Opinions, please - DIY Build

[KOSH42EFG]

Firstly, Hi!

After opinions from knowledgeable people if you would be so kind.

Current server/NAS is AMD Ryzen 5 5560U based mini PC with 16GB RAM, internal NVME cache and one SSD, USB-C connected to DAS with HDDs. Not a fan as it feels flaky, one USB cable between working and nothing, and two bits kicking around. Also single 1G ethernet cable.

Was looking at an i3-N305 build, but this is a step down in terms of CPU grunt, not that I max the current one much but good to have options.

So comparable would be an i5-12450H build, but that's a minimal CPU gain, but three times the TDP. Which mounts up for 24/7.

So I'm now thinking that I go for two systems. I have the AMD and that's sunk costs. So I keep that with the NVME and put a mechanical 2.5 in there and call it my server for running Frigate (hence mechanical), home assistant, etc. Anything that needs some oomph.

Then the N305 build becomes the NAS. Hell, I could go N100 as workloads are low. This would be where the bulk storage sits, along with Jellyfin, etc. Can also be a backup Home Assistant server, where the main one writes backup to the NAS regularly so system restore is relatively fast.

These two CPUS still have less TDP than the i5.

Tell my why two systems will be a bad idea. The DAS will become a real backup to periodically sync to and give to a neighbour for offsite storage.

[ed]

Your plan to split workloads across two systems—a dedicated server for processing-heavy tasks and a lower-power NAS for storage and light workloads—has its merits. Here’s an analysis of your setup, along with potential issues and alternatives:

1. Benefits of Two Systems
Flexibility in Workloads
AMD Mini-PC for Heavy Tasks:

Frigate (AI-based video analysis) and Home Assistant will benefit from the Ryzen 5 5560U’s solid multi-threaded performance.
A dedicated system ensures these services won’t be affected by storage-heavy operations.
N305/N100 Build as a NAS:

Low power consumption for 24/7 operation.
Perfect for bulk storage, media server (Jellyfin), and backup tasks.
Lower noise and heat output compared to an i5-12450H.
Power Efficiency
The combined TDP of the Ryzen 5 and N305/N100 will still be lower than the i5-12450H build running all workloads.
Reduced wear and tear since each system will focus on specific tasks.
Redundancy
If one system fails, the other can continue running critical services. For example, your NAS could serve as a backup Home Assistant system.
Simplified Backup Strategy
Using the DAS for offsite backups ensures data safety.
2. Potential Drawbacks
Increased Complexity
Networking: You’ll need to configure your network properly to ensure smooth communication between the two systems. VLANs or separate subnets may complicate things.
Management Overhead: Managing two separate systems means keeping track of updates, maintenance, and troubleshooting for both.
Cost of Two Systems
The N305/N100 build will add upfront costs, even if it’s a low-power solution.
Performance Bottlenecks
If your Jellyfin server streams high-bitrate 4K content to multiple devices, the N305/N100 might struggle.
NVMe caching on the NAS may be limited by the N305’s bandwidth capabilities.
Expansion Constraints
The N305/N100 builds may lack PCIe lanes for future expansions (e.g., adding more SATA drives or a 10GbE NIC).
3. Key Recommendations
Option 1: Stick with Two Systems (Optimize the Plan)
AMD Mini-PC as the Server:

Use it for Frigate, Home Assistant, and other CPU/GPU-intensive tasks.
Add a reliable 2.5" mechanical drive for longer-term storage needs.
N305/N100 as the NAS:

Use it for bulk storage and light workloads like Jellyfin (non-4K transcoding).
Ensure the motherboard has enough SATA ports for your drives and support for NVMe caching.
Consider an external 2.5GbE NIC to reduce network bottlenecks.
Option 2: Consolidate into a Single System (Simplify)
If managing two systems feels cumbersome, an i3-13100T or i5-13400T build could replace both, offering:

Efficiency: Lower TDP compared to an i5-12450H.
Performance: Enough grunt for Frigate, Home Assistant, and Jellyfin (even 4K).
Expandability: More PCIe lanes for future upgrades like additional storage or 10GbE networking.
Cost Savings: One system to build and maintain.
4. Suggested N305/N100 Build (NAS)
Here’s a low-power build for your NAS:

CPU: Intel N305 or N100 (~$120)
Motherboard: ASRock N100M or similar Mini-ITX (~$150, includes soldered CPU)
RAM: 16GB DDR4 3200MHz (~$50)
Storage: Your existing HDDs + 500GB NVMe SSD for caching (~$50).
Case: Fractal Node 304 or similar (~$100, supports multiple HDDs).
Power Supply: 450W Gold-rated PSU (~$50).
5. Final Thoughts
Two systems will work well if you’re okay with the increased complexity. However, if simplicity is more important, consolidating into a single low-power, high-performance build might be the way to go.