2012-12-12, 00:03
Hi there,
I'm trying to do build my own fanless (not silent, fanless!) Linux-compatible (=nVidia GPU) media pc / home server with at least 3 drives (1 SSD for the OS, 2 HDD in a RAID1) -- see this thread for details (the thread sort of left the original topic ...).
There are not many fanless mainboards with nVidia GPU and more than 3 SATA ports (= I found one!), so I'm trying to decide between those two options:
1) Jetway NC98-525E-LF
Tests here (from 2010, 2011): tomshardware.com, madshrimps.be
Pro: 4 SATA ports, fanless (though a fan is suggested), good reviews, no need for a PCIe SATA expansion card
Con: Who is Jetway?!, few results on search engines, Linux compatibility unclear, no optical audio out
or
2) Asus AT5NM10T-I or Zotac IONITX-S-E (2 SATA ports) + a PCIe SATA expansion card, e.g. the HighPoint RocketRAID 2300 PCI Express SATA II
Pro: Well-known manufacturer, fanless, works with Linux, optical audio out
Con: PCIe expansion card needed (Linux compatibility unclear), feels wrong buying a new mainboard and having to expand it right away
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!
I'm trying to do build my own fanless (not silent, fanless!) Linux-compatible (=nVidia GPU) media pc / home server with at least 3 drives (1 SSD for the OS, 2 HDD in a RAID1) -- see this thread for details (the thread sort of left the original topic ...).
There are not many fanless mainboards with nVidia GPU and more than 3 SATA ports (= I found one!), so I'm trying to decide between those two options:
1) Jetway NC98-525E-LF
Tests here (from 2010, 2011): tomshardware.com, madshrimps.be
Pro: 4 SATA ports, fanless (though a fan is suggested), good reviews, no need for a PCIe SATA expansion card
Con: Who is Jetway?!, few results on search engines, Linux compatibility unclear, no optical audio out
or
2) Asus AT5NM10T-I or Zotac IONITX-S-E (2 SATA ports) + a PCIe SATA expansion card, e.g. the HighPoint RocketRAID 2300 PCI Express SATA II
Pro: Well-known manufacturer, fanless, works with Linux, optical audio out
Con: PCIe expansion card needed (Linux compatibility unclear), feels wrong buying a new mainboard and having to expand it right away
Any thoughts are greatly appreciated!