Media Server/NAS build with old parts. Help!

Builds [AM4] AMD
1

Hello, first time posting and first time building a server! I am seeking guidance on how to go about building a server with some parts I have laying around. The main functions I want from the server is:

  • Play videos on any device connected to the network (and if possible to watch videos when I’m not on my home network that’d be awesome)
  • Be able to move from icloud/google cloud storage to my own storage, and be able to upload videos/photos from my phones and go pro to it
  • I’ve seen on videos that I could set up VPNs and other apps on the server which I’d be open to try

Parts I have:

  • CPU: Ryzen 7 3700x
  • GPU: Nvidia 2060

That is what I know I want definitely out of the build. I have done some of my own research so I have the smallest idea but am still mostly lost. I have looked at some server motherboards like the asrock rack series but they’re kind of expensive. If I do have to shell out the money for it, I could but I wanted to get ideas from others that are experienced to see if it’s worth committing to it. Thank you!

2

Hi and welcome to Serverbuilds!

You are going to have trouble finding server parts based on the AM4 platform. There was not very much produced as it wasn’t really a market segment in enterprise. AM4 servers were really more of a novelty.

For your use case I would look at the Intel platform as you get Quick Sync Video (QSV) for video transcoding and many more options in terms of workstation / low end server components. The current sweet spot for price / performance is Intels 8th / 9th Gen which support DDR4 memory and have a fairly modern version of QSV and are old enough that you can find used parts fairly cheaply. I recommend you check out the NK 6.0 Build Guide

The parts you currently have are fine pieces of silicon, but would probably be better suited to a Workstation / Gaming PC. I would recommend using them for another build or selling them and putting the money towards building something more like the NK 6 which will be better suited for a home media server.