Budget NAS suggestions

[Enquiries]

Looking to replace an aging home built NAS with something more power efficient.

Current server specs:
Supermicro X9DRL-7F mobo
Dual Xeon CPU E5-2650 v2 @ 2.60GHz
32 GiB DDR3 Multi-bit ECC RAM
1 TB SSD cache drive
8x 10TB WD HDDs (shucked drives) with 2 used for parity, and 6 for storage (60TB)

UnRaid OS
Dockers:
- Sonarr/Radarr/Readarr/SAB+
- Plex
- Roon
- Immich
- Hoarder/Karakeep
- calibre

Looking to replace existing server before it starts to fail.

New build constraints:
UnRaid OS
Intel CPU
40 TB storage minimum
Enough 'oomf' to run the dockers listed above

I'm OK to put together a system, but would prefer purchasing something 'off the shelf'.

Hoping to migrate all media to new server, and use old server for backup only.

I'm in Canada, so need to be able to source parts here.

Thanks for your advice!

[ed]

Given your budget of around $400 (excluding storage), and preference to stick with UnRAID and Intel, here are two solid directions you can consider:

⸻

1. DIY Compact Build (Recommended for Flexibility & Value)
This will give you the most balanced performance-to-power-efficiency ratio:
• CPU: Intel Core i3-12100 or i5-12400 (both support ECC, have Quick Sync for Plex, low power draw)
• Motherboard: ASUS/ASRock/Gigabyte B660 or B760 board with 6+ SATA ports or an option for HBA
• RAM: 16GB–32GB DDR4 (non-ECC is fine unless you really want ECC)
• Case: Fractal Node 804 or similar compact cube with airflow
• HBA Card: LSI 9211-8i (~$60 CAD used) for full 8-drive support if mobo lacks enough SATA
• PSU: 550–650W 80+ Bronze/Gold
• Boot Drive: Your existing SSD will work

Pros:
• Will handle all listed Docker containers with headroom
• Quiet and efficient (~30–60W idle depending on config)
• Can be upgraded over time
• Quick Sync helps with Plex transcoding

⸻

2. Off-the-Shelf: Minisforum NAS NPB7 or UGREEN DXP8800 Plus (if available in Canada)
These are compact systems with decent power and low idle wattage.
• Minisforum NPB7: Intel Core i7-13700H, supports ECC, 2x M.2 + 4x SATA (may need SATA expansion)
• UGREEN DXP8800 Plus: Intel N100 or i5 variant, supports 8 drives, very efficient, good value
• Memory/SSD: Add separately, 16–32GB + your existing SSD
• Price: Often around $350–$450 CAD barebones

Caveats:
• May require SATA breakout or USB-to-SATA for full 8 drive support
• Slightly more restrictive than full DIY but very plug-and-play