F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop PC motherboard compatible with Unraid setup

PC motherboard compatible with Unraid setup

PC motherboard compatible with Unraid setup

W
Willaem
Member
77
11-01-2021, 03:01 PM
#1
I’m planning to refresh my 4th generation Intel server, but I’m not very familiar with current market trends or motherboard specifications. Prices seem inconsistent, and I’m uncertain about the right components to choose. I’ve learned that even with many PCIe slots, not all lanes are available, which is helpful. I’m hoping you can offer some advice. For context, I’m in Norway and using an i7-12700 processor. Currently, 32GB RAM is sufficient. My server runs Plex most of the time with some video processing, so an integrated graphics card would be ideal. I also want to explore streaming games to my Steam Deck if possible. I’m aiming for around 2-3 M.2 slots, preferring a PCIe interface for my HBA, ideally with a 10GbE network card. A final PCIe slot would be nice for a potential GPU. PCIe lanes: Intel claims 12th gen supports up to 20 Gen 5 and 4 Gen 4 lanes. Given my requirements, it seems like I might be utilizing them heavily. I have limited understanding of what that entails or whether it’s feasible. I need 4 to 6 SATA ports, and I’m unsure about the maximum capacity of my HBA. My setup can support up to 20 drives now, and I plan to add at least 18 more in the future. I don’t require fast USB, Wi-Fi, or similar features—just a standard server with one USB 2.0 port and a PiKVM display.
W
Willaem
11-01-2021, 03:01 PM #1

I’m planning to refresh my 4th generation Intel server, but I’m not very familiar with current market trends or motherboard specifications. Prices seem inconsistent, and I’m uncertain about the right components to choose. I’ve learned that even with many PCIe slots, not all lanes are available, which is helpful. I’m hoping you can offer some advice. For context, I’m in Norway and using an i7-12700 processor. Currently, 32GB RAM is sufficient. My server runs Plex most of the time with some video processing, so an integrated graphics card would be ideal. I also want to explore streaming games to my Steam Deck if possible. I’m aiming for around 2-3 M.2 slots, preferring a PCIe interface for my HBA, ideally with a 10GbE network card. A final PCIe slot would be nice for a potential GPU. PCIe lanes: Intel claims 12th gen supports up to 20 Gen 5 and 4 Gen 4 lanes. Given my requirements, it seems like I might be utilizing them heavily. I have limited understanding of what that entails or whether it’s feasible. I need 4 to 6 SATA ports, and I’m unsure about the maximum capacity of my HBA. My setup can support up to 20 drives now, and I plan to add at least 18 more in the future. I don’t require fast USB, Wi-Fi, or similar features—just a standard server with one USB 2.0 port and a PiKVM display.

S
StyleTrick
Senior Member
744
11-01-2021, 07:11 PM
#2
Using PCPartPicker for Norway, the most affordable LGA1700 board meeting your needs features 6+ SATA ports and three M.2 slots. The Asrock Z690 Pro RS fits the bill with eight SATA ports. Check the complete board list here: https://no.pcpartpicker.com/products/mot...ge=1&E=3,7. It also includes 2.5GbE connectivity, which should suffice until you switch to a 10GbE card. The two M.2 slots are Gen 4, while the third is Gen 3. If you avoid using a Gen 3 M.2 slot, all eight ports remain functional.
S
StyleTrick
11-01-2021, 07:11 PM #2

Using PCPartPicker for Norway, the most affordable LGA1700 board meeting your needs features 6+ SATA ports and three M.2 slots. The Asrock Z690 Pro RS fits the bill with eight SATA ports. Check the complete board list here: https://no.pcpartpicker.com/products/mot...ge=1&E=3,7. It also includes 2.5GbE connectivity, which should suffice until you switch to a 10GbE card. The two M.2 slots are Gen 4, while the third is Gen 3. If you avoid using a Gen 3 M.2 slot, all eight ports remain functional.