AMD Fusion Build for WHS2011. What do you think?

[ars_inveniendi]

I'm looking to build a Windows Home Server 2011 box to use as a media server and backup storage.

My goal is to build it as inexpensively and energy efficiently as possible. After doing a lot of research on possible configurations I've decided to build it around an AMD Fusion E-350 based motherboard but I'm having trouble choosing one, so I thought I'd see if anyone has experience with them.

I've narrowed my selection to the following three boards because I'd like to have USB 3.0 and eSATA. Each is paired with my best guess for RAM that will work with the board.

Configuration 1
SAPPHIRE PURE Fusion Mini E350
Kingston 4GB 204-Pin DDR3 SO-DIMM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)

Configuration 2
ASUS E35M1-M PRO Fusion
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)

Configuration 3
GIGABYTE GA-E350N
G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500)

All three configurations would use the following components:

2x Seagate Barracuda Green 2TB 3.5" 5900RPM Internal Hard Drive
Thermaltake VF6000BNS MicroATX Mini Tower Case
Antec 430W ATX12V / EPS12V Power Supply

Does anyone have experience building a similar system with one of these boards? Do the combinations make sense?


Each of the three builds runs between about $375 and $425.
I'm planning to order this weekend and build the system next week.

 

[nezzymighty]

Hello ars_inveniendi ,
I am building a home server as well, and was hoping you could comment on your selection/configuration. What config did you choose? Are you happy with the throughput MB/s with your build? Is the APU powerful enough for your application? Did you have issues with drivers? Are you having difficulty streaming any blueray or DVD content over your network?
Thanks,
Nezzy