Need some general advice regarding CPU for a new build

ovizii

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Jun 30, 2014
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435
Hi everyone,

I've been reading this and many other forums for months trying to figure out the correct NAS build for my use case but I haven't built a system in many years hence my question.

First of all, here is what I am trying to replace: HP ProLiant G7 MicroServer N54L with 6 HDs and 16GB ECC RAM. The best tech investment I've ever made. It cost about 200€ without HDs or RAM and has been running perfectly for about 5 years.

Initially all I needed was a bit more CPU power but as the system is not upgradeable I guess its time for a complete new build.

My requirements for this NAS are not high (it wil basically serve files via shares at home to 2 ppl and run the usual plex, sabnzbd, couchpotato, sonarr combo) - I might add 1-2 VMs to it (i.e. I don't have a physical Windows machine anymore as I rarely need one so I usually keep a virtual one handy) and maybe another low load VM for testing but nothing which requires permanent CPU power. If I ever switch from using freeNAs I guess I'd also run a couple of docker containers for home usage off this NAS.

The constraint is that this NAS will sit in my living room so noise really is a factor. Hence I was looking at CPUs with low TDP with the logic that since it does not use much power it won't get hot so I won't need to run fans at full speed. This way I arrived at Intel Xeon D-1521 or 1528.

My first question is if my logic is faulty or not?
Question #2 would be if there is any CPU suited for a silent NAS build with comparable CPU power which is cheaper than my above listed Xeon solution?
 

Chris Moore

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May 2, 2015
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My first question is if my logic is faulty or not?
You still need airflow fans to keep the drives cool. I have found that my drives generate more heat than my processor.
I see that you are looking to replace a system with six drives, but what are your plans for the new system regarding storage?
 

ovizii

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Jun 30, 2014
Messages
435
You still need airflow fans to keep the drives cool. I have found that my drives generate more heat than my processor.
I see that you are looking to replace a system with six drives, but what are your plans for the new system regarding storage?
Hi Chris,
I'm simply planning to transplant my 6 drives into a Fractal Design Node 304.
 
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