New headless build to support extenders

[brianlich]

I haven't built a new computer in a while so I'd like to get some feedback on my best options. The computer I'd like to build will have one SSD (running Windows 7) and a couple of spindle drives for my content. I have already have the drives so I don't need to buy those. It will not be in my living room but will serve 4 -5 extenders throughout the house. We do a lot of recording as well as commercial skipping on each file.

Some questions:

Is an i5 processor beefy enough for scanning commercial files after they are recorded without degrading any extenders that are currently watching something?

Is 8GB of RAM enough to drive 4 - 5 extenders or should I buy 16 GB?

The computer will be tucked away in my garage so the case doesn't have to be pretty nor super quiet.

Do you have any specific recommendations on a motherboard, processor, memory, and a case (that can hold several hard drives)?

Thanks in advance!
Brian

[barnabas1969]

Answer: Yes, yes, yes.

See my current system here:
http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/vie ... f=7&t=5587

My old system ran an i5-760 which is much less powerful and it did everything you ask for too.

[brianlich]

Thanks!

[barnabas1969]

In case you're interested, I have a Silverstone case I'm no longer using. It's big enough to hold 9 drives. I don't remember if it holds an ATX or mini-ATX motherboard. I'll get the model number for you later today. I wouldn't ask much money for it. I'll let you know more details later. I'm at the doctor's office now.

[barnabas1969]

It's a Silverstone LC13B-E. It fits ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards (sorry for writing "mini" above). You can see it at the following link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811163117

I paid $114.99 plus shipping for it. I don't need it, so just make an offer and it's yours. I'll post pictures when I get home.

The 3.5" front panel drive bay has a multi-card-reader in it (see it here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820223103). You can have that too if you want it (no extra charge). The 5.25" front panel drive bay is empty. I can dig around in my electronic junk box to find the metal blanks to fill those holes if you don't want anything in the front drive bays (e.g. to make room for more internal drives).

One of the internal drive cages has been modified so that two of the drives are mounted in rubber dampers (to make it quieter). I'll include the rubber dampers and screws so you can put whatever 3.5" drive in those bays that you want.

No fans and no PSU included.

[brianlich]

Sorry for the late reply here. I was out of town for a few days. I'll PM you. Thanks!

It's a Silverstone LC13B-E. It fits ATX and Micro-ATX motherboards (sorry for writing "mini" above). You can see it at the following link:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6811163117

I paid $114.99 plus shipping for it. I don't need it, so just make an offer and it's yours. I'll post pictures when I get home.

The 3.5" front panel drive bay has a multi-card-reader in it (see it here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.a ... 6820223103). You can have that too if you want it (no extra charge). The 5.25" front panel drive bay is empty. I can dig around in my electronic junk box to find the metal blanks to fill those holes if you don't want anything in the front drive bays (e.g. to make room for more internal drives).

One of the internal drive cages has been modified so that two of the drives are mounted in rubber dampers (to make it quieter). I'll include the rubber dampers and screws so you can put whatever 3.5" drive in those bays that you want.

No fans and no PSU included.