Hello everyone,
I've finally come around to build my own box.
Here are my goals :
In addition, 100GB of critical data (which is already backed up offsite).
Here is what I put together so far :
CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Supermicro X10SL7-F Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: 4x Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: 2x Western Digital Red 6TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini MicroATX Mini Tower Case
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Case Fan: Fractal Design HF12-BK 83.4 CFM 120mm Fan
+ USB Flash Drive for boot device (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0)
And now my questions :
I've finally come around to build my own box.
Here are my goals :
- PLEX Media Center (up to 1080p streaming and storing)
- Backup solution
In addition, 100GB of critical data (which is already backed up offsite).
Here is what I put together so far :
CPU: Intel Core i3-4170 3.7GHz Dual-Core Processor
CPU Cooler: CRYORIG H7 49.0 CFM CPU Cooler
Motherboard: Supermicro X10SL7-F Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard
Memory: 4x Crucial 8GB (1 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory
Storage: 2x Western Digital Red 6TB 3.5" 5400RPM Internal Hard Drive
Case: Fractal Design Define Mini MicroATX Mini Tower Case
Power Supply: SeaSonic 650W 80+ Gold Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply
Case Fan: Fractal Design HF12-BK 83.4 CFM 120mm Fan
+ USB Flash Drive for boot device (USB 2.0 or USB 3.0)
And now my questions :
- I've used different resources to pick the parts. Are there any inconsistencies and/or known compatibility issues between the parts? Keeping in mind my objectives (media server+backup), am I missing anything? Am I overkill on anything?
- About the storage, as I said, around 7TB of data is already waiting to be transferred. After reading, it seems like mirror vdevs will be better and easier than RAIDZ2 if I plan to add more storage in the future (which will be the case). I went with 2x 6TB which is obviously not enough for my actual needs but I can't decide what to do here. There are 8 trays in the case, is it better to start with 4TB drives in pairs, build up to 8x4, then upgrade, or go straight to larger disks (keeping in mind this will be a long term project) ? Is there a go-to way of figuring this out except what I plan on doing in the future?
- I feel like I overkilled it with RAM and PSU. For RAM I based my calculations on the recommendations + the ballpark of 1GB per TB of storage. As for the PSU, I used this topic that gave me a ~550W estimation and this tool in which the result were around 230W. The part picker says 180W, now I know that's very low but should I stick with 650W or should I go midway with something like 450W (taking into account that I will probably fill the box up with more HDDs as time passes) ?
- At first, I wanted to use an SSD as the boot device but I read USB Flash Drives can suffice. Do they really?
- If the answer is yes, then is there any benefit in picking USB 3.0 over USB 2.0?
- If the answer is no, I set my sights on the Samsung 850 pro. Should I include two to mirror the boot device also? (The question applies for USB Flash Drives as well)
- What should I expect in terms of noise and heat? Will three fans be enough?
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