Yesterday, 11:48 AM
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
⸻
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