(NAS) Is it worth gambling on a $160 no-name aliexpress Intel N150 mobo board vs. just using a $100 am4 mini-itx + used Ryzen 5?

The discussion revolves around the trade-offs between using a no-name AliExpress Intel N150-based motherboard for building a Network Attached Storage (NAS) system versus opting for a more reliable AMD Ryzen-based setup. The Intel N150 SoC, while offering low power consumption and up to 8 SATA ports, is often sourced from unverified sellers on AliExpress, leading to potential issues such as compatibility problems with RAM, unlabeled headers, and instability when fully loaded with storage devices. On the other hand, a standard mini-ITX board paired with a used AMD Ryzen processor, available from reputable retailers like NewEgg or Amazon, offers better reliability and support options but at a slightly higher cost. This decision hinges on balancing budget constraints against the need for stability and post-purchase support.