Building a 100% SSD Home Server - Is an Intel Xeon D a good option?

In this video I build a new home server with fully SSD based storage using the Logic Case SC-23400-2 from Server Case.  I also try something a bit different by using an Intel Xeon D-2143IT motherboard from AsRock Rack removed from a second hand Datto appliance that I purchased from eBay.  In terms of software, I considered several different options including UNRAID, TrueNAS and Proxmox VE however I ultimately settled building a custom system using SnapRAID and MergerFS running on Debian to give me an easily expandable filesystem with good storage density and full filesystem scrub and repair capabilities.

Buy the Logic Case SC-23400-2: https://www.servercase.co.uk/shop/ser...

Find similar Xeon D based servers (Affiliate):
 - UK - https://ebay.us/GvqVz6
 - US - https://ebay.us/wgYtPX

Buy the IPC-5100 Plus CCTV & Network Tester on AliExpress (Affiliate): https://geni.us/8kCNqG

Other parts used (Affiliate) UK:
 - Hot Swap Drive Backplane: https://amzn.to/3TBEqks
 - Crucial MX500 SSD: https://amzn.to/3yZDLS6
 - MiniSAS Breakout Cable: https://amzn.to/3VO2ym8
 - 4 way SATA Cable: https://amzn.to/3z0Bp5n
 - Noctua 40mm Fan: https://amzn.to/3yWGuvC
 - Seasonic 350w ES2 PSU: https://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/pc-pow...

Other parts used (Affiliate) USA:
 - Crucial MX500 SSD: https://amzn.to/3F1swMM
 - MiniSAS Breakout Cable: https://amzn.to/3ToMipR
 - 4 way SATA Cable: https://amzn.to/3F41h4s
 - Noctua 40mm Fan: https://amzn.to/3CNBdaS

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Twitter: camerongray1515

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction
03:03 - Looking at the Case
14:29 - Where is the motherboard and CPU?
29:20 - This thing is basically new?
32:20 - Tour of the motherboard
34:53 - SSD Choice
35:29 - Software Setup Explanation
43:37 - PSU Selection
46:29 - How are we installing the SSDs?
50:33 - A cheap M.2 SATA controller - Do we need it?
54:13 - Keeping everything cool
56:50 - Building it!
59:33 - Tour of the completed build
1:04:26 - First power up
1:08:55 - Cheap SATA controller problems
1:09:54 - Software configuration & Performance
1:12:55 - Noise & Power Consumption
1:15:26 - Mounting it in the Rack
1:16:50 - Conclusion

AFFILIATE LINKS NOTICE:
Product links under this video marked “(Affiliate)” are affiliate links where I may receive a small commission on qualifying sales.  Affiliate programs that I am a member of include, but are not limited to: Amazon Associates, eBay Partner Network and AliExpress Affiliates.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Purchasing through these affiliate links will not cost you any more money, however the commission earned significantly helps fund the production of videos on my channel.