Would suggest using an intel board with intel network adapters.
I use a C2750, and bought it because its all intel, and it has not had issues. If you read through the thread on DSM 5.1, a lot of people have issues with non intel SATA controllers and network adapters. Most of it is resolved now, but the problems existed in the beginning. I think using intel will make it likely that you will have the drivers needed from the get go.
If you are a super Linux guy, you might be able to compile and add drivers to the image on your own. I am not a huge Linux guy though.
No optical drive, since it will not work with DSM anyway.