Disclosure: For presenting you the products in each section I use amazon affiliate links. They don’t cost you anything, but help me offset some of the cost for running this page. For details, check the affiliate disclosure.
A while back, I’ve built my Efficient Home Server 2024 and wrote an article series about it. It’s a really amazing home server that’s super power efficient, yet packs quite a punch when you need it to crunch some numbers. The thing is, it’s not exactly cheap. Hence, I’ve been asked quite a few times, if it is possible to build a similar system for cheaper.
And yes, of course it’s possible. But, I would like you to understand that I’ve chosen each component in the efficient homer server 2024 for very specific reasons. You can replace any – or even all – of the components, but you may loose the benefits connected to the component. I’ll go through the server again component by component, just like in the original hardware article. For each component, I’ll write a short recap as of why I chose it and possible replacements, including the effects of the replacements to the build.
Spoiler: The highest savings can be acheived by using a different mainboard and a different case. If you’re willing to sacrifice efficiency, a different PSU might also be an option.
Let’s get to it!
CPU
The original Efficient Homer Server 2024 used an Intel Core i3-12100, so the the base version of the 12th gen Core processor series. Saving on the CPU without comprising the performance in this case is not quite easy, since it already is a comparatively cheap processor.
If you want to stick to the LGA1700 socket alternatives might be:
- Intel Pentium Gold G7400
- Intel Celeron G6900
The Pentium will shave off up to 20 € of the CPU’s budget, the Celeron up to 40 €. Do not buy the 12th gen Core processors that end with an F. These do not have an integrated GPU and will need a dedicated GPU in the system. Usually, a dedicated CPU is expensive and will consume more power.
I did not include any AMD processors in this comparison, because from what I have seen, the efficiency of AMD processors definitely is better a higher loads. But at low loads, Intel CPUs for now are the way to go. A homeserver or NAS usually is idling most of the time, so the Efficient Home Server 2024 for now only uses Intel processors.
You may want to buy the boxed edition of the CPU if you’re ok with a little more fan noise, that will save you a few euros.
Mainboard
To keep the power consumption on a comparable level, the CPU chipset should be kept. The original ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming mainboard utilizes a Intel B760 chipset. The main specs are: DDR5 RAM, 2,5 GbE, 6x USB type A ports on the rear, 2x USB type C ports on the rear. The options with this chipset are basically endless, nevertheless I’ve tried to pick a few for you.
The options can be separated into two categories, based on the form factor.
Mini-ITX
This is the mainboard form factor used in the original Efficient Home Server 2024. It’s a very compact form factor that allows you to pack some punch with a very small footprint. But, that also makes it quite pricey. Mini-ITX mainboards often cost double or more of what comparable bigger boards cost. The alternatives are:
- ASRock B760M-ITX/D4 WiFi
- Only DDR4 memory
- Only 1 GbE
- PCI slot is only PCIe 4.0
- Fewer USB ports (A x4, C x1)
- Only one M.2 slot
- Biostar B760NH-E
- Only 1 GbE
- Fewer USB ports (A x5, no C)
- Only one M.2 slot
- GIGABYTE B760I AORUS Pro DDR4
- Only DDR4 memory
- More USB ports (A x7, C x1)
- PCI slot is only PCIe 4.0
Amazon does not carry the Biostar board, so no link there. If you are ok with the restrictions, these boards certainly are an option for you. The original board also has a better audio interface, which might be interesting if you additionally want to use the PC as media PC.
µATX
Here’s where you can really save some money. But, it comes at a cost: if you use a µATX board, you will definitely need a different (definitely bigger) case. So if you really want to limit the size of the PC, this category is not for you.
- ASRock B760M Phantom Gaming (PG) Lightning
- ASRock B760M-HDV/M.2
- GIGABYTE B760M DS3H
Feature wise these boards compare pretty well, also to the original board. I would personally go with the cheapest option, should I want this form factor.
