Balthazar B
n00b
- Joined
- Feb 20, 2012
- Messages
- 41
Hi, all. Looking for suggestions and feedback on a system I want to build, and some parts I have in mind...
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
The primary use will be a home server/NAS used as a media source, and for backups. Want to run it with Linux (probably Debian flavor) and do some experimentation with BTRFS since it's almost ready for prime time. Apps might include Squeezeserver/LMS, Plex, a VPN, etc. Essentially the kind of thing one would use a Synology or QNAP for. Want to support 6 SATA devices, and for it to be as quiet as possible without letting budget go out of control.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Budget is flexible but would like to keep under $1K.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
I have all the major outlets nearby but am comfortable with online vendors as well.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Everything will be net new. Here's what I'm thinking:
Case: Lian-Li PC-Q25
Motherboard: Intel S1200KP, Supermicro X9SCV-Q , or Jetway JNF9A-Q67.
CPU: Intel i3 or i5, unless I go with the Supermicro board in which case it will be a mobile version of those processors. Would consider using an E3 Xeon with the Intel board.
CPU cooler: TBD
Fan retrofit: TBD
RAM: 8 or 16 GB via 2 DDR3 DIMMs
Disks: Seagate or Hitachi 3TB SATA, but open to other ideas. Will start out with a couple and build from there (via BTRFS dynamic storage growth). Considering a couple of smaller capacity 2.5" disks for boot volume.
PSU: One of the quieter ATX units recommended by SPCR. Lian-Li makes an extender that fits on their case for PSUs that are a bit longer than ATX spec which I'll use if necessary.
Other thoughts: The Supermicro option requires mobile chips and memory which bumps the cost up quite a bit, but the board is otherwise very attractive. The Intel board would require a SATA HBA to increase capacity. The Jetway looks almost perfect with a Q67 chipset but can't find much in the way of reviews or experience with this mainboard.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
No reuse.
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
I'd like to keep this to a mini-ITX; mATX cases are just too large. SATA capacity and Intel network is most important for Linux driver compatibility (as are other standard bits). Remote management (IPMI or AMT) would be attractive but not essential.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
N/A; VGA will be fine for setup and occasional tweaking (if not using IPKVM)
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
No, just want it to be small.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I'm comfortable to a degree, though haven't done much case modding to speak of.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Should be very quiet though doesn't need to be dead silent.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
N/A. Will have a semi-permanent home.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
N/A; will be Linux.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
ASAP. I want to experiment with several flavors of Linux and play with BTRFS before doing a "final" build. Also want it to be around and useful for at least 3 years or so.
I've been running a WHS for a while but want to repurpose that machine as a backup NAS with Ubuntu Linux after I build this baby.
Does anyone see anything terribly wrong with the direction I'm going? All thoughts, feedback, suggestions, and anecdotes gratefully accepted! Thanks!
1. What will you be doing with this PC? Gaming, Photoshop (or other intensive programs), Overclocking, Web browsing, strictly HTPC/Playback, etc.
The primary use will be a home server/NAS used as a media source, and for backups. Want to run it with Linux (probably Debian flavor) and do some experimentation with BTRFS since it's almost ready for prime time. Apps might include Squeezeserver/LMS, Plex, a VPN, etc. Essentially the kind of thing one would use a Synology or QNAP for. Want to support 6 SATA devices, and for it to be as quiet as possible without letting budget go out of control.
2. What's your budget? Are tax and shipping included in this budget? Is your budget flexible? Is cost a driving factor in component selection?
Budget is flexible but would like to keep under $1K.
3. Where do you live? Do you have any big B&M (brick and mortar) computer chains nearby (e.g. Microcenter, Fry's, etc)?
I have all the major outlets nearby but am comfortable with online vendors as well.
4. What exact parts do you need for that budget? CPU, RAM, case, etc. The word "Everything" is not a valid answer. Please list out all the parts you'll need.
Everything will be net new. Here's what I'm thinking:
Case: Lian-Li PC-Q25
Motherboard: Intel S1200KP, Supermicro X9SCV-Q , or Jetway JNF9A-Q67.
CPU: Intel i3 or i5, unless I go with the Supermicro board in which case it will be a mobile version of those processors. Would consider using an E3 Xeon with the Intel board.
CPU cooler: TBD
Fan retrofit: TBD
RAM: 8 or 16 GB via 2 DDR3 DIMMs
Disks: Seagate or Hitachi 3TB SATA, but open to other ideas. Will start out with a couple and build from there (via BTRFS dynamic storage growth). Considering a couple of smaller capacity 2.5" disks for boot volume.
PSU: One of the quieter ATX units recommended by SPCR. Lian-Li makes an extender that fits on their case for PSUs that are a bit longer than ATX spec which I'll use if necessary.
Other thoughts: The Supermicro option requires mobile chips and memory which bumps the cost up quite a bit, but the board is otherwise very attractive. The Intel board would require a SATA HBA to increase capacity. The Jetway looks almost perfect with a Q67 chipset but can't find much in the way of reviews or experience with this mainboard.
5. If reusing any parts, what parts will you be reusing? Please be especially specific about the power supply. For reused parts, list brands, model #s, and, if applicable, firmware revisions.
No reuse.
6. What specific features do you need in a motherboard? RAID? Firewire? Crossfire or SLI support? USB 3.0? SATA 6Gb/s? etc. Which is more important, size of the system or having the particular feature? Make sure you indicate *required* vs. *wanted* for each feature you list.
I'd like to keep this to a mini-ITX; mATX cases are just too large. SATA capacity and Intel network is most important for Linux driver compatibility (as are other standard bits). Remote management (IPMI or AMT) would be attractive but not essential.
7. What resolution output do you need? 1080p, 720p, DVD quality, etc for HTPC or list Vertical/horizontal resolution for non-HTPC SFF rigs. Do you need multiple monitor output?
N/A; VGA will be fine for setup and occasional tweaking (if not using IPKVM)
8. Does this system need to fit into a particular space? Think entertainment center shelves, closet space, rackmount, etc.
No, just want it to be small.
9. How comfortable are you with custom case design/modification and electrical wiring? What tools do you have (Screwdrivers/Leatherman, Drill, Dremel, Metal snips, Soldering Iron, Bending Brake, CNC/Welding machines/Plasma cutter, etc...)?
I'm comfortable to a degree, though haven't done much case modding to speak of.
10. How important is the noise/silence of this sytem? HTPCs typically want to be quiet while all-out SFF gaming rigs don't care
Should be very quiet though doesn't need to be dead silent.
11. How mobile does this system need to be? Need a carrying handle or carrying straps? Is weight important (carry-on bag, etc)? Water cooling quick disconnects, etc?
N/A. Will have a semi-permanent home.
12. Do you already have a legit and reusable/transferable OS key/license? If yes, what OS? Is it 32bit or 64bit? Remember that OEM copies of Win7 have issues with new motherboards
N/A; will be Linux.
13. When do you plan on building/buying the PC? Immediately, in a couple weeks, 3-5 years?
ASAP. I want to experiment with several flavors of Linux and play with BTRFS before doing a "final" build. Also want it to be around and useful for at least 3 years or so.
I've been running a WHS for a while but want to repurpose that machine as a backup NAS with Ubuntu Linux after I build this baby.
Does anyone see anything terribly wrong with the direction I'm going? All thoughts, feedback, suggestions, and anecdotes gratefully accepted! Thanks!
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