Help selecting PC for a home server / NAS build

Hi all,

Looking to pick up something inexpensive to do a home server build. Primary and initial purpose will be for a NAS, but I will later look to expand once I better understand what a HS can do. So the ability to have drive space will be key factor to start.

Trouble is, there are so many used, inexpensive PCs available that I don’t know where to start.

I have an old monster AMD machine I built about 12 years ago. It sits in an ATX mid case which has plenty of room for drives, as well as 6 SATA connections on the motherboard. Trouble is the processor has a TDP of 125w and it’s drawing 65w just at idle. Not efficient enough for me.

I’m debating trying to find something I can swap in to this case for the room and expandability, or something self contained.

I’ve come across a couple of SFF PCs with later gen Intels for at or around $100. I imagine I’m looking at only one SSD and 2 HDDs with a form factor like this, which might not be enough. But then again, I’m not sure what I’ll need in terms of disk space capacity or RAID config - two might be plenty.

Most of the bigger machines I come across are older, and not much better than what I currently have.

I think a mini is out of consideration because of the want for drive space.

Can anyone provide some models to be considering? I know processor is more important than brand and model number, but having a brand and model to search for will provide an easier start. And price point I should expect (approximately)?

Edit to add: it’s quite difficult to get good detailed specs from sellers when looking locally. This is another benefit to having brand and model options as a starting point.

Thanks!