I'm looking to build a file server for home. I'm sick of getting more external drives and always plugging them in and moving them as I have more large video files. I want it to run cool and quiet with low-power. It will be always on so it shouldn't draw much power when idle.
I've considered just getting a NAS but I feel that for a slightly higher price I get more flexibility. For instance I might want to run Apache or something on occasion. I'm a software engineer so this seems like a better option. But let me know if there is a good NAS option that is much cheaper.
I'd also like it to be a small form factor (mini ITX/micro ATX) but room for at least 4 drives. I plan on getting about 2x2TB drives for now, but want to have space to upgrade. USB3 is also nice so I can use existing external drives.
I'm mainly stuck on figuring out which processor will fit my needs. I'm thinking maybe an i5, due to cost and because I don't need the power of an i7. But I don't know if there are more energy efficient i7's these days. Also, I'm aiming for about 8GB RAM, 16GB if it's a good deal (say less than 50% more).
My budget is around $400-500 without drives. I'm just hoping to get at least a starting point on the processor/motherboard and maybe the case and my cooling options. A full build is helpful too though.
I've considered just getting a NAS but I feel that for a slightly higher price I get more flexibility. For instance I might want to run Apache or something on occasion. I'm a software engineer so this seems like a better option. But let me know if there is a good NAS option that is much cheaper.
I'd also like it to be a small form factor (mini ITX/micro ATX) but room for at least 4 drives. I plan on getting about 2x2TB drives for now, but want to have space to upgrade. USB3 is also nice so I can use existing external drives.
I'm mainly stuck on figuring out which processor will fit my needs. I'm thinking maybe an i5, due to cost and because I don't need the power of an i7. But I don't know if there are more energy efficient i7's these days. Also, I'm aiming for about 8GB RAM, 16GB if it's a good deal (say less than 50% more).
My budget is around $400-500 without drives. I'm just hoping to get at least a starting point on the processor/motherboard and maybe the case and my cooling options. A full build is helpful too though.