I'm about to build a FreeNAS system. I'm currently running two Synology NASes (DS410s) that each have four 2TB drives formatted as RAID 5 for about 11TB total usable (16T raw with both NASes). I use them for video content to serve HTPCs via XBMC in my home. Both Synology units nearly full. The power supply on one unit just died and took out two (!) drives, leaving me with almost 5TB of lost data and an enormous number of DVDs to unbox and re-rip. You all already knew that having RAID 5 doesn't mean you don't need to do backups. Now, I do too. Apparently, the poor quality of this particular supply and its very custom power connector is well known (didn't do enough homework). I'm realizing that I don't like not being able to maintain the system or have easy access to high quality construction and replacement parts. Hence, the decision to move to a homebuilt NAS running FreeNAS. I've always built my own PCs and have had many good experiences. I'll use the Synology units for backup (raw, not RAID) after I get the new NAS running.
Sorry -- enough background. I'm thinking that I would like to build an array of 5 or 6 of the 4TB Hitachi drives on Newegg. In searching around in these forums and the FreeNAS docs, I didn't notice anyone mentioning that they built a system with 4TB drives. I saw the occasional mention of 3TB. Does anyone know for sure that the 4TB drives are supported? Also, can anyone share details of a system they built with 4TB drives? In particular, motherboards that can also handle the 4TB drives with 4 RAM slots and 6 or more SATA ports.
thanx, Vince
Sorry -- enough background. I'm thinking that I would like to build an array of 5 or 6 of the 4TB Hitachi drives on Newegg. In searching around in these forums and the FreeNAS docs, I didn't notice anyone mentioning that they built a system with 4TB drives. I saw the occasional mention of 3TB. Does anyone know for sure that the 4TB drives are supported? Also, can anyone share details of a system they built with 4TB drives? In particular, motherboards that can also handle the 4TB drives with 4 RAM slots and 6 or more SATA ports.
thanx, Vince