I’m finally getting around to migrating my OMV-based NAS from its current “2014 Mac Mini + USB multi-drive enclosure” setup to a more reliable build that doesn’t rely on USB. But I’m torn on CPU choice.

The “new” system is based on Intel 7th gen hardware, since that’s what the majority of my whole homelab runs (with zero complaints). The motherboard is an Asus Prime Q270M-C, meant for more commercial applications, and supports Intel’s vPro/AMT/ME/whatever it’s called (“vPro” from here onward) OOB management setup. I would really like to utilize vPro since I’m familiar with it and most of my machines have this enabled (and not accessible from outside my LAN).

The only compatible 7th gen CPUs with vPro are the i5-7500/T, i5-7600/T, and i7-7700/T. All are cheap (≤$50), easy to find on eBay, and I have no issues using the 35W T SKU. That said - I have a spare, yet perfectly functional Pentium G4560T sitting on my desk, but the only reason I haven’t installed it yet is because it doesn’t support vPro. I also have a 6th gen i5 (which the Asus mobo also supports) in an unused Optiplex 3040 SFF somewhere in my basement, but I don’t think that CPU supports vPro. I should check…

Anyway, I have some options:

  1. Use the G4560T and deal with no vPro.
  2. Swap the G4560T for the i7-7700T currently installed in my HA instance (Lenovo M710q), but then deal with virtually zero CPU overhead in HA.
  3. Buy an i5-7500/7500T
  4. Buy an i5-7600/7600T
  5. Buy an i7-7700/7700T

I don’t have an issue with any of these options, even losing vPro is something I can deal with. But I like having overhead, and hate having extra hardware laying around.

What say the Lemmings?

P.S.: For those interested, this is the planned NAS build.

  • frongt@lemmy.zipEnglish
    5·
    2 days ago

    Buy the new one, sell the old one. I’m sure that will even out if you account for the convenience of vPro.

    Incidentally, do you know of any documentation about how to use it? I’m sure I have devices that support it, but I’ve never even tried.

    • Lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      I’ve already built the “new” NAS. Just trying to figure out the CPU situation before I take the plunge and swap the data drives over.

      As for documentation, it really depends on the vendor, but the general process is the same overall. Here’s a PDF guide from MeshCentral that goes into more detail.

      I use the CPU lists on Wikichip (Kaby Lake linked) to figure out what CPUs are compatible with vPro. Something to keep in mind is both the CPU and motherboard require vPro support for it to work properly.

  • Brkdncr@lemmy.worldEnglish
    2·
    2 days ago

    Vpro is really only needed to get you into your bios or fix an issue where you disabled network somehow.

    You could buy a standalone kvm. I think there’s one that uses a raspberry pi.

    Or you could set up vnc or something similar on your host if you need a gui.

    I would put vpro as a nice to have but not essential component option.

    Non-vpro with amt will still get you to the pre-os screen I think.

    • Lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      I’m already very familiar with the AMT portion of vPro, all three of my Proxmox nodes have it enabled and locked down. Really handy to get in there when needed. The KVM route is rather expensive as I would need one that supports at least 5 systems.

      vPro’s out-of-band management is the entire reason I use it, because my little lab is tucked in a utility room all the way in the basement, where I would have to cross the treacherous lands of scattered children’s toys.

  • kumi@feddit.onlineEnglish
    21·
    2 days ago

    Personally I’m too paranoid about security and sus of Intel to be comfortable with vPro but you do you.

    That said, I’d go for 1, considering you already have that 6th gen on hand in case you need a spare.

    Otherwise 3 or 4 (whichever is available on secondary markets for a decent price) and hang on to that Pentium in case need arises. Doesn’t sound like the extra power draw of an i7 is worth it for this build.

    • Lka1988@lemmy.dbzer0.comOPEnglish
      1·
      2 days ago

      Fair points. My entire homelab setup of five PCs pulls a total of 90-120W at any given time.

      I’m gonna go check that 6th gen now that I’m home…