Golden Build

Cloudmaker Build

Optimized for Docker applications like Plex, Immich, Nextcloud, and paperless ngx, this build sets the standard for a versatile and high-performance home server.

Designed for Plex, Nextcloud & Immich

The Cloudmaker Build is engineered for those who demand more from their NAS. Balancing power and energy efficiency, this configuration is perfect for running multiple Docker containers and media services that transform your home cloud experience. It supports Plex for high-quality home entertainment and video streaming, Immich for image hosting similar to Google Photos, Nextcloud for robust data storage and seamless collaboration, and paperless ngx for a streamlined, digital document management system and paperless office.

Below, you’ll find a detailed list of the best components, handpicked to ensure reliability and performance far beyond what proprietary solutions offer. If you purchase through these links, we receive a referral commission at no additional cost or disadvantage to you. With your purchase you’ll be also supporting this site, so thank you in advance!

Perfect for personal cloud hosting

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Integrated iGPU for media transcoding

The Intel i3 CPU with integrated iGPU offers plenty of headroom for 4k media transcoding and virtualisation.

Plenty of storage & expandability

The build comes with sufficient storage capabilities and expansion slots for future proof upgradeability.

Low energy consumption

Though powerful, this build is designed to run 24/7 by consuming less energy on operation.

<500 $/€

Components

The Cloudmaker Build offers a perfect balance between performance and efficiency. It’s designed not only to handle high-demand media streaming and cloud services but also to remain energy efficient during continuous operation. Every component has been chosen for its reliability and ability to integrate seamlessly, allowing for future upgrades without compromise.

Category	Part	Buy (Affiliate)
Mainboard	GIGABYTE B760M DS3H	Amazon* newegg*
CPU	Intel Core i3-14100	Amazon* newegg*
RAM	Corsair VENGEANCE DDR4 RAM 32GB (2x16GB) 3200MHz	Amazon* newegg*
Power Supply	CORSAIR CX550	Amazon * newegg*
Case	Fractal Design Node 804	Amazon* newegg*

Storage

To ensure both speed and reliability, the Cloudmaker Build leverages a dual-drive storage solution. A 1TB NVMe SSD serves as a high-speed cache and powers Docker containers and virtual machines, providing swift access and responsive performance. Complementing this, two 14TB HDDs offer expansive data storage—one dedicated to housing your files and media, and the other reserved for parity to safeguard against drive failures. This balanced approach delivers both high-performance and robust redundancy for your home cloud setup.

Category	Part	Best for	Buy (Affiliate)
SSD	Crucial P3 Plus SSD 1TB M.2 NVMe	Fast accessible storage, Docker	Amazon* newegg*
Hard Drives	2x 12TB Seagate IronWolf	Bulk storage, redundant data archive	Amazon* newegg*

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to commonly asked questions about the Cloudmaker build.

Which operating systems work best with the Cloudmaker Build?

The Cloudmaker Build is versatile and supports several NAS operating systems, including TrueNAS, Unraid, and OpenMediaVault. These platforms offer robust Docker integrations and excellent storage management features, allowing you to fully leverage the build’s capabilities.

How do I set up media and cloud services like Plex, Immich, Nextcloud, and paperless ngx?

Once you’ve assembled your Cloudmaker Build and installed your preferred NAS operating system, you can deploy each service as a Docker container. Each application comes with its own setup guidelines—Plex for home entertainment and video streaming, Immich for image hosting, Nextcloud for data collaboration, and paperless ngx for document management. Be sure to follow the specific instructions provided in the container documentation and allocate resources (CPU, RAM) appropriately for optimal performance.

How does the dual HDD setup enhance data protection?

In this configuration, one HDD is used for storing your files and media, while the second drive is reserved for parity. This arrangement provides a layer of redundancy, so if one drive fails, the parity drive helps safeguard your data, ensuring reliability and continuity.

Why is a NVMe SSD included in the build

The NVMe SSD is critical for ensuring fast read/write speeds, which are essential for smooth performance when running Docker containers and virtual machines. It acts as a high-speed cache, improving the responsiveness of media applications like Plex, as well as other services such as Nextcloud and Immich.

Why Is the Storage Listed in a Separate Table?

Storage requirements vary greatly from one user to another, and while our guide primarily focuses on the core hardware of a robust NAS build, we recognize that storage needs are highly individual. By listing the storage configuration separately, we provide a clear example that demonstrates a balanced approach—using a high-speed NVMe SSD for caching and Docker/VM operations along with high-capacity HDDs for data and redundancy. This separation underscores that while the essential components are standardized for performance, you should customize the storage setup to best suit your specific needs.

Still have a question?

If you have any other queries, feel free to ask below in the comments.

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Thomas

March 26, 2025 at 9:30 am

Hello,

I was wondering if there is any way to do a RAID 5 with this setup?

Thank you

admin
March 26, 2025 at 9:20 pm

You shure can use RAID 5, but you would need a third hard drive.
If you decide to use a ZFS file system, I’d suggest a RAIDz1. It gives you more write speeds and you can still loose one HDD without loosing any data.

Rodrigo

June 23, 2025 at 11:10 pm

I already have a server to handle my docker applications, and this one will be used exclusively for storage. Should I go with the budget option?

P.S.: I’m commenting here because the reply box isn’t showing on the budget page.

admin
June 24, 2025 at 6:09 am

Yes, if you only use it for storage, the Budget Build is sufficient. It could even handle some dockers if you later decide to do so.

Taz

July 1, 2025 at 4:22 am

Apologies if this is a silly question, but if truenas is installed to the 1TB NVME, how are you also using it as a cache? I’m under the impression that once a drive is selected to act as the boot drive, it can’t be used for other applications.

admin
July 1, 2025 at 9:39 pm

Yes, unfortunately TrueNAS needs a separate boot drive which also blocks one SATA/NVMe-port. If you choose TrueNAS as your OS, pick a cheap and small SSD from the hardware guide. It doesn‘t need to be fast and even 128GB is more than enough. It‘s just for TrueNAS to boot from. BTW: unraid also needs a separate boot drive but makes use of USB flash drives. Both have their benefits and downsides.