First time NAS owner. Hardware requirements? (I read the FAQ)

[steakboy]

I read the FAQ, so i understand the minimum requirements (x86 hardware (Intel or AMD).  minimum 2-core 64-bit CPU, 8GB of memory, and a 16GB or larger SSD boot device). But what about other features, specs for a positive experience?

Ill be doing regular storage stuff. A plex server. And if HexOS can support it, ill be running a DNS, DHCP, home automation, and VPN. (Ive never ran TrueNAS, or any storage servers. So it kind of conflicts in my head that a "storage" solution would offer VM services for DNS, DHCP, etc. But it can run Plex. so im confused right now. but thats not the big question).

Im looking at a 9th gen 9400F with a GTX 1660. My biggest questions are:
1. Do i need/want a CPU that supports virtualization?
2. Do i need/want a CPU that supports hyper threading?
3. Any things to look for for encoding for the Plex server?

[Dylan]

Hi @steakboy 1) If you intend to run VM's, yes, get a CPU that supports it. 2) I'd say yes, but I do know folks that are power conscious and there are considerations about proper core usage efficiencies that HT can impact. However, with your use-case this is likely negligible. 3) If you have the capacity and budget then a discrete GPU may be the way to go. However, you'll see that article explains that integrated GPU's can also meet many needs.

I will be using the Intel N100 for basic file sharing and relatively light transcoding, but YMMV. Spend some time research both and compare against your needs and budget.

Good luck!

[Mobius]

1) im not sure
2) doesn't particularly matter, I'm using a 265k and it doesnt support HT, it works just fine. That said if you are gonna be using an ancient cpu from before the multithreaded days it might be problematic.

3) your cpu being an F sku does not support intel quicksync for hardware transcoding, you will need to use your 1660 with nvenc for transcoding 

man every used cpu i recommend ends up being sold out by the time someone else needs a recommendation 😅 

if you don't already have your 9400f in hand already i would look into a 8500t on ebay. It has an igpu which is great for troubleshooting if you ever have a gpu issue, support for quick sync but most importantly you won't need the dgpu.
I could be wrong but it looks like your usecases don't really need a gpu as strong as your 1660 and on top of that you would be saving a lot of money on electricity without a dgpu sipping power during idle 24/7