Home theatre/automation server ($500-$750 budget)

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aliasxneo

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Jul 15, 2009
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Hello,

This will be my fourth build in my lifetime, but my first server build. I typically save up $2k-$3k and go all out of a gaming rig and so when it came time to start building an affordable server I found myself in trouble quick.

Here's some information:

Budget: $500-$750 (although I'd give kudos to anyone who could get what I need under $500)

Space: Preferably looking to stay in the microATX size and something that would have high Wife Acceptance Factor

Usage:
  • ■Plex media server serving Bluray content (thus, needs to have the ability to encode high def movies)
    ■Home automation system (via OpenHAB)
    ■Home storage system
    ■Occasional hosting of game server for the family
Network: Will be tied in via LAN so wireless is not an issue

Disk space: Will probably want space for at least 3 hard drives.

Time frame: Looking to get some value out of Cyber Monday!

It seems the key parts here are going to be the CPU and RAM. The CPU will govern its ability to serve high def content and the RAM its ability to run all of these services simultaneously. It's important to note that the usages listed are in order of importance.

With all of those details, can anyone from this lovely community provide some insight into how I should go forward? Thanks!

 
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CN Shana
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aliasxneo

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Jul 15, 2009
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Yes, I am building an entire server.

I realized I forgot to put my first attempt up in the OP. You can find it here:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690K 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($209.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($68.00 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.65 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.65 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($27.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply ($77.99 @ NCIX US)
Total: $531.26
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-30 02:11 EST-0500

I shouldn't need a GFX card as I see no need for it. This thing will sit in a corner for most of its life serving content over the network.

The price is low right now because of all the sales, it was closer to $600 when I first built it. My only concern with the above is if the CPU/RAM will be enough and if I will need additional cooling beyond the stock CPU one.

 
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CN Shana

CN Shana

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Jun 10, 2015
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ok i was just wondering if u needed a gpu or not

try this

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD FX-6300 3.5GHz 6-Core Processor ($89.99 @ Newegg)
CPU Cooler: Noctua NH-C14 CPU Cooler ($71.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: Asus M5A99FX PRO R2.0 ATX AM3+ Motherboard ($79.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: Corsair Vengeance Pro 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-2400 Memory ($84.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.65 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.65 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N300 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake SMART 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $511.13
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-30 03:06 EST-0500
 
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aliasxneo

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Thanks for the suggestion, but I don't think that AMD has integrated graphics and neither does the motherboard you posted, which means I would have to buy a GFX card (which is not ideal for cost or space).

Also, that AMD rates quite a bit lower than the i5.
 
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CN Shana

CN Shana

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Jun 10, 2015
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hmmm. ok, well then i think i've got a winner if your okay with integrated graphics

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4460 3.2GHz Quad-Core Processor ($159.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus H87M-E Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($62.90 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 16GB (2 x 8GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($59.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.65 @ SuperBiiz)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 2TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($58.65 @ SuperBiiz)
Case: Cooler Master N300 ATX Mid Tower Case ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Thermaltake SMART 650W 80+ Bronze Certified ATX Power Supply ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Total: $495.15
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-30 03:57 EST-0500
 
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aliasxneo

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I decided to re-use existing hard drives which allowed me more room for the budget. With the extra room I opted for this build:

PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor ($200.99 @ SuperBiiz)
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO 82.9 CFM Sleeve Bearing CPU Cooler ($19.99 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-H97M-D3H Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($68.00 @ SuperBiiz)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($29.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: SeaSonic X Series 400W 80+ Platinum Certified Fully-Modular Fanless ATX Power Supply ($109.99 @ B&H)
Total: $488.94
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-11-30 06:05 EST-0500
 
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CN Shana

CN Shana

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Jun 10, 2015
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Looks like your all set, and stayed under 500$, have fun with your family
 
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