Lets Build A Plex Server......That Does Offer Stuff As Well

This is the initial build that will need constructive criticism to get out off the ground.
The main purpose of this build is for serving media and storage system (with secondary storage elsewhere) for pictures, home videos, and documents. I will be serving media to 3 rooms for now, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, and a Fire Kindle. I want to keep it around $400+- with the lesser being more desirable.
I will be reusing the following;
Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 ATX Case
Samsung Evo 250GB SSD
530W BFG Power Supply - This is the questionable device for me. I don't know how comfortable I am using this 7-8year old PS that hasn't run in a long time.
3TB WD Red
Various other drives for initial storage
Other Info
using a wired system through house
Router is a Netgear R7000 Nighthawk
Draft #1 for missing parts. Everything sourced from Newegg for simplicity of gathering information.
Intel Core i3 6100 CPU
Gigabyte Micro Atx MB Reason for Micro because I know the Cosmos is just too big but I'm on a budget
G.Skill Ripjaw 4 (2x4GB) This ram is compatible with the Gigabyte MB. Is 8gb enough?
Standard Bluray Burner Drive I need this in order to rip anything.
I don't know about an operating system yet as I havent found my windows 7 disk.
Thoughts...?
The main purpose of this build is for serving media and storage system (with secondary storage elsewhere) for pictures, home videos, and documents. I will be serving media to 3 rooms for now, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, and a Fire Kindle. I want to keep it around $400+- with the lesser being more desirable.
I will be reusing the following;
Cooler Master Cosmos 1000 ATX Case
Samsung Evo 250GB SSD
530W BFG Power Supply - This is the questionable device for me. I don't know how comfortable I am using this 7-8year old PS that hasn't run in a long time.
3TB WD Red
Various other drives for initial storage
Other Info
using a wired system through house
Router is a Netgear R7000 Nighthawk
Draft #1 for missing parts. Everything sourced from Newegg for simplicity of gathering information.
Intel Core i3 6100 CPU
Gigabyte Micro Atx MB Reason for Micro because I know the Cosmos is just too big but I'm on a budget
G.Skill Ripjaw 4 (2x4GB) This ram is compatible with the Gigabyte MB. Is 8gb enough?
Standard Bluray Burner Drive I need this in order to rip anything.
I don't know about an operating system yet as I havent found my windows 7 disk.
Thoughts...?
“If your eyes didn’t water, it means I didn’t go deep enough” says the nurse administering my COVID19 test. She was sweet...
Comments
Much better deals can be had on Haswell parts and ddr3 is also cheaper. Yes, a little more energy consumption, but I don't know if it will matter much.
Also, you should definitely plan on a new power supply. The newer processors have requirements that were not around back then, especially when it comes to sleep power states.
A 400w builder series corsair is all you need. Watch for coupon/rebate sales. Probably grab it under $30 if you're patient.
Sony SS-M9; LSA Statement Amplifier; VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko Premier FT-4/Audio Technica AT15SA; Pass Labs DIY Pearl Phono; Sony SCD-C333ES SACD Changer; TEAC UD-301 DAC; Dell/WYSE 5010 (running Daphile); Sony ST-SA5ES Tuner; Nanotec Golden Strada speaker cables (SR+#79 Shotgun); Audioquest Coral interconnects
Sony SS-M9; LSA Statement Amplifier; VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko Premier FT-4/Audio Technica AT15SA; Pass Labs DIY Pearl Phono; Sony SCD-C333ES SACD Changer; TEAC UD-301 DAC; Dell/WYSE 5010 (running Daphile); Sony ST-SA5ES Tuner; Nanotec Golden Strada speaker cables (SR+#79 Shotgun); Audioquest Coral interconnects
I started with an i3 in mine and quickly upgraded to an i5 quad as it would begin to max out cpu cycles with more than 2 devices being served causing buffering issues and minor lag in audio. Granted, I have none of my content compressed but it was still annoying.
That being said, I have since moved on to a much more robust server and have relegated my previous box to HTPC duties.
