I’m currently running an Unraid-based media/workstation server, but I’m looking to downsize due to several persistent issues and the physical size of the system. My main pain points include:
- Dual Booting Issues: I’ve had trouble reliably dual booting Unraid and Windows 11. In bare metal mode, Windows detects the IPMI graphics as a second display, and the monitor does not show until windows has loaded. So if I want to switch back to unraid, I have to remote into the ipmi to access the bios and switch the boot back to unraid.
- IPMI Display Conflicts: The IPMI graphics interfere with Windows display detection, causing windows to see the ipmi as a 2nd smaller display. I thought Ipmi would see what the user sees, but this is very much not quite correct
- System Size: The current build is physically large and cumbersome, which I’d like to change.
What I Want to Keep
Despite downsizing, I plan to retain the following components:
- Drives
- PSU
- 5.25" disc drive
- Internal USB 2.0 header-to-port adapter (for keeping the Unraid USB stick inside the case if needed, as some motherboards have a USB header)
Core Requirements
I’m trying to simplify the build and reduce points of failure. Here’s what I’m aiming for:
Performance
- Targeting ~40,000 PassMark score (similar to my current Threadripper Pro)
- Lower power consumption than my current setup
Graphics
- It does seam that intel cpus with Integrated graphics are preferred for both Unraid boot screen and Plex transcoding (Intel Quick Sync)
- Dedicated GPU for Windows 11 VM passthrough
- Alternatively, a basic fanless GPU for Unraid display if integrated graphics aren’t available, but I am not sure if lack of quick sync would make any difference as surly it’s about the performance of the cpu that determines if it can transcode and convert if needed.
ECC Support
- I have 128GB DDR4 ECC RAM, so ECC support would be ideal. I am happy to switch to drr5 if needed.
- However, I’m aware of Alex’s take on ECC from the Perfect Media Server series—so I’m open to skipping ECC if it simplifies the build. But he conflicts this from his current perfect media server build, which does have ECC. So I am not sure if he’s got ECC because the motherboard and CPU support it, and the idea of him in the video later suggesting there is no need for ECC is because of how hard it is to get a board and CPU that supports ECC. I have read that ddr5 does some form of basic ECC, which does seam to suggest something is better than nothing
Motherboard Features
- Micro ATX form factor preferred
- At least two M.2 slots (I have two M.2 drives)
- HDMI or VGA output that doesn’t confuse Windows into thinking there’s a second display and can output in 1080p and not at 4:3
- Internal USB port or usb 2 header for Unraid USB stick as long as there is a 2nd usb 2 header if needed for the case and adapter
- Minimal BIOS tweaking or Unraid configuration required
Thoughts on IPMI and Simplicity
I’ve found that server boards with IPMI often introduce more complexity than they solve—especially with Windows display conflicts. I’m leaning toward using something like PiKVM for remote access instead, which avoids vendor-specific quirks.
My goal is a simple, reliable system with fewer points of failure. I’ve spent too much time troubleshooting, and I want a build that “just works.”
Budget and Options Considered
- Budget: Around £1000
- Boards Considered:
- SuperMicro X13SAE: Great I/O, but lacks dual rear USB-C ports
- SuperMicro X11SCQ: Has the USB-C ports I want, but CPU options are slightly under my performance target
Alex from Perfect Media Server also emphasizes the importance of having access to a motherboard block diagram, which I’ll factor into my decision.
Case Considerations
I’m looking for a case that’s:
- Small enough to lift with one hand
- Courier-friendly
- Supports a full-size 5.25" disc drive
Cases I like but are hard to find:
- Streacom FC9: Sleek, but poor GPU support and uses slim optical drive
- Antec P50: Cube-style, compact, but discontinued
- Lian Li PC-V650 / PC-V354: Also discontinued
Final Question
What motherboard and CPU combo would you recommend that:
- Works seamlessly with Unraid (no BIOS or config headaches)
- Supports ECC RAM (if possible)
- Has integrated graphics or can easily accommodate a basic GPU
- Fits in a compact case
- Meets my performance and budget goals
I do feel that its a bit like in Tron legacy where Kevin Flynn asks CLU to build the perfect system and CLU works on building the perfect system, and later issues start to show up. But then the Borg queen would say that perfection takes time dear.
So I feel like I have compromise in some place, but then I feel like new issues would show up.