Hi guys,

I have two options that seem to cost the same for a new build and I can't deceided between, both would be fun to try out and i wanted to get a sanity check

Both builds would be in the Phanteks p600s case, with the same GPU, 10xhdd and raid controller and cooling, just different core components. Both based on Australia price.

Unraid Gaming VM

First option is a VM gaming unraid build using the Intel Core i5 12600K because it has the performance and effiecnt cpu's, VM has gpu passthrough and igpu is used in unraid for plex transcoding.

$450 - Intel Core i5 12600K

$350 - MSI PRO Z690

$200 - 32GB (8x4) ddr4 3200 ram

$175 - 1000w psu

$1175 - Total

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Dual system

Second options is two cpu/mothboards and PSU's in the same case, pretty sure i can do this, but will take a little modding. One will be the unraid build, and the other my regular gaming PC.

$285 - AMD Ryzen 5 5600

$100 - mATX AM4 mobo

$100 - 16gb (8x2) ddr4 3200 ram

$150 - 750w psu

$179 - i3 10100

$150 - mini itx mobo 1200 socket

$50 - 8gb (2x4) ddr4 2600 ram

$150 - 450w sfx psu

$1164 - Total

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So this two builds will basically cost the same. The two system build will be a squeeze, but the case is so big and its designed for dual system so i'm pretty sure i can do it, though i will have to keep an eye on airflow and internal temps.

Will be using a 3070 gpu, which should fit. I have 3x hdd cages which fit 4xHDD into each, that will be in there so can fit a max of 14 hdd, doubt i will go over 12 though.

So i know the Unraid VM aming system has the better CPU, but the dual system has two seperate CPU's so i feel that will still work just as well and maybe even give better performance if i am gaming and plex is transcoding a few streams too. I added more Ram to the unraid VM gaming build cause i figured it would need it for running unraid, a windows VM 5-10 dockers and plex transcoding.

With both options I can split into two cases if needed.

Any thoughts?

#Edit: Thanks for all the comments!! Will go with the dual system, i can split it if cooling is an issue. Seems there is to many problems with the VM on unraid for a main and trouble free gmaing PC.

Really appreciate the feedback, one think i love about UNRAID is the community is super helpful!