Mini-ITX server / homelab - Fractal Design Node 304

Will · Sep 7, 2024

My current project is a mini-ITX server to act as a homelab (and also a backup PC...). This will probably run a variety of software, mostly containers running various automation / development / things for fun at home, to go alongside a recent purchase of a Synology DS423+ NAS.

Planned specs:

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i5-12600K 3.7 GHz 10-Core Processor ($159.00 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Asus ROG STRIX Z690-I GAMING WIFI Mini ITX LGA1700 Motherboard ($179.99 @ Newegg)
Memory: TEAMGROUP T-Create Expert 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5-6400 CL40 Memory ($89.99 @ Amazon)
Video Card: MSI GeForce GTX 1060 6GT OCV1 GeForce GTX 1060 6GB 6 GB Video Card
Case: Fractal Design Node 304 Mini ITX Tower Case ($99.99 @ B&H)
Power Supply: SeaSonic FOCUS GX 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($96.99 @ Newegg)

For a cooler, I'll be using a Noctua DH15S which should JUST about fit in the case (and is probably bigger than the motherboard...) The case will be fairly airflow restricted, so maximising the cooler with the available space seems sensible.

The CPU selected is mid-range but fairly new, and still pretty powerful. It should handle anything I need the server to currently do, although down the line it's also upgradable to any LGA1700 Intel CPU if I end up with a more demanding use case.

My previous build has given me no end of trouble - so..... why not another?

Tekno Venus · Sep 7, 2024

This feels a bit of an odd spec list for a home server tbh. Few main points:

Why do you need a gpu at all? There's an integrated gpu on the cpu which would cover basic display output if needed. If you're using this for media/plex then the built in Intel quicksync is honestly better than an external gpu for transcode jobs
What's the plan for on board storage? The node 304 has a lot of hdd caddys but sounds like you're using a NAS for bulk storage so why get a case this that much hdd space?
Could you save money by getting a mobo without wifi? Running a server over wifi is not a fun time.
For a server, ram is going to be your biggest resource usage, especially if you want to run VMs. Would suggest bumping up to 64GB and possibly moving to mATX to get 4 ram slots
What OS are you planning on running? To make best use of resources, I'd suggest Proxmox so you can run multiple VMs and easily back them up to the NAS Proxmox Server Solutions

satrow · Sep 7, 2024

All three of my machines are ITX in lower volume cases.

As a backup PC, my own 10th gen also has a 1060 6GB but only 32GB RAM.

For the VMs, I'd also want 64GB (verified to suit the 'board) as my main 11th gen rig does.

You might need a top-down cooler esp. to keep M2 temps in check, I'd check Thermalright sizes, might be a little louder than Noctua but they cool well.

Quality/suitability otherwise seems quite good.

Will · Sep 7, 2024

Tekno Venus said:
Why do you need a gpu at all? There's an integrated gpu on the cpu which would cover basic display output if needed. If you're using this for media/plex then the built in Intel quicksync is honestly better than an external gpu for transcode jobs

Quicksync is the intended usage - the GPU is actually just spare from a previous machine and I didn't remove from the part list. I may install it anyway to play with.

Tekno Venus said:
What's the plan for on board storage? The node 304 has a lot of hdd caddys but sounds like you're using a NAS for bulk storage so why get a case this that much hdd space?

Eventually this will have 6 HDDs, as well as a boot drive.

Tekno Venus said:
Could you save money by getting a mobo without wifi? Running a server over wifi is not a fun time.

The motherboard is cheap for an m-ITX board, there isn't a comparable non-wifi board on the same chipset for LGA1700 that I can currently get cheaper. I could go for a different chipset, but I'd be saving a negligible amount of money and the Z690 offers some flexibility for intended usage. The server will be ethernet connected.

m-ITX adds a small premium for the motherboard price compared to a mATX/ATX board.

Tekno Venus said:
For a server, ram is going to be your biggest resource usage, especially if you want to run VMs.

Current intended usage has sufficient RAM, but eventually this will be upgraded.

Tekno Venus said:
possibly moving to mATX to get 4 ram slots

Case limitations - only m-ITX or m-DTX is supported. mATX is pretty large in comparison.

Will · 2024-09-21T02:38:50-0400

Will said:
For a cooler, I'll be using a Noctua DH15S which should JUST about fit in the case (and is probably bigger than the motherboard...)

Fun fact - whilst a Noctua DH15S does fit in the case, it does not fit on this motherboard due to the heat sinks being unusually high.

In fact, very few air coolers seem to fit, but downgrading to a NH-D9L is compatible (although barely).

System is built and up and running though.

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Mini-ITX server / homelab - Fractal Design Node 304

Will

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Tekno Venus

Senior Administrator, Developer

satrow

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Will

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Will

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