The case
Another pretty expensive component in this build is the case. Why is it so expensive? Because the Fractal Design Node 304 packs a normal ATX PSU and up to 6 HDDs inside a very compact case. Yet, it offers you the ability to cool everything silently with many fans and optimized air flow. Does it have to be this case? Of course not. But, with most other cases your PC will be considerably bigger. Plus, you won’t be able to save much more than around 50€. Let’s look at some options:
- Chieftec Pro Mini AZ-01B-OP
- be quiet! Pure Base 500
- Inter-Tech IT-6505 Reto
- AeroCool CS-102
I’ve tried to include some cases that try to keep the optical “noisiness” down so you can still place them next to your TV. The be quiet! and Cieftec cases are somewhat sound deadened. It’s not much cheaper than the original case for the build, but I still love the be quiet! Pure Base 500. It’s got a few air filters that keep dirt and dust outside and is generally very easy to keep tidy (especially in regard of cables). My current desktop does use that case, I can definitely recomment it.
The PSU
The PSU is one of the main components contributing to the sub 10 W power usage of the PC. To acheive this, the PSU must be efficient, even at very low loads. Which the be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 550 W definitely is. But, it can be hard to get. As also mentioned in the main Efficient Home Server 2024 hardware article, finding these very efficient PSUs is rather difficult. But, we’re talking about cheap in this article. Let’s look at the options:
- Thermaltake TR2 S 600 W
- Inter-Tech SL-500 Plus 500 W
- Enermax MAXPRO II 500 W ATX 2.3
- Chieftec Value APB-500B8 500 W ATX 2.3
You can go even cheaper without any problem. Even 10-15 € is no problem. The question in that case definitely is going to be if you really want to use the cheapest possible PSU for a NAS that serves as backup for your data. That’s why I’ve picked a few PSUs that are from renowned, or at least well-known manufacturers. These usually tend to have acceptable reliability figures. They are definitely worse in regards of efficiency, but they are cheaper and will do the job. You can also take PSUs with hiher wattage, but they will have even more losses, Hence, be even less efficient.
Conclusion
With the components I’ve shown you, you will be able to save a few Euros on the Efficient Home Server 2024, but each of the alternatives come at a certain cost. In my eyes the Efficient Home Server 2024 is a pretty good all-round NAS, homelab, server, media PC, … that manages to keep the power usage at idle pretty low and still offers a good portion of reliability.
As reference, I’ve posted the original part list of the Efficient Home Server below.
If you have suggestions for components or want to share your experience, do comment below or drop me a line or two. I promise, I’ll get back to you 😊
Disclosure: The links below are all Amazon Affiliate links. For details, please check my affiliate disclosure.
| Amazon DE | Amazon UK | Amazon US | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intel Core i3 12100 | https://amzn.to/3zq6pPN | https://amzn.to/3JdZuuv | https://amzn.to/443gME3 |
| Arctic Alpine 17 CO | https://amzn.to/4glM8vz | https://amzn.to/3UeDh5G | https://amzn.to/4cR65Zf |
| ASUS ROG Strix B760-I Gaming | https://amzn.to/4daVwiP | https://amzn.to/49H9VBC | https://amzn.to/3TXFKA0 |
| Crucial DDR5-5200 32 GB | https://amzn.to/3Bggi2V | https://amzn.to/4e0hiqy | https://amzn.to/4e5ydIa |
| Fractal Design Node 304 Mini-ITX Case | https://amzn.to/3MKLABP | https://amzn.to/49xHOof | https://amzn.to/3PZIqfp |
| be quiet! Pure Power 12 M 550 W | https://amzn.to/3XKzdf3 | https://amzn.to/4aV8Rep | https://amzn.to/43XUbsy |
| Samsung 970 Evo Plus 250 GB | https://amzn.to/4glMe6p | https://amzn.to/49EEGGZ | https://amzn.to/43XdceH |