Intel Core Ultra 5 225 · Intel B860 · 32GB DDR5 · 8TB HDD build
Long-term build — expandable & future-proof · tower build on LGA 1851 + Intel B860
cpuIntel Core Ultra 5 22510C/10T · 4.9 GHz · 65 W€252
motherboardASUS PRIME B860M-A WIFI-CSM LGA1851 DDR5 Micro-ATXIntel B860 · MATX · 2× M.2€207
ramAcer HT200 32GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR5 6000 CL30 Black32 GB DDR5 · 6000 MT/s€105
caseGeometric Future Model 5 Fanless ATX Mid Tower White Tempered Glass Side PanelATX/MATX/ITX/EATX · 2× 3.5″€19
coolingARCTIC Alpine 17 CO Air 77mm Blackair low-profile · 77 mm€9
psube quiet! DARK POWER 14 850W850 W · titanium · modular€225
storageWD Red Plus Internal NAS HDD 3.5" - 8TB3.5 HDD · 8 TB · NAS-rated€78
Future-proof score
Strong future-proofing80/100
Strong future-proofing (80/100) — this build should stay relevant for years without major surgery.
DIY build — the CPU, motherboard and PSU can each be upgraded independently without replacing the whole system.
Expansion headroom: 3 PCIe slot(s), 2 M.2, 3 SATA, 1 drive bay(s), 2 RAM slot(s) free.
Storage is 100% utilized with 1 free drive bay(s) and 3 free SATA port(s).
2 RAM slot(s) free; memory is 50% utilized.
Networking is 2500 Mbps, and a free PCIe slot can add a faster NIC later.
ATX form factor with standard, socketed components — most parts are easy to replace.
No GPU, but there is room (3 PCIe slot(s), PSU headroom 8.9x) to add one for AI/transcoding.
Homelab Risk Score
Moderate risk42/100
Moderate risk (42/100) — a few items are worth fixing before you commit (see checklist).
Final build audit
Audit found 2 critical and 0 warning item(s) worth fixing before you buy.
What becomes the limit
Storage nearly full is the most likely thing to date this build within 1-2y.
Community
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