HP 290 Plex Server + NAS build questions

Technology Buy Curious
1

So i just ordered a HP290 that’s on its way here and I’m upgrading some hardware.
i5-8600t
500gb NVMe
16GB memory

I was thinking about adding these items for NAS support as this will be on 24/7:

[edit: removed old RAID controller from build]

$94 4 Bay esata enclosure
$32 PCIe x2 Esata Controller

Im not sure if im going about this right. :thinking:

Thanks!
Nathan

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2

I think I’m confused. Are you planning an additional NAS build?

3

No AIO.
After more reading I see its suggested NOT to use a RAID controller with unraid, unless flashed to IT mode. So im changing to the sata card and enclosure to:

$94 4 Bay esata enclosure
$32 PCIe x2 Esata Controller

My starting questions are:
Does this hardware combo work?
Does the additional cost of $126 verses building a completely addtional NK4 make sense?
Will the Plex / Unraid / NZBget / sonarr… server have adequate resources?
Would you suggest upgrading NVMe to 1TB?
Also if anyone has any other suggestions?

Thanks again!

4

Did you by any chance end up building out your 290 into a NAS? I’ve been thinking about doing the exact same thing and it’d be great to hear your experience and any tips/tricks you have!

5

There’s really no good way to build a HP 290 into a NAS, nor is it really necessary.

6

For that price you can build an entire NAS. Why not just use unraid with an HBA flashed to IT mode, as recommended here in various build guides?

7

I did, but @JDM_WAAAT said I would have issues with the 4 bay encloser. So I ended up swapping the HP290 with my spare PC.
https://i.vgy.me/MrSi2V.jpg

I already bought a 8500T and more memory for the 290, so basically I just needed a $69 Motherboard (GIGABYTE B365M DS3H LGA 1151 SATA 6Gb/s Micro ATX) for my old case. The MB was $57 cheaper than the 4-bay Encloser and Esata Controller I returned.
The 290 is now used for a windows PC (my daughters).
The tower runs Unraid and holds up to 10 drives with room to expand.

https://i.vgy.me/4GlPRG.jpg

This setup did use around ~7 more watts, I’m sure it’s the power supply, but having 6 SATA and room to grow was more important.

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