F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop ITX media server solution for IT infrastructure

ITX media server solution for IT infrastructure

ITX media server solution for IT infrastructure

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cabkiller97
Junior Member
9
07-16-2021, 03:23 PM
#1
You're starting to build a media server with the Fractal Node 304 case. It sounds like you're aiming for a compact setup with plenty of storage. For an ITX, look for one with solid performance and enough ports for your needs. Six HDDs is a good capacity, but ensure the motherboard supports the required SATA ports for your drives. The PCI slot can definitely be used for additional expansion if needed. Since you're planning to run Plex and Nextcloud, prioritize a stable CPU and good RAM support. Let me know if you need more details!
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cabkiller97
07-16-2021, 03:23 PM #1

You're starting to build a media server with the Fractal Node 304 case. It sounds like you're aiming for a compact setup with plenty of storage. For an ITX, look for one with solid performance and enough ports for your needs. Six HDDs is a good capacity, but ensure the motherboard supports the required SATA ports for your drives. The PCI slot can definitely be used for additional expansion if needed. Since you're planning to run Plex and Nextcloud, prioritize a stable CPU and good RAM support. Let me know if you need more details!

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DeacX
Member
68
07-16-2021, 09:51 PM
#2
Typical ITX motherboards feature just one x16 PCIe port, which limits graphics card installation and prevents adding a Host Bus Adapter for extra SATA storage. If you rely on the built-in CPU graphics, the PCIe port can accommodate an HBA. Manufacturers offer M.2 to PCIe riser cards allowing standard PCIe devices in an M.2 slot, though this would block the primary M.2 for your boot drive. Some models include a second M.2 on the rear, enabling boot drive placement there. Choosing a suitable ITX board depends on your intended computer use.
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DeacX
07-16-2021, 09:51 PM #2

Typical ITX motherboards feature just one x16 PCIe port, which limits graphics card installation and prevents adding a Host Bus Adapter for extra SATA storage. If you rely on the built-in CPU graphics, the PCIe port can accommodate an HBA. Manufacturers offer M.2 to PCIe riser cards allowing standard PCIe devices in an M.2 slot, though this would block the primary M.2 for your boot drive. Some models include a second M.2 on the rear, enabling boot drive placement there. Choosing a suitable ITX board depends on your intended computer use.

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Nebel_Tobbi
Junior Member
19
07-17-2021, 03:52 AM
#3
Thanks for your message! I wasn’t thinking about using a graphics card, assuming it’s mainly useful for real-time transcoding. It’s good to know you can use an M.2 slot as a PCIe device. There don’t seem to be major performance concerns here. Regarding your second question, you should be able to fit any arbitrary ITX with two M.2 slots.
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Nebel_Tobbi
07-17-2021, 03:52 AM #3

Thanks for your message! I wasn’t thinking about using a graphics card, assuming it’s mainly useful for real-time transcoding. It’s good to know you can use an M.2 slot as a PCIe device. There don’t seem to be major performance concerns here. Regarding your second question, you should be able to fit any arbitrary ITX with two M.2 slots.