LF feedback on server hardware

jkxinja · January 23, 2023

Disclaimer: I am a noob when it come to servers so if something I said doesn't make sense feel free to correct me.

Hi all! I am building a TrueNas server and my goals are to set it up as a plex media server, torrentbox, file transfer/storage, adblocker, home automation assistant, and a vpn. (I don't know if I will do all of these but I want to be able to do all of them without being limited by hardware). My budget is $450 (w/o drives).

Here is the build I created and I will give a reason for why I chose each part: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/6gDmcb

i3-10105: Did some research and found that the i3-10100 is pretty capable when it comes to transcoding video and the i3-10105 seems to be cheaper? with higher base and boost clocks? (not really sure if I'm missing something)
prime h510m-e: has built in m.2 slot and is mATX
vengeance 32gb 2666mhz CL16: 2666mhz is the highest the cpu supports and with only 2 RAM slots on the mobo I went with 32gb because I don't see myself needing to upgrade it later
be quiet 550W psu: wasn't too sure about the PSU so I just kinda picked whatever. It is quiet, high efficiency, and modular.
case: SFF case with 3 3.5inch drive bays and 1 5.25inch drive bay (which can be converted to another 3.5inch drive bay)
2xironwolf NAS drives: not many reasons except they are 12TB and on sale right now.
1x32gb intel optane m.2 for OS

I'm sure there are many ways in which I could improve this build and I appreciate any and all feedback!

Rysters Tech · January 25, 2023

i would look for a larger case with more drive support so you can expand later with at most a sata controller card. I would install case fans for the drives, i would recommend the arctic p12 pwm pst co as they are dual ball bearing, relatively quiet, can be daisy chained onto one header, have high static pressure which is good for pushing air through obstructions like hard drives, air filters etc... If your case has 140mm fan support, i would get the p14 pwm pst co as bigger fans tend to be quieter.

jkxinja · January 26, 2023

10 hours ago, SiliconMagician said:

i would look for a larger case with more drive support so you can expand later with at most a sata controller card. I would install case fans for the drives, i would recommend the arctic p12 pwm pst co as they are dual ball bearing, relatively quiet, can be daisy chained onto one header, have high static pressure which is good for pushing air through obstructions like hard drives, air filters etc... If your case has 140mm fan support, i would get the p14 pwm pst co as bigger fans tend to be quieter.

This is the updated list I have since doing some more brainstorming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/fy6bgb

This case has 8x3.5" slots for harddrives. For fans I was thinking of buying Noctuas NF-12s because I've seen good reviews on them. I see that the artic p12s are cheaper tho would you recommend those over Noctuas?

Rysters Tech · February 7, 2023

On 1/25/2023 at 11:06 PM, jkxinja said:

This is the updated list I have since doing some more brainstorming: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/fy6bgb

This case has 8x3.5" slots for harddrives. For fans I was thinking of buying Noctuas NF-12s because I've seen good reviews on them. I see that the artic p12s are cheaper tho would you recommend those over Noctuas?

If you want the utmost in silence, go for the Noctuas, but the p12 co fans are cheaper. It just comes down to preference, the r5 comes with one fan in front and one in back so I would move the 2 included fans to the front and add one in the top or rear as an exhaust depending on where you have the server.