro-ATX AM4 motherboard. I have no interest in Intel due to poor value proposition. Brand recommendations are appreciated.

 

What I need suggestions on
1) An AMD AM4 socket APU. I don't want to spend any money on a graphics card because I don't think a NAS needs one other than for basic GUI related work. The question is, should I get a 2000 series Ryzen APU, an 200 series Athlon APU, or wait for a 3000 series Ryzen APU?
2) A quiet AM4 socket-capable processor fan.
3) DDR4 RAM: How much and which brand? Obviously APUs need more RAM for performance benefit than CPUs, but right now RAM seems pretty expensive. Can I get by with 8 GBs and if so who should I buy from?
4) PSU: Given that this is not a gaming rig, I feel like I can get away with a simple 450 watt PSU instead of something like the 800 watt PSU I got for my gaiming rig. Quiet would be preferred.
5) An appropriate Linux OS for storage and scheduled backups. Would theoretically be interested in making it a streaming server over LAN, but that is not my first priority.

 

All thoughts are greatly appreciated!