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Hey, Looking for recommendations for a good MATX / cpu combo to support a NAS. Main use case will be a central file sever with min 8 drives to start with but with possible expansion up to 18 in the future. It will be a mixed drive situation with 3.5" HDD and 2.5" SSD's. Probably 8 of each HDD & SSD. Depending on the PCIe slots and amount of onboard SATA ports on the mobo was thinking prioritize SSD's for the to the onboard SATA ports and using LSI HBA in a x8/x4 to run the HHDs. Is this a reasonable management of PCIe bandwidth or is there other better methods you can recommend? I dont want to spend a massive amount but want a long term reliable NAS.
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Thank you for your inquiry regarding a suitable MATX motherboard and CPU combination for your NAS setup. Considering your requirements—supporting 10 to 18 drives, a mix of 3.5" HDDs and 2.5" SSDs, with a budget between $200 and $800—here are some recommendations:
Motherboard and CPU Combo:
Intel Core i3-12100 with MATX Motherboard: The Intel Core i3-12100 offers a balance between performance and cost, suitable for handling multiple drives. Pairing it with a compatible MATX motherboard that supports multiple SATA ports and PCIe slots will provide the necessary connectivity. For instance, the ASRock B660M Pro RS motherboard supports up to six SATA III ports and multiple PCIe slots, accommodating your storage needs.
PCIe Bandwidth Management:
Your plan to prioritize SSDs on the onboard SATA ports and use an LSI HBA in an x8/x4 configuration for the HDDs is a reasonable approach. This setup ensures that the SSDs benefit from the faster SATA III interface, while the HDDs are managed through the HBA, which can handle multiple drives efficiently. Ensure that the LSI HBA you choose is compatible with your motherboard and supports the number of drives you plan to connect.
Alternative Options:
AMD Ryzen 5 5600 with MATX Motherboard: If you prefer an AMD setup, the Ryzen 5 5600 offers excellent performance for NAS applications. Pairing it with a motherboard like the MSI B550M PRO-VDH WIFI provides multiple SATA ports and PCIe slots, suitable for your storage configuration.
Additional Considerations:
ECC Memory: For enhanced data integrity, consider using ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, especially in a business environment. Ensure that your chosen motherboard and CPU support ECC RAM.
Expansion Capabilities: Given your potential future expansion to 18 drives, ensure that your motherboard has sufficient PCIe slots for additional HBAs or expansion cards.
Cooling and Power Supply: With multiple drives, adequate cooling and a reliable power supply are crucial. Ensure your case supports multiple drives and that your power supply can handle the load.
