$500 MAX Mini-ITX Server Build

[michaelwang_99]

Hi, I am planning on building a home media/file server while running PLEX media server OS. Here is the build that I think is good.

PCPartPicker part list: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/CvK5
Price breakdown by merchant: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/CvK5/by_merchant/
Benchmarks: http://ca.pcpartpicker.com/p/CvK5/benchmarks/

CPU: Intel Core i3-2100 3.1GHz Dual-Core Processor ($118.65 @ DirectCanada)
Motherboard: Asus P8H77-I Mini ITX LGA1155 Motherboard ($98.65 @ DirectCanada)
Memory: Crucial 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1333 Memory ($40.12 @ DirectCanada)
Storage: Seagate Barracuda 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive ($69.79 @ DirectCanada)
Case: Cooler Master Elite 120 Advanced (Black) Mini ITX Tower Case ($49.99 @ Canada Computers)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq Plus 550W 80 PLUS Certified ATX12V Power Supply ($60.95 @ DirectCanada)
Optical Drive: LG GH24NS72 DVD/CD Writer ($17.06 @ DirectCanada)
Total: $455.21
(Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available.)
(Generated by PCPartPicker 2013-02-21 20:53 EST-0500)

I used 1333MHz RAM because the i3 2100 only supports that speed. I believe all the Sandy Bridge i3s all have a maximum RAM speed of 1333MHz.

Also, I am considering replacing the 7200RPM hard drive with a 5400RPM hard drive. But the 5400RPM costs a little more.

I'm just wondering if this is a good build. If there is anything to improve, please let me know. Feel free to create another build that is better than this one.

Keep in mind that the budget is $500. No more. And also keep in mind that I live in Canada. So please refer to Canadian prices.

Thanks in advance,
Michael.

 

[mastrom101]

Power Supply and Motherboard look a little bit pricey.

Are you sure 1 TB is enough?

EDIT:
Never mind it looks good. You might be able to get a better PSU deal if you can wait.

 

[michaelwang_99]

Power Supply and Motherboard look a little bit pricey.

Are you sure 1 TB is enough?

If 1TB is not enough, I will buy more hard drives. I am just starting off with 1TB.

I agree that the motherboard and power supply are pricey. Here is my reasoning.

Motherboard:
I need some SATA3 ports on the motherboard. And that seems to be the cheapest one that fulfills the requirements for the server.

PSU:
The case I want to purchase is a Mini-ITX form factor case and is not very spacey. I need a modular power supply because there is not enough space in that case for a regular power supply with all the wires dangling out. That was the cheapest modular power supply.

 

[mastrom101]

If 1TB is not enough, I will buy more hard drives. I am just starting off with 1TB.

I agree that the motherboard and power supply are pricey. Here is my reasoning.

Motherboard:
I need some SATA3 ports on the motherboard. And that seems to be the cheapest one that fulfills the requirements for the server.

PSU:
The case I want to purchase is a Mini-ITX form factor case and is not very spacey. I need a modular power supply because there is not enough space in that case for a regular power supply with all the wires dangling out. That was the cheapest modular power supply.

I realized that that motherboard was one of the cheapest with SATA 3 that's why I edited my post.

The build looks good, but I would look for a sale on the Corsair CX Modular power supplies. I've seen them sell for cheap on Tiger Direct.

Good luck on your build!

 

[michaelwang_99]

Best answer selected by michaelwang_99.