This is my first custom built HTPC and I am looking for answers. I scoured the site for help but haven't found any yet. If you can help, great! Or if you know some threads I could read through instead please link and I will be ever greatful!
I am buying things piece by piece (each pay check). Just purchased the Fractal Define R4 case for my media PC. My reason is for the AMPLE hard drive space (8 x 3.5" and 2 x SSD mounts) and for the silent aspect of the case. I will be running an OS (linux or windows 7) with XBMC and Flexraid or Unraid. That's it.
Next I would like to find a good motherboard & CPU but am unsure what to look for for my needs. (I am leaning towards Intel because of power/energy consumption with the maximum drives in use)
1. I would like to be able to have the capability of connecting 10 SATA drives (since I have room for 10 in the case). Should I look for a board with this many connections on it? Or should I expand later with a PCI card when needed?
2. What will I need to watch for in regards to matching the CPU and Motherboard. Can I just buy any CPU, or are they specific to the type of motherboard?
3. Should I find a motherboard with optical audio on board or get Optical PCI card?
I am buying things piece by piece (each pay check). Just purchased the Fractal Define R4 case for my media PC. My reason is for the AMPLE hard drive space (8 x 3.5" and 2 x SSD mounts) and for the silent aspect of the case. I will be running an OS (linux or windows 7) with XBMC and Flexraid or Unraid. That's it.
Next I would like to find a good motherboard & CPU but am unsure what to look for for my needs. (I am leaning towards Intel because of power/energy consumption with the maximum drives in use)
1. I would like to be able to have the capability of connecting 10 SATA drives (since I have room for 10 in the case). Should I look for a board with this many connections on it? Or should I expand later with a PCI card when needed?
2. What will I need to watch for in regards to matching the CPU and Motherboard. Can I just buy any CPU, or are they specific to the type of motherboard?
3. Should I find a motherboard with optical audio on board or get Optical PCI card?