CPU advice for NAS/HTPC/Media Server

[ajb0730]

I just bought a Lian-Li PC-Q25 Mini-ITX case and 4 1TB drives (2 WD, 2 Seagate). I want to use this to replace my existing NAS, and also for a media server (something like Plex) and HTPC.

My requirements are:
At least 5 SATA ports, at least 1 SATA III for a SSD system drive.
CPU able to handle transcoding (mostly down conversion to iPhone formats) and HTPC playback.
Integrated graphics.
Low power/heat, this will be on 24/7.
Cost is a factor (budget around $500 for remaining parts), but I can be flexible.
I can be patient and buy things piecemeal as they go on sale.
Also: the PC-Q25 limits PSU length to 140mm and CPU Cooler to 80mm height.

Here's my thoughts, I'd like to hear recommendations for what to change:

AsRock FM2A85X-ITX (7 SATA III ports)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157357

AMD A4-5300
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113283

Arctic Alpine 64 GT CPU cooler
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186062

FSP 400w MicroATX PSU with ATX bracket
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817104131

8GB (2x4) Crucial Ballistix Tactical (low voltage, low profile)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148656

...plus whatever 64 GB SSD is on sale.

I can't decide if the A4 has enough juice, or if I should step up to an A8. The other option would be an LGA 1155 board with a low power 35W i3 - though that may need a PCIe SATA card to get enough ports.

 

[TheBigTroll]

low voltage ram doesnt help.get this ram
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=74758&promoid=1321

stock heatsink should be more than fine. if you want a small super low profile heatsink, this will do
http://us.ncix.com/products/?sku=77371

the a4 should be okay for transcoding.

 

[ajb0730]

Thanks for the tips! Good to know the A4 will work.

I had looked at the LH-9a (and LH-12), but they're both incompatible with the FM2A85X - capacitors block the backplate.

 

[TheBigTroll]

the stock heatsink should still do the job. just that it will be louder

 

[djangoringo]

You don't need an aftermarket cooler, specially the noctua one, there's a cheaper dual channel kit of crucial ram in newegg : http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148544
If you get in ncix us you'll pay shipping costs.
You can put in there the antec vp-450 it fits.

 

[TheBigTroll]

if he buys a hard drive from them (which is 10 bucks cheaper for the most part), problem solved.

get these WD red drives. server grade drives, but not server grade speed.
http://us.ncix.com/products/index.php?sku=74268&vpn=WD20EFRX&manufacture=Western%20Digital%20WD&promoid=1332

 

[djangoringo]

He wants a ssd, there's the plextor m5s in microcenter or sandisk ultra plus in newegg or amazon, with 128GB capacity, for a 64GB ssd there's the ADATA Premier Pro in newegg, but i rather get a 128GB.

 

[TheBigTroll]

yes i know that. but for a nas build, he still needs hard drives

 

[djangoringo]

He might have already hdds, either way it's a decent build, and if the op wants a hdd, the red one is a good choice and yes he can get the ram there, it totals more than 100$, if not, get the ram in newegg and a ssd.