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+--- Thread: NAS Help (/showthread.php?tid=11599)
NAS Help - Enquiries - 01-08-2025
Just looking for some advice, currently have a plex server setup with old PC components out of my gaming PC, 8700k with Asus ROG Strix Z390-F mobo, looking to reduce power consumption and make something a little more PLEX focused, we recently got a 4k projector so starting to look at supporting more 4k content on the server. I have underclocked the 8700k to drop the power consumption but the processor still seems like overkill for the setup. Also unsure what PSU I should be looking at, unsure what is in the system now but I assume some 800w Corsair or something along those lines. I am using no real features of the ATX motherboard as well, so must be wasting additional power there. I would like to stick with TrueNAS as I know it well, in terms of storage, I have 3x Ironwolf 3TB drives, looking to get some larger drives as well. Budget isn't a huge issue but would like to keep it as low as I can. Appreciate your help
RE: NAS Help - seanbarra - 01-09-2025
Quote:Just looking for some advice, currently have a plex server setup with old PC components out of my gaming PC, 8700k with Asus ROG Strix Z390-F mobo, looking to reduce power consumption and make something a little more PLEX focused, we recently got a 4k projector so starting to look at supporting more 4k content on the server. I have underclocked the 8700k to drop the power consumption but the processor still seems like overkill for the setup. Also unsure what PSU I should be looking at, unsure what is in the system now but I assume some 800w Corsair or something along those lines. I am using no real features of the ATX motherboard as well, so must be wasting additional power there. I would like to stick with TrueNAS as I know it well, in terms of storage, I have 3x Ironwolf 3TB drives, looking to get some larger drives as well. Budget isn't a huge issue but would like to keep it as low as I can. Appreciate your help
I think optimizing your Plex server setup for lower power consumption while ensuring it can handle 4K content is a practical goal.
RE: NAS Help - ed - 01-10-2025
Thank you for reaching out! Your current setup is powerful but understandably overkill for your needs, especially with a focus on 4K content and reducing power consumption. Here's my advice for optimizing your build:
Processor and Motherboard
Your Intel 8700K is excellent for transcoding 4K content in Plex but can be replaced with a more power-efficient and NAS-oriented CPU for your goals:
Recommended CPU: Intel Core i3-12100 or AMD Ryzen 5 5600G.
Both offer sufficient power for 4K content while significantly lowering energy consumption.
Motherboard: A compact and power-efficient Mini-ITX or Micro-ATX motherboard will minimize unused features, reducing power draw and cost.
Storage
Your existing 3x 3TB IronWolf drives are fine for now but will need upgrading for more 4K content.
Recommended Drives: Seagate IronWolf 8TB or 12TB drives for reliability and cost-efficiency. Start with two drives in RAID 1 or expand to RAID 5 as needed.
PSU
Your current PSU is likely overkill, leading to inefficiency at low loads.
Recommended PSU: A 300W–450W 80 Plus Gold-rated PSU, such as the Corsair SF450 or Be Quiet! SFX Power 3, is sufficient for your NAS build and will improve efficiency.
Case
Consider a smaller NAS-specific case like the Jonsbo N2 or Fractal Node 304 for better airflow and compact size.
TrueNAS Compatibility
Stick with TrueNAS for its reliability. Ensure the new hardware is compatible, especially the network card and storage controller.
4K Transcoding in Plex
If you’re focusing on 4K direct play (preferred for local setups), transcoding is less critical. However, for remote 4K playback, consider adding an NVIDIA Quadro P2000 GPU for hardware-accelerated transcoding with Plex.
Estimated Costs
CPU + Motherboard: ~$250–300
PSU: ~$80–100
Case: ~$100–150
Drives: Incremental, based on your needs
Final Thoughts
This build will reduce power consumption, improve efficiency, and ensure great Plex performance for 4K content. It’s scalable as your storage needs grow, and by reusing some components, you can keep costs low.