First music server - is my spec rubbish?

[Darryl R]

Hi Tim,

 

One thing I did in my last build was to switch to a fiber NIC.  There's alot of discussion on them here, but since I only needed Ethernet for control and not music I/O, I used an inexpensive NIC and switch+FMC (assume you're planning to put your music on that 1TB Optane).  Might free up some funds for a better USB cable?

[Darryl R]

Streacom is a good option if you need to go now.  But I think the HDPlex is more flexible if you can wait (mid Sep in the US), esp. since you have the HDPlex power stuff.

 

I've always used Intel with the integrated graphics.  I'm using the ASUS ROG Strix Z490-E now, but am eyeing the Z590-E, though it would need the pricier 11th gen processor for best results.