BUILD [Help]build a stream nas

[netchibi]

Even I have built 2 gaming rigs, I am not really good with technology. I have tried to read most of stickies, but there are many things I cannot understand, so please help me pick up the parts and answer my noob questions.

For what I understand, I need to use ZFS for protecting my data, and ZFS required ECC ram, mobo and CPU. All ECC things are very expensive, and I am on low budget atm.

My requirements:
- Run 24/7/365
- Streaming 3 different movies to 3 different devices at same time
- No trancoding, all of my movies are mkv type
- No encryption
- Access data over the internet if needed.
- There is room for expanding. I plan to set up for 2x 4TB first, and in future get more 4x 4TB

What I have now:
- CPU: G3220 http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-3M-Cache-3_00-GHz - $50 (I got it from Fry's few days ago)
- Case: Lian-Li PC-V1200 http://www.geek.com/news/lian-li-pc-v1200-plus-571292/ - $50 (I got it used via craigslist)

What I need:
- Mobo: I want to go with Supermicro since most people recommend it and most of SM support ECC, but which one is good? I want a X9 because I have seen many bad reviews about bad connection on X10. I may able to spend less than $200 for mobo.
- Ram: ECC of course, I want to buy 2x 8GB if I can find good deal on any recommended RAM. If not, I may run 1x 8GB because I only use 2x 4TB now. any link for good memory?
- PSU: I heard about BeQuite and Seasonic, but I think I will go with Seasonic 80 gold. How many watts should I buy?? for now and future expand.
+++ I can pay less than $200 for both ram and PSU +++

- Case fans?? CPU Fan??? - needed? any quite and cool???

-----------------------------------------

My questions:
- Can I use Green WD or normal Seagate 7200/5400 for hard drives?? I know that I should use WD RED or Seagate NAS but they are expensive.
- For mobo, do I really need the 6x sata3?? I read that sata2 and sata3 are not too different in speed.
- Sorry for being noob, but if I use the mobo with 2x sata2 and 4x sata3 and have 6 HDDs, can I use all on same raid or I have to split them by 2 and 4??? If can run them together, which raid should I use?? same question if I have to split them by 2 and 4.
- For now, I can afford for 2x 4TB so which raid I should use?? and how much capacity do I actually have?? same question for having 2x 4TB.
- Can I use NAS with WD TV live media player?? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Western-Digital-WD-TV-Live-Media-Player/19414692
- Any good tutorial for newbie on FreeNAS installation, plex or xmbc (I don't really understand plex and xmbc hix)

--------------------------------------------

Sorry for all noob questions I have made, my English is not very good, so I cannot fully understand everything from stickies and explanation I had read until this moment :(

Please help. Thanks

 

[SwampRabbit]

It seems like you have already done a lot of reading, research, and you are asking good questions.
I can try and help a little.

Since you already have the CPU, lets start to help you find a motherboard that will fit your CPU and needs.

This may help you narrow it down more:
http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-3M-Cache-3_00-GHz#@compatibility

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...6&IsNodeId=1&name=Yes&Order=PRICE&Pagesize=20
Already sorted by your CPU socket, takes ECC ram, and lowest price on top.

You can always try Amazon and eBay too.

To pick RAM, you need to pick a motherboard first, so you can get compatible RAM.

I personally do not think WD Green drives should be used in a NAS, they are ok for basic file storage, but there are known issues with the idle timer.
You can fix it, but its a pain, and they are not really built to be run like you are wanting. Never used the WD Red drives, heard they don't hold up well though.

Since you are looking for 4TB drives, you can look at these, I have heard good things about them working in a NAS.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...MATCH&Description=seagate+4TB&N=-1&isNodeId=1
But the Seagate 4TB NAS drive is only $20 more.

If you do use only 2x 4TB drives you could "Mirror" the drives, it is similar to RAID1, this would be good for starting out.
In fact once you have FreeNAS installed and you go to configure your drives in ZFS Volume Manager, when you drag the "circle" to the right,
it should pick up the two drives and default to "Mirror" for you.

Maybe you could start with cheaper/smaller drives like 4x 2TB or 4x 3TB right away.
Also then could really take advantage of ZFS and RAIDZ then and learn a lot too.

