Question What hardware should I be looking at?

[kadrek]

Sorry if this is in the wrong place, it seems like it could go in many sections.

I want to set up a pc to run Plex/*arr apps/a Windows VM/and maybe a game server once in a while. I'd like to keep it under $500 USD but that doesn't really seem realistic after doing some research. I'm not opposed to buying used gear. I'd also like to keep the power consumption low if possible.

The i5 12400 seems like a good option (6c/12t for ~$130), what do you guys think? What cheap mobo should I look for for this? Does DDR4/5 make a difference for 12th gen? You want an 8th gen or newer processor for Plex, right? Is there a common cpu/mobo combo you guys would use for something like this? Or should I be looking at used server gear? Anything specific? I have a couple spare NVMe drives I'd like to use for OS's also.

I'd prefer a desktop/NAS style case to keep the noise down, a server style case would be fine if it's quiet. I'd like 6+ bays, don't need more than 10. I'll probably start with a couple 10-14TB or so drives and would like to have some empty bays for future expansion. Any specific ones you'd suggest?

 

[A///]

yes that would work, you would need plex pass to use hw accelerated streaming. You can get plenty fast ddr4 for cheap. You can pickup a midrange 12th gen board without sacrificing much. you'll get more sata ports because the newer generations skimp on it, with the money saved you can buy a few large high tb drives.

 

[coercitiv]

The 12400 should be great for a Plex server. You'll get good media capabilities and low idle power consumption. For video transcoding DDR5 should be better, but the extra cost may still be too much for the 5-10% gains in performance. Memory prices have settled, but the DDR5 motherboard may also come at a premium.

When it comes to the board of choice, you may want to filter by the desired I/O configuration (minimal number of SATA ports, NVME slots etc) this may narrow down your selection significantly.

 

[scannall]

Pretty basic, but should cover those needs fine. While I usually prefer AMD parts, the 12400 from Intel is ideal for that use. Basic 12400 build.

 

[dr1337]

Pretty basic, but should cover those needs fine. While I usually prefer AMD parts, the 12400 from Intel is ideal for that use. Basic 12400 build.

For $11 more you can go AMD and get 2x the GPU and two more cores. The 5700g is a good bit faster at encoding, while maybe the 12400 setup will consume less power and produce less heat, it is with the trade off of less performance. Maybe performance doesn't matter for NAS, its not a device/tech I use myself, but personally I'd want the bigger GPU and CPU in case I can't use HW encoders for some different or weird file.

However if OP can get the 12400 for $130 then that is a much better deal, 5600g is $140 on Amazon right now and about the same in CPU MT with a bit better GPU. And if power consumption/quietness is their main goal, the intel platform is more set and forget while AMD is more oriented towards tuning in desired power and thermals. Though at the end of the day what it might come down to is IO and which platform has the cheapest motherboard with enough ports for their needs. And depending on budget tightness that $10 could be the difference.

 

[Shmee]

Moved to computer building, as it is a better place for discussing general hardware for a new build.

As for your question, both the 5700G and 12400 would be fine for basic server/NAS tasks. Keep in mind though, I seem to remember that going with an APU will limit amount of available PCIe lanes on many boards. This might be an issue if adding an HBA card or NIC for additional IO.

Also, what OS do you plan on running? If TrueNAS or similar, some builds are more picky with various controller drivers on motherboards, such as Realtek ethernet. So take this into account when choosing a motherboard and any add in cards.

If you go with a tower case, once option is to get one with lots of 5.25 inch bays, where you can add in HDD hot swap cages. There are also these for 2.5 inch drives, if you want to use SATA SSDs.

As for the HDDs, I would recommend buying quality drives with warranty. Look for enterprise and NAS drives, and avoid any HDD with SMR.

Hope this helps!