Media Server Build, looking for feedback

[thepenguin99]

I am looking to put together a media server. The plan is to use it as a NAS with enough power to actually transcode HD content. It won't be used for anything else really. Just storing a ton of crap, accessing files through my desktop, and streaming through my ps3, roku, & laptop. I thought about buying a synology 4 bay NAS or building a similar rig into a dedicated HTPC but I think this is the way I am going.

Here is the build I am considering:

Case:
Silverstone DS380 or Lian Li PC-Q18B

PSU:
SILVERSTONE SFX ST30SF 300W

CPU:
Intel Core i3-4360

Motherboard:
ASRock Z97E-ITX

RAM:
8GB Gskill DDR3-1333 (I have this laying around)

Boot Drive:
Either USB stick or maybe an old 40gb OCZ SSD assuming it still works.

Data Drives:
4x WD Red 4TB. This one is decided since TD just dropped them to $140 each through ebay. Buying 4 probably committed me to this build...or a padded room. Not sure which.

 

[Stuka85]

what is your amount willing to spend? you can lowe the CPU i have a NAS with an intel G3220 and it works perfect with plex.

 

[thepenguin99]

I don't really have a firm budget but it isn't something I want to be upgrading in a couple years unless I am just adding drives. The CPU and MB are a combo from Microcenter @ $240 AR for both. Really not sure how much CPU I need but I figured the i3 was cheap enough. If the i3 4350T was actually available I might consider that for the reduced power consumption.

 

[mfenn]

S and T series CPUs don't save power when the system is idle (like a NAS will be most of the time) so you don't need to worry about that.

The i3 4360 is eligible for the MicroCenter combo discount whereas the G3220 isn't. I don't see the GA-Z97N-WIFI available at MC, but I do see the ASRock Z97E-ITX. You can pick up this combo:

i3 4360 + ASRock Z97E-ITX $225 AR

In comparison, the G3220 + H-series mobo at Newegg would look like:

G3220 $60
GA-H97N-WIFI $100 AR

So the Core i3 setup is $65 extra. IMHO that is worth it given the desire to transcode.

 

[Bardock]

Thanks for all this info.

That case is awesome.

I am considering this too but didn't know what case to get.

Great list!

 

[thepenguin99]

Microcenter has the Gigabyte board (http://www.microcenter.com/product/432995/Z97_LGA_1150_mITX_Intel__Motherboard) but it is labeled wrong as mATX in the title. I think I am leaning towards the Asrock (http://www.microcenter.com/product/433091/Z97E-ITX_LGA1150_Intel_mITX_Motherboard) anyway. The Gigabyte has an extra lan but it isn't controlled by an intel controller. The Asrock has a m.2 slot and SATA express which I think I might actually use at some point.

Also, been looking at the LIAN LI PC-Q18B instead of the Silverstone case. I just don't think I will ever use more than 6 HDD slots and the case looks nicer build quality wise. Probably won't use an optical drive in but it does give me the option.

Relevant reviews for both cases:

http://www.silentpcreview.com/Lian_Li_PC-Q18
http://www.silentpcreview.com/SilverStone_DS380

 

[mfenn]

Silverstone and Lian-Li both make very nice cases, you can't really go wrong with either. I think the HDD arrangement on the Silverstone is really slick, but pick up whichever you like better.