u/tumtum2579

I apologies if this has been asked over and over, but I am starting to run in circles. Honestly I just need insight for my situation and hardware recommendation.

I am looking to build a personal NAS for a home lab in a 10in rack (deskpi). I do not have room for a full size server rack and I really don't want to buy a prebuilt nas. I was in the process of gathering hardware for the build until I started discovering more information about nas software setups (the more you know, the more you don't know). Originally I had purchased a i5-9500t in a mini itx mother + ram combo. I read how the i5-9500t doesn't support ECC memory, how ECC memory is utilized when using ZFS for raid, and how zfs is superior to traditional raid (not sure if I said that correctly). Now I am in this loop of do I get hardware that supports ECC memory to be able to utilize ZFS?

Couple things:

• I would be using Truenas scale as core is the legacy
• I don't need more that 4 drive bays so itx is perfect. I already 3d printed the hotswap drive caddies and they work.
• strictly for being a nas. I won't be running anything else on this machine.

I just need help on the hardware recommendation. Do I run a more modern i3 that supports ECC? Do I switch to a xenon platform? Do I switch to a ryzen platform? Worst case scenario I build a itx pc for the wifey to game with us and I just buy new parts. The hardware currently gathered is not a total loss. Any insight would be appreciated please and thank you!

As the title states, looking to get established with a dentist within Cincinnati. Currently on UC student health insurance. I am able to drive and does not have to be near the university. Looking for recommendations and who people suggest to go see.

Thanks