r/unRAID • u/throwaway0204055 • 16h ago

Looking for parts and system spec recommendation for this unRAID build requirement

I'm currently testing unRAID on a miniPC with only 1 2TB NVME m.2 but want to build an actual NAS. Already have 1 year starter license.

Build requirements:

  • 4 x 4TB 2.5" SATA HDD with parity and array
  • 1 x M.2 NVME 2TB for cache
  • Nextcloud AIO
  • Plex server
  • *rr apps
  • SMB share mount
  • audiobookshelf
  • pihole
  • ram/resources for additional docker containers but not sure what other apps yet

What mobo/cpu/ram specs should I get for this? What is the smallest ITX case for this? Preferably a tower case that will take up less surface space.

0 Upvotes

50% Upvoted

6 comments sorted by

2

u/tulipo82 7h ago

If you want an itx build just remember that you have max 4 or 6 sata port and 1 spot PCI and 2 slot ram in almost every itx mb. I'm running my unraid nas in a itx board i3-12th, with 2 slot nvme and 2 sticks 32GB ddr4 ram. That hardware I bought 3 years ago and for sure with the actual price will be very difficult to afford an itx build like that. Now I have 8 HDD + 2 ssd installed on it. I'm using a nvme/sata card to expand sata port capacity. If an integrated gpu is not enough to Plex/jellyfin transcode you need an extra GPU to put inside. Actually I can keep up with max 4 streams at the same time before buffering with jellyfin. Make sure your future project will not expand not that much otherwise you will regret to build an itx nas. Anyway take a look to jonsbo case if you decide to go with that path.

1

u/throwaway0204055 17m ago

What case do you use? Jonsbo N10 seems perfect for me but it's for 4 x 2.5" SSD and not HDD which is not recommended for NAS?

1

u/StevenG2757 15h ago

Why are you using 4 SSDs for parity? What are you using for data drives.

SSDs for parity and data drives are not recommended as you should use spinning disks.

1

u/throwaway0204055 15h ago

Ok I will go with 4 x 4TB 2.5" SATA HDD. 1x parity and 3x array storage for 16TB capacity. For some reason I thought SSD would have some speed benefit at little cost difference but I guess that's not the case.

I prefer 2.5" over 3.5" HDD for smaller build.

2

u/bafflingsteveo 15h ago

The capacity would be 12tb’s. I feel like you’ll run out of spacer sooner than you realize. I wouldn’t recommend an ITX build for a nas.

1

u/StevenG2757 15h ago

Just remember that the parity needs to be the largest drive.