Another NAS build thread...

[iddqd]

Hey guys, I'm obviously new to the boards but I've read SNB for a while now.

I'm getting ready to build this setup and I was hoping someone would give it a once-over to make sure I haven't missed anything.

Purpose:
* Capable of streaming high def media
* General file storage
* Expandable, redundant (RAID 5?)

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Core i3-2120T 2.6GHz Dual-Core Processor ($129.98 @ Outlet PC)
Motherboard: Asus P8H77-I Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($99.99 @ NCIX US)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($40.98 @ NCIX US)

Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($127.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($127.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 3TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($127.99 @ NCIX US)
Storage: Samsung 840 Series 120GB 2.5" Solid State Disk ($97.99 @ Adorama)

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($104.98 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: PC Power & Cooling Silencer MK III 400W PSU ($49.98 @ NCIX US)

Total: $927.87 (Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.) (Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-01-22 14:52 EST-0500)

[stevech]

What software will give you all the features you want/need?
I put that ahead of choosing hardware.

[iddqd]

Narrowed down to 2 options: XBMC or Windows + Plex.

Since I can't use FreeNAS with Plex, I have to look for something purpose-built.

[stevech]

You're pushing $1000 for that box.
XBMC and the like will run nicely on a much less costly system that uses less AC power.

Did you consider using a NAS-only box (DIY or commercial), and a low cost mini-ITX near the TV? Due to HDMI cabling? Zotac?

But hey, I'm cheap.

[iddqd]

I don't care about the component costs - Zotac is a great brand, but they were actually more expensive for what I needed (at least going off today's prices). I want a media/file server that will stand the test of time (for at LEAST 3 years) before I need to think about the processor/motherboard.

There are very few NAS-only boxes that can run something like Plex (forget XBMC) and give me the functionality I want. Really I just wanted to make sure I wasn't forgetting something with the build list.

Thanks for looking!

[stevech]

wouldn't the NAS and disks be far away from the viewing area (noise?)

[iddqd]

Unfortunately, I'm in an apartment, so it will be near the TV. I doubt it will make much noise, the Fractal case (and PSU) I went with have big, slow fans.