NAS motherboard suggestion

[Enquiries]

I'd like some advice on a motherboard for an Unraid NAS.

I've been checking out Unraid on an old PC but don't want to continue with old hardware. I'd like to build a "naked" NAS. I just want a Mobo with at least a couple of NVME SSD slots and maybe 4 SATA connections. I really want external power so I can keep a low physical profile. I will build a really low profile mount / case for the board which I hope won't be much bigger than a medium size pizza box. Unraid 7 does not require an array so I don't need space for HDD's. Later, I may add some HDD's or 2.5" SSD's over and above the NVME SSD's depending on how things evolve.

I want to learn more about Unraid and run 2-3 virtual machines and some Docker apps. I would rather err on the side of too much power and other resources but without getting carried away since this is really going to be an experiment / test bed. I'd rather spend a bit too much than not enough.

[ed]

Given your goals (compact build, external power, a few NVMe slots, some SATA, and decent power for VMs), here are a couple of motherboard options that should hit the sweet spot:

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Recommended Motherboard Options

1. CWWK N305/N100 ITX Board (with DC-in Power)
• CPU: Intel N305 or N100 (fanless or low-noise)
• RAM: Supports up to 32GB DDR4
• Storage: 2 x NVMe (usually PCIe 3.0 x1/x2), 2–4 x SATA
• Power: Barrel-type DC 12V input (external power brick-friendly)
• Peripherals: HDMI, USB, and 2.5GbE LAN (sometimes dual NICs)
• Size: Compact ITX (~17x17cm), easy to integrate into custom enclosures
• Cost: ~$150–250 depending on CPU/RAM bundle

2. Minisforum MS-01 (Prebuilt but modular)
• CPU: Intel Core i5/i7 (vPro options available)
• 2 x NVMe Gen 4 + SATA
• DC power input + compact passive chassis
• Supports ECC (on i7 models), and ideal for Docker/VMs
• Cost: ~$550 fully built with CPU (add RAM/SSD)

3. ASRock Industrial IMB-X1221 or ADLN Series
• Designed for embedded/industrial builds
• Multiple NVMe and SATA, often DC-in support
• Expandable via M.2 or PCIe risers
• Higher cost but bulletproof stability and low profile
• Cost: ~$300–400 depending on config

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Extra Thoughts
• If you’re building your own case and can accommodate a fanless cooler or heat spreader, the N305/N100 boards are incredibly efficient and quiet.
• For VM work, 16–32GB RAM is ideal, and NVMe speeds will help a lot with Docker containers and fast boot environments.
• If you want to expand later with HDDs or 2.5” SSDs, just look for boards with a SATA expander header or mini PCIe slot where you can add more ports.