You can run it on a simple i3 box as long as you are only serving 1 or 2 devices, but if you are like me and share your entire Plex library with a dozen or so people, you may need to think bigger in the CPU department.
Also, I agree with Bill on the PSU...at that age, you are better off picking up a modern 400w PSU from someone like Corsair that will be a better match with today's tech.
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
What software are you going to use to rip the blu-ray's? I recommend MakeMKV. It's simple to use and does a good job. I believe it's 50 bucks for a license. You can use it for free for 30 days if you want to try it out.
At any time, 2 will most likely be the max for at least a couple years before my new roommate even needs to begin thinking about watching movies. I don't share well with others. Also, i want to keep this system for home use only because unlike you fine gentlemen, i do not have an IT background.
This system is designed to be purely a starter system that has upgrade ability further down the road.
As for the parts, i will start to plug them into pcpartpicker as soon as i/we are comfortable on the selection and will move from there. What might cost $400 on newegg may be in the realm of $325-$350 elsewhere which might help bump the budget a smidgen. Which in turn, might net a better CPU.
That's why i have you guys to help spend my money!
On to the PSU. What does you assume to be an average power requirement for a HDD? I plan on starting with an SSD, and (1) 3TB but will definitely add more as the year progresses and budget dictates. I don't want 1000w unit but i also don't want to undercut.
I will use the tried and true processes that you guys have laid out here as they are echoed (a lot) elsewhere. MakeMKV and Handbrake.
In the neighborhood of 400-500 watts will do.
Btw, makemkv is free while in beta (has been beta for years) Don't spend 50 on a license that isn't needed. It may get shutdown by MPAA at some point.
Sony SS-M9; LSA Statement Amplifier; VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko Premier FT-4/Audio Technica AT15SA; Pass Labs DIY Pearl Phono; Sony SCD-C333ES SACD Changer; TEAC UD-301 DAC; Dell/WYSE 5010 (running Daphile); Sony ST-SA5ES Tuner; Nanotec Golden Strada speaker cables (SR+#79 Shotgun); Audioquest Coral interconnects
"Unwad those panties and have a good time man. We're all here to help each other, no matter how it might appear." DSkip
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
CPU: Intel Core i5-6400 2.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($179.00 @ B&H)
Motherboard: ASRock H170M Pro4 Micro ATX LGA1151 Motherboard ($87.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR4-2133 Memory ($35.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Corsair CX 430W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-Modular ATX Power Supply ($42.98 @ Newegg)
Optical Drive: LG WH14NS40 Blu-Ray/DVD/CD Writer ($48.99 @ SuperBiiz)
Total: $394.94
Have
SSD - 250GB Evo
Case - Cooler Masters (will swap to micro atx when i have more money)
HDD - 3TB to get started, Smaller Drive for files photos. Will add more as i progress.
Still need to find my Windows 7 CD when i get home tonight.
What say you now? I changed the MB and up'd to the cheapest Skylake i5 which i assume will be leagues better than the i3?
You got one lying around?
Also, I would personally choose a better brand of memory. I stick by Crucial/Kingston/Corsair for most of my builds and never have issues.
Also, the cpu has a $15 promo code right now from Newegg, bringing it down to $175.
You might also consider this board. The Z170 is a better chipset and MSI is a better brand IMO. Plus, it is full ATX which could be better in the long run.
EDIT: I think the MSI board also adds USB3.1 and SATA Express for better future-proofing.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813130871
It is $109-15% code ($92.50) with a $10 rebate.
Otherwise, looks good.
Sony SS-M9; LSA Statement Amplifier; VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko Premier FT-4/Audio Technica AT15SA; Pass Labs DIY Pearl Phono; Sony SCD-C333ES SACD Changer; TEAC UD-301 DAC; Dell/WYSE 5010 (running Daphile); Sony ST-SA5ES Tuner; Nanotec Golden Strada speaker cables (SR+#79 Shotgun); Audioquest Coral interconnects
I was sticking with the Micro Atx so i could swap the case out later on down the road for something a little more space friendly.
Either way, it looks like i can get the job done for just under $400.
