To make it more interesting, this setup should include a variety of motherboards, SSDs, HDDs, memory and PSUs. I might start with one system, and build another one every 6 months. I forsee this list changing over time, but the base specifications are as follows:
- CPU: >6 core, >4GHz
- Storage: >256GB NVMe
- Memory: >16GB, dual channel
Pricing Source:
Rack:
- IVAR
- Rack per 12+ systems @ $27.50
- Shelf per 2 systems @ $15
- Fire Retardant @ <$30
CPUs:
- Ryzen 5 3600
- Ryzen 5 2600 @ (unknown)
Ryzen 5 3400G @ (-$21)- Ryzen 5 3500 @ (-$107)
Motherboards:
- Asrock B450M Pro4 (Has USB-C, good VRM) @ $399
- Gigabyte B450M DS3H @ $388
Asrock B450M Steel Legend @ $413MSI B450M Pro-VDH Max @ $409
SSDs (prices 256GB / 512GB):
- Transcend MTE220S M.2 NVME, 3D @ $99 / $139
- Adata XPG SX8200 Pro NVME/WD Red @ $92 / $145
Gigabyte NE6 NVMe @ $105 / $160 (???)
HDDs:
- Seagate Barracuda 4TB @ $147
- Toshiba NAS 7200rpm N300 3Yrs 4TB @ $140
Memory (prices 16GB / 32GB):
- G-Skill Value 3000 @ $118 / null
- G-Skill Value 3200 @ null / $216
- Crucial / Kingston 2666 (but 3200 is better...) @ $116 / $210
PSU (400W is fine):
- Seasonic 80 P Gold/Semi-Focus 550FM @ $114 (better)
- Corsair CX Series 550W @ $94
Seasonic 80 Plus Bz/ SiS12III-550 @ $84Cooler Master Masterwatt 550W @ $84
GPU (if mobo doesn't boot without graphics):
- Zotac Geforce Gt 710 Lp 1Gb @ $58
Total each @ $800 to $1000
Other not bad options, but require further analysis of performance per dollar: