First Time NAS Build

[LordOfTime94]

Greetings,

 

To add to the endless list of these posts, I'm planning to build my first NAS.

This is mainly going to be used as a media center/backup (don't panic, the important stuff is backed up offsite as well).

From reading some posts on here already I think I know what to go for, but I'd still like some advice on a few things first.

 

Here is my current part list: http://uk.pcpartpicker.com/p/JcMDbv

 

Since I'm hoping to run this as a Plex server eventually, I think the i3 should be enough, though I have seen some recommendations to use a Xeon instead for the higher thread count.

From what I can tell, using non-ECC RAM should be fine for home use, though ECC is still recommended. I'd need to change my motherboard to support this (which I'd prefer not to), and wondered if the swap would be worth it.

I currently have around 2TB worth of stuff in my current external drive, and from this Paul's Hardware video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEwMXsy9v2o&ab_channel=Paul%27sHardware) I think I should have around 5-6TB of usable space, which will be more than enough for quite a while.

FreeNAS looks like the best way to go, though it might take me some time to understand how to use it. Would this be the better option or should I use Windows/Plex for now?

Speaking of Plex, I am not entirely sure how large I need the SSD to be for it. Would I need something like a 256/512 or does that not matter?

The 951 is going to be paired with a PCIe M.2 adapter, since the motherboard only has 4 SATA ports (unless someone can suggest an alternative, though I can't seem to find one that fits my needs)

The PSU was going into my backup system but I've changed my mind on the case so I can get a different one now.

I realise I could maybe build this a bit cheaper with mATX parts, but I'd be wasted and I want the smaller form factor.

 

Side note:

I currently have 1 of the WD Red's in my desktop, and I was planning to replace it with a WD Green 3/4TB to go for silence. However, since I am swapping my case for a Define R5 soon, I am not sure if it would matter between a Green or Blue since I probably won't hear it anyway. Also, since this drive will mostly have photos and videos, does the higher speed of the Blue make any real-world difference?

 

Most of this isn't going to be bought immediately, in fact it'll probably be a few months before I even start, but I'd like to get a general idea of what would make a good NAS.

 

TL;DR

1. Is the i3 good enough or should I swap for a Xeon?
2. Do I need ECC RAM?
3. Windows or FreeNAS to begin with?
4. What size SSD do I need for Plex?
5. Green or Blue to replace the Red?
6. Muffin?

As always, any help is appreciated.

 

Regards,

 

LoT /)

[paradigm249]

1. if your having a bunch of people hitting it on the same time or running more demanding things go for the xeon

2. you answered your own question

3. windows is easier to setup, 

4. havent used plex but i answered the rest of your questions

5,green and blue is not rated 24/7 so if your willing to risk it its up to you

6. 10/10 would muffin

[LordOfTime94]

11 hours ago, paradigm249 said:

1. if your having a bunch of people hitting it on the same time or running more demanding things go for the xeon

2. you answered your own question

3. windows is easier to setup, 

4. havent used plex but i answered the rest of your questions

5,green and blue is not rated 24/7 so if your willing to risk it its up to you

6. 10/10 would muffin

1. For now it's just me so I won't be needing the Xeon then.
2. Had another look into it and while ECC does have benefits, the parts compatible are a bit too expensive and sparce for my tastes, so I'll stick with regular DIMM's for now.
3. I'll start with Windows then until I've finished the build.
4. Thanks, I'll dig deeper and see what I can find on Plex then.
5. The Green/Blue wouldn't be running 24/7, it will be going into my main desktop as a replacement for the Red I am currently using.
6. Agreed.

 

[Migit]

On Monday, April 25, 2016 at 8:45 AM, LordOfTime94 said:

 

 

TL;DR

1. Is the i3 good enough or should I swap for a Xeon?
2. Do I need ECC RAM?
3. Windows or FreeNAS to begin with?
4. What size SSD do I need for Plex?
5. Green or Blue to replace the Red?
6. Muffin?

As always, any help is appreciated.

 

Regards,

 

LoT /)

Going from my knowledge as I'm about to build my own NAS/Plex server

 

1. i3 should be perfect

2. No need for ECG RAM 

3. Whichever suits you. I'm also having this toss up as FreeNAS seems less demanding but I've only ever used windows. So learning curves

4. Technically no SSD is needed for plex. Transcoding is done on the CPU. But SSD will make windows run faster if you chose windows (see 3)

5. Green - they're cheaper (well where I am anyway) and for the basic storage you want you won't notice the speed. I use one for my current media/plex drive. The only time I notice it's slower than my Black drive is on initially trying to open up the drive. Once is loaded on screen difference is not apparent at all

6.  Muffins. Always muffins