Yesterday, 09:43 AM
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:
⸻
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
⸻
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.
⸻
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
⸻
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.