Hello Folks
So my current NAS solution is nearing capacity, and I'm looking to build something that will last me well into the future. I've settled on FreeNAS as the OS, and I've put together a build that I'm hoping for some feedback on.The primary uses for this server are to store lots of personal HD videos, pics, etc. Store and stream HD content to several set top boxes. Use as a backup server for several PC's. And running the occasional Virtual Machine for testing.
Here is what is currently on my list of components.
1. Case
NORCO RPC-4224 4U Rackmount Server Case (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219038)
This has lots of drive space, which should leave lots of room for future upgrades.
2. Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-X79-UP4 LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128562)
Again, with expandability in mind, I'm looking for a MB that can support at least 64GB of RAM ( going by the 1GB RAM per 1TB storage rule )
3. CPU
Intel Core i7-3820 Sandy Bridge-E 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 2011 130W Quad-Core (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115229)
Not really many choices for an LGA 2011 socket
4. Hard Drives
6x Western Digital WD Caviar Green 3TB SATA3 3.5IN 64MB Cache
6x Western Digital 2TB Caviar Green SATA3 Intelli Power 64MB Cache
Note, I already have 3 WD 2TB Green drives, so instead of wasting them I figured I would get 3 more.
5. Power Supply.
CORSAIR HX Series HX850 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011)
6. RAM
G.SKILL Ares Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231559)
This leaves me with 4 DIMMS to upgrade to 64 GB in the future.
===================================================================
For the FreeNAS configuration, my plan is to create 2 VDev's of 6 drives each in RaidZ2, and add them to a single zpool. The plan is to eventually add 2 more VDev's of similiar configuration to the zpool as the need arises.
Now, for my questions.
1. Is there any concern with the hardware, in terms of compatibility with Motherboard ? Has anyone successfully setup FreeNAS with these components ?
2. I understand the Norco case comes with back planes which have SFF 8087 connections. Is there a converter cable or something that I can run from the SATA port on the MB to the mini SAS port on the back plane ? The only cables I was able to find were mini SAS to 4 SATA, which is not what I need. Or would I be better off purchasing an add in card such as this instead ? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816118112
3. Is there any substantial advantage of using the WD RED drives over the Greens ?
4. Is the power supply enough to support 24 drives in the future ?
Any other suggestions or advice is appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Pat
So my current NAS solution is nearing capacity, and I'm looking to build something that will last me well into the future. I've settled on FreeNAS as the OS, and I've put together a build that I'm hoping for some feedback on.The primary uses for this server are to store lots of personal HD videos, pics, etc. Store and stream HD content to several set top boxes. Use as a backup server for several PC's. And running the occasional Virtual Machine for testing.
Here is what is currently on my list of components.
1. Case
NORCO RPC-4224 4U Rackmount Server Case (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219038)
This has lots of drive space, which should leave lots of room for future upgrades.
2. Motherboard
GIGABYTE GA-X79-UP4 LGA 2011 Intel X79 SATA 6Gb/s (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128562)
Again, with expandability in mind, I'm looking for a MB that can support at least 64GB of RAM ( going by the 1GB RAM per 1TB storage rule )
3. CPU
Intel Core i7-3820 Sandy Bridge-E 3.6GHz (3.8GHz Turbo Boost) LGA 2011 130W Quad-Core (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819115229)
Not really many choices for an LGA 2011 socket
4. Hard Drives
6x Western Digital WD Caviar Green 3TB SATA3 3.5IN 64MB Cache
6x Western Digital 2TB Caviar Green SATA3 Intelli Power 64MB Cache
Note, I already have 3 WD 2TB Green drives, so instead of wasting them I figured I would get 3 more.
5. Power Supply.
CORSAIR HX Series HX850 850W ATX12V 2.3 / EPS12V 2.91 SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS GOLD (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139011)
6. RAM
G.SKILL Ares Series 32GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820231559)
This leaves me with 4 DIMMS to upgrade to 64 GB in the future.
===================================================================
For the FreeNAS configuration, my plan is to create 2 VDev's of 6 drives each in RaidZ2, and add them to a single zpool. The plan is to eventually add 2 more VDev's of similiar configuration to the zpool as the need arises.
Now, for my questions.
1. Is there any concern with the hardware, in terms of compatibility with Motherboard ? Has anyone successfully setup FreeNAS with these components ?
2. I understand the Norco case comes with back planes which have SFF 8087 connections. Is there a converter cable or something that I can run from the SATA port on the MB to the mini SAS port on the back plane ? The only cables I was able to find were mini SAS to 4 SATA, which is not what I need. Or would I be better off purchasing an add in card such as this instead ? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816118112
3. Is there any substantial advantage of using the WD RED drives over the Greens ?
4. Is the power supply enough to support 24 drives in the future ?
Any other suggestions or advice is appreciated.
Thanks so much.
Pat