Repurpose old desktop as TrueNas Server - Need some advice

[newbie_server]

I am looking to build a NAS home server. I am trying to repurpose my old pc and use new parts as required.
I have spent the last few days reading posts and I have some questions.

My old PC

• M/B : ASUS h97 pro gamer (spec)
• CPU : Intel i7-4790
• GPU : Intel® HD Graphics 4600
• RAM : 2 * 4 GB Kingston bus 1600
• SSD : Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III
• Storage : 2 * 1 TB SEAGATE Barracuda 7200rpm
• PSU : SEASONIC SS-400ES 400W 80Plus Bronze

I aim to also add 2 extra hard drives which will be 2 * 4TB Iron Wolf Pro Hard drives.

Use:

• File Sharing / Jellyfin / PhotoPrism

Question
1. This M/B has intel l218v Ethernet controller. Do i need to buy a supported NIC like High Profile HP Intel Pro 1000 CT for stability?
2. Should i use the on-board SATA ports disable RAID and set to AHCI OR buy LSI 9211-8i HBA controller?
3. Do i need to upgrade ram to 16GB?
4. CORE or SCALE

Thank You

 

[danb35]

2. Should i use the on-board SATA ports disable RAID and set to AHCI OR buy LSI 9211-8i HBA controller?

There's no reason for a HBA if you have enough onboard SATA ports.

3. Do i need to upgrade ram to 16GB?

I'd recommend it. If you were only sharing files, 8 GB would probably be OK, but the media stuff is going to want more. Even better would be 32 GB.

4. CORE or SCALE

SCALE. CORE is bordering on EOL at this point; all the active development is on SCALE. That's also where the only usable plugin/app ecosystem is.