ASRock QC5000-ITX/PH with mSATA storage

[Guest]

I'm considering building a HTPC/NAS using to replace my Synology DS411j.
Here's what I had in mind for a start:
MB: ASRock QC5000-ITX/PH (AMD A4-5000 CPU, 4x1.5 GHz, passive cooling)
CPU: see above
Video: not needed (using the onboard)
Case: CoolerMaster Elite 120
PSU: Corsair TX750


Storage: the motherboard only has 4 SATA connectors, but my planned setup has 3x 3 TB Western Digital (for the NAS purpose) plus one Bluray drive plus... of course, the boot drive. And this is where the fun begins.

My questions are:
- can the mini-PCIe port on the motherboard be used for a mSATA storage card?
- would it boot, if yes?
- would a decent mSATA storage card fit in the space?

Much appreciated!

 

[das_stig]

Yes to all, but if you end up having to transcode any movies, the A4 is not up to the task, even using all 4 cores at 1.5ghz if software can make use of them.

 

[Xibyth]

Yes to all, but if you end up having to transcode any movies, the A4 is not up to the task, even using all 4 cores at 1.5ghz if software can make use of them.

I agree with you on the A4, you would need to crank that up to an A10 minimum or move on to Intel for trans coding. Another huge limiter here is trans coding would require the CPU to be under load for an extended period of time, with passive cooling there is nothing but the case transferring the heat away. This will likely result in the CPU failing within a few short weeks of use in this manner.

 

[Xibyth]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157464

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819113360

The combination is nowhere near as cheap but far better suited for the task though I would recommend the following.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116995

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157390