I am still learning about the different caveats of building a NAS PC, which will only be used for network storage access. However, it seems like there are watch-outs in terms of CPU, motherboard, and RAM compatibility for a 24/7 system. The basic requirements are:

  • CPU integrated GPU
  • ECC RAM support
  • [Preferably] x16 PCIe bifurcation support (x4/x4/x4/x4 or x8/x8)
  • Low idle power consumption
  • mATX or mini-ITX form factor
  • 2 or more M.2 PCIe3.0 x4 slots and/or single x16 PCIe4.0 slot
  • No need for transcoding or multi-threaded load applications

Below are what I think are the pros/cons with each platform, but I would like to know if there is anything missing:

Intel (LGA1700)

Pros: DDR4 support, usually more M.2 slots than AMD boards, low idle power consumption as consumer CPU on low-end

Cons: No CPU ECC RAM support for 1x500 and below CPUs, ECC RAM support only for W680/W780 chipset, PCIe bifurcation only available on Z690/Z790 consumer boards

  • CPUs: 13500, 13600K, 14600K

AMD (AM5)

Pros: Most motherboards support PCIe bifurcation, newest platform, iGPU on almost all CPUs, ECC support on all CPUs

Cons: Higher platform and DDR5 cost, ECC RAM support is mostly only supported by ASUS boards, highest CPU idle power consumption?

  • CPUs: 7600, 7600X, 7900

AMD (AM4)

Pros: DDR4 support, most motherboards support ECC RAM, most motherboards support PCIe bifurcation

Cons: No CPU ECC RAM support for non-PRO CPUs, PCIe gen 3 for APUs, very limited iGPU options, conflicting reviews on idle power consumption vs. AM5 CPUs

  • CPUs: PRO 5750G, PRO 4750G, PRO 4350G

Based on the above, it seems like AM5 is the easiest to obtain the hardware but with highest idle consumption, Intel is the most limited in motherboard options, and AM4 is the most limited in CPU options?