NAS Build, parts recommendation, sandy bridge

geniusgizmo1 · May 14, 2013

Hi,

Im looking to build my own nas, I already own a sandy bridge motherboard(Asus p8z68). I want to keep power consumption to a minimum.

The Nas will be used for backups and media. I will also on occasion be using it to play 1080p videos

What CPU should I be looking at which is low power with onboard graphics?

I also need a recommendation for a PSU?

The nas will be left on 24/7

Thanks

Matsushima · May 14, 2013

Is the motherboard the only component you have? I would be looking at an i3-2120T or an i5-2500T

TheBigTroll · May 14, 2013

grab one of these. a ivy bridge pentium is about as much as you need for a nas build while keeping down the cost and power consumption. sandy isnt as great. just update the bios on your board to make it compatable
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116886&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Matsushima · May 14, 2013

A G2020T will have even lower power consumption, but the G2020 is fine. As for the power supply a Corsair CX430 is an affordable good unit.

geniusgizmo1 · May 14, 2013

The motherboard is the only component I have, its a spare from my old gaming build.

Is there anywhere I can get information on how many watts the CPUs will be using when idle?

if I use ivy bridge will the integrated graphics still work?

The CX430 only has 4 SATA connections, I may be using more

TheBigTroll · May 14, 2013

not really. ivy bridge idles very well any ways. you shouldnt expect more than a 13w light bulb's worth of energy consumption at idle. the intergrated graphics work

get the xfx 450w instead or the 550w

FireWire2 · May 14, 2013

geniusgizmo1 :

You mean streaming 1080p to your HD Media player or your HTPC, right?

geniusgizmo1 · May 14, 2013

I want it streaming to other computers/TVs in the house AND it needs to play 1080p video on a TV which it will be connected to via HDMI

FireWire2 · May 14, 2013

geniusgizmo1 :

Got it...

Your P8z68 MB/CPU will cost you average about 100W+ when runs
It's lot more power than you need for a NAS. for streaming to TV/HD player/HTPC... you dont need that much

Where you can have a MB consume about 15W when it runs
http://www.amazon.com/Intel-D2500CCE-Mini-ITX-Motherboard-BLKD2500CCE
and it has 2x GbE Intel's NIC
I'm in the process of building a 16TB NAS expandable to 32TB, which needs about 80W for my friend
If you want I can share it with you

geniusgizmo1 · May 14, 2013

Im in the uk. Cant find that exact model but have seen this.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-Mount-D525MW-Mini-ATX-Motherboard/dp/B0041RSC94/ref=pd_sim_sbs_computers_2

Theres no hdmi however. Please share your specs

Matsushima · May 15, 2013

This seems to have 6 SATA connectors. And you can use Molex/SATA adapters if you need more.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104163&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3938566&SID=

Matsushima · May 15, 2013

This is just an idea of what should be used, I will put in the UK version soon.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G630T 2.3GHz Dual-Core Processor ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: A-Data 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($37.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case ($89.99 @ NCIX US)
Power Supply: FSP Group 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply ($57.99 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer ($14.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $280.95
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-15 01:21 EDT-0400)

Matsushima · May 15, 2013

Here is the UK version. Replace the processor with a G2020T if you can update the BIOS on the motherboard. Note that there is no hard disk and motherboard included.
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant / Benchmarks

CPU: Intel Pentium G630T 2.3GHz Dual-Core Processor (£55.02 @ Ebuyer)
Memory: A-Data 4GB (2 x 2GB) DDR3-1333 Memory (£95.38 @ Amazon UK)
Case: Fractal Design Arc Midi R2 (Black) ATX Mid Tower Case (£80.99 @ Novatech)
Power Supply: FSP Group 550W 80 PLUS Bronze Certified ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply
Optical Drive: Lite-On iHAS124-04 DVD/CD Writer (£13.14 @ Aria PC)
Total: £244.53
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-05-15 06:23 BST+0100)

TheBigTroll · May 15, 2013

you really dont need a t series CPU. its not like they draw a lot less power anyways. at idle, they are basically the same.

FireWire2 · May 15, 2013

geniusgizmo1 :

In UK you can use this:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Intel-D2500CCE-EXLP-MINI-ITX/dp/B00AM2GEFG/ref=sr_1_1?s=computers&ie=UTF8&qid=1368640317&sr=1-1&keywords=2500CCE

most of NAS runs as headless, so the HDMI/DVI is not necessarily need it. Especially if it runs under FreeNAS/OpenFiler/OpenSMB...

geniusgizmo1 · May 15, 2013

Thanks for the parts listing. If the nas is going to idle at low power anyway think I might get something with a bit more processing power. Will look into the G2020. Im a fan of Fractals cases, might go with a white R4

FireWire2 · May 15, 2013

geniusgizmo1 :

Unless you are convert video codec on fly, there is no need for CPU power - Dual core ATOM never get 80% even at 5 streams was going at once

G2020 consumes 55W by itself

I'm using hardware controller SMP394 (more than 20pcs), therefore I'm waiting for this case:
http://www.datoptic.com/mini-itx-server-iscsi-nas-case-w-5-hot-swap-able-hdd-and-1x-2-5-slots.html

To be ship in Mid June

Matsushima · May 17, 2013

Good luck with your build.

NAS Build, parts recommendation, sandy bridge

Honorable

Honorable

Illustrious

Honorable

Honorable

Illustrious

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Illustrious

Distinguished

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Share this page