PM me if you are interested and we can talk numbers. I could do Board/CPU/Memory/Video /Cooler, or do complete turn-key system in a really cool mATX case.
I have a lot of surplus parts.
Sony SS-M9; LSA Statement Amplifier; VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko Premier FT-4/Audio Technica AT15SA; Pass Labs DIY Pearl Phono; Sony SCD-C333ES SACD Changer; TEAC UD-301 DAC; Dell/WYSE 5010 (running Daphile); Sony ST-SA5ES Tuner; Nanotec Golden Strada speaker cables (SR+#79 Shotgun); Audioquest Coral interconnects
Actually I do... for this reason lol
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
Super spiffy! Just means you blew your weekly beer wad on computer stuff hehehe....
My biggest cost for my setup was my HDD's (bought one by one) and the case (200 bucks
I need to up my CPU at somepoint to a i5 but I can wait... unless Ryan @ZLTFUL wants to let me buy his from his superpowerful HTPC he doesnt need (since he has like a 32+ TB Server now) and I will give him back the Pentium so the HTPC still runs hehehe....
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
This won't make you happy but I think I got really excited about building a brand new computer and started ordering my parts earlier this afternoon.
CPU, PSU, and Optical Drive have been ordered.
I would be interested in a Windows License if your still willing to part with one. Should I be looking at 64 or 32 for OS?
I still haven't decided what I want to do with a MB which is also holding up the Ram department. That board you found, at that price, is very enticing.
No problem. Just thought I'd throw it out there. I agree, nothing like a new system. One that has 3-y warranty on board/cpu.
64-bit is the only thing anyone should be looking at these days (IMO). Its the only way you'll see more than 3.5GB of RAM.
I'll send you PM about Windows License.
Sony SS-M9; LSA Statement Amplifier; VPI HW-19 Mk3/Sumiko Premier FT-4/Audio Technica AT15SA; Pass Labs DIY Pearl Phono; Sony SCD-C333ES SACD Changer; TEAC UD-301 DAC; Dell/WYSE 5010 (running Daphile); Sony ST-SA5ES Tuner; Nanotec Golden Strada speaker cables (SR+#79 Shotgun); Audioquest Coral interconnects
MB and ram ordered today. My guess is maybe by Saturday if I play my cards right?
How about this....you buy/install one first and i'll follow suit.
When i make JoeJoe money, i'll just pay someone to run a server for me.
Trust me, if I could I would have... my two computer cases (Silverstone GD-07 & GD-08) dont have the right configuration for them, or at least not that I can see easily, otherwise Ida done it lol...
Maybe the HTPC can have it in the middle section if I cut out the HDD bracket.... hmmmmmm
Can i install the mounting bracket with the board mounted or do i need to remove the board to install this thing? I am unfamiliar to newer tech as i've been out of the game for so long.
My case DOES have the holes pre-drilled and grommet'd for water cooling out the back. It has been the single best case i ever bought and i have bought some POS's.
We'll see how i feel when i see/hold the CPU Fan assembly today. I was a big Zalman fan back in my hay day.
And there you have it @Enders. A penny saved is a penny earned!
Now i can put a down payment on a HDD.
Epson 8350 Projector/ Elite Screens 120" / Pioneer Elite SC-35 / Sunfire Signature / Focal Chorus 716s / Focal Chorus CC / Polk MC80 / Polk PSW150 sub
Bedroom - Sharp Aquos 70" 650 / Pioneer SC-1222k / Polk RT-55 / Polk CS-250
Den - Rotel RSP-1068 / Threshold CAS-2 / Boston VR-M60 / BDP-05FD
Yeah but your geek cred goes up with the cooler
Yes they could go out, yes it may not be needed, but I figured you wanted a bit of bling right..
Its all good, my CPU cooler was like 45 bucks and works like a charm but I've been debating that corsair because its entirely self contained and I dont think its ever meant for you to have to change the water out at all, just set and forget.....
Main reason would be it would keep the CPU cool and also quiet things down a bit as you could run the fan slower....