ITX for Media Server

[rdznd]

Hey

 

I'm in the process of assembling a media server using the Fractal Node 304 case. I understand that I need an ITX motherboard, but beyond that I'm at a complete loss as to which features I ought to prioritize? What makes a good ITX? I've room for six HDDs in the case, but it seems like most ITXs come with four SATA ports. Can I use the PCI slot to get the last two sorted?

 

The intended use is primarily a Plex and Nextcloud instance.

 

Thanks in advance!

[YoungBlade]

Most ITX motherboards only have the one x16 PCIe slot, so if you want to use a graphics card, you won't be able to install a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) for additional SATA drives. If you are going to be using the integrated graphics on the CPU, then you can use the PCIe slot for an HBA.

 

They do make M.2 to PCIe riser cards that let you use an M.2 slot for a standard PCIe device, but this would mean you can't use the main M.2 slot for your boot drive. However, some ITX boards come with a second M.2 on the back, so you could install the boot drive there.

 

As for what makes for a good ITX board, that's determined by how you intend to use the computer.

[rdznd]

13 minutes ago, YoungBlade said:

Most ITX motherboards only have the one x16 PCIe slot, so if you want to use a graphics card, you won't be able to install a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) for additional SATA drives. If you are going to be using the integrated graphics on the CPU, then you can use the PCIe slot for an HBA.

 

They do make M.2 to PCIe riser cards that let you use an M.2 slot for a standard PCIe device, but this would mean you can't use the main M.2 slot for your boot drive. However, some ITX boards come with a second M.2 on the back, so you could install the boot drive there.

 

As for what makes for a good ITX board, that's determined by how you intend to use the computer.

Hi

 

Thanks for your answer!

 

I was not considering using a graphics card (I assume this would only really be helpful for trans-coding on the fly, no?), but I suppose having the opportunity to install one is nice. I was also not aware that you could use an M.2 slot as a PCIe device. Neat! Are there any performance issues I should be vary of here, and would I be able to use any arbitrary ITX with two M.2 slots?

 

Thanks!