The WD TV Live Media Player should work, I wouldn't use the Wi-Fi on it to stream large stuff though.

You never said how you want to run XBMC or what kind of computer you will run it on.
If you are looking for XBMC you should start here
http://wiki.xbmc.org/index.php?title=First_time_user_/_Installing

You can also try OpenELEC, its XBMC, but can be easier for a beginner.
http://openelec.tv/home/what-is-openelec

I hope that helps a little

 

[achianese]

I want a X9 because I have seen many bad reviews about bad connection on X10.

Can you please expand on this? I'm about to buy an X10 and it looked to me like people were having success with them.

 

[joelmusicman]

Responses to your questions at bottom:

Mobo: X9 series is socket 1155 and is NOT COMPATIBLE with the G3220 (socket 1150). Look for something with a C224 or C226 chipset on the motherboard, socket 1150. SuperMicro stuff is well-regarded around here. ($180-220)
- Ram: You can get away with 1x8GB right now, but plan to upgrade once your storage > 8TB. Choose your motherboard first, then use the memory compatibility tool from that vendor. ($80-110)
- PSU: Seasonic 360GP is plenty for a 6 drive build. If you want to run 8+ drives eventually you might want a 450-500w unit. ($60-80)

- Case fans?? As desired. Make sure to enable SMART monitoring and keep your hard drives below 40C AT ALL TIMES for greatest drive lifespan.


- WD Greens work fine if you use the WDIDLE tool to remove the head parking "feature." I recommend 5400 drives because my 7200 spindles require more (louder) cooling. Really not much performance diff anyway, but a lot more power...
- SATA2/3: No need to worry about this. SATA2 is fine for spinning drives.
- Sorry for being noob, but if I use the mobo with 2x sata2 and 4x sata3 and have 6 HDDs, can I use all on same raid or I have to split them by 2 and 4??? If can run them together, which raid should I use?? same question if I have to split them by 2 and 4.

Do not configure RAID in BIOS. You should be presenting the drives to FreeNAS and there's no issue with mixing SATA2/3 ports.
- For now, I can afford for 2x 4TB so which raid I should use?? and how much capacity do I actually have?? same question for having 2x 4TB.
The "Mirrored Pairs" strategy is very good for future upgrades. So you buy 2x4TB drives, and get 4TB (3.6TiB) storage with redundency. However, I think a better strategy is to get 6 drives all at once and go with a RAIDZ2 configuration, which gives you an extra storage drive and superior data protection (loss of a single drive does not result in a zero parity situation). I went with 3TB drives because it looks like the $/TB sweet spot and allows quite a bit of growth for me.

- Can I use NAS with WD TV live media player?? Probably, but I have no experience with it...

- Any good tutorial for newbie on FreeNAS installation, plex or xmbc (I don't really understand plex and xmbc hix)
For me, XBMC runs well on the $35 Raspberry Pi, add another $15 for SD card and power supply and you're good to go. Look up the "RaspBMC" distro. For XBMC, the hardest part is getting your movie library metadata formatted in a way it likes, but there are various tools to help with that. Other than that it's as simple as setting up a Windows (CIFS) share on FreeNAS and pointing XBMC at it.

 

[cyberjock]

X10s are perfectly fine. Not sure what the "bad connections" issue are, but I know several people that use these personally and they have been flawless.

 

[netchibi]

ty for all responds... I will read carefully and reply asap.

 

[netchibi]

Mobo compare: http://goo.gl/Du4xp4
PSU compare: http://goo.gl/66GMEr
RAM: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139979

Here are the parts I may buy. Can you help me pick the good one?? For mobo, I may stick with ASRock since it support DDR3 1333 and I can go with above RAM. If I should use Supermicro mobo, can you give me the link for good ram??

 

[netchibi]

it has been a while, i got some good purchase so far... please double check my hardware please

- CPU: G3220 http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-3M-Cache-3_00-GHz - $44 + tax (I got it from Fry's Anniversary sale)
- Case: Lian-Li PC-V1200 http://www.geek.com/news/lian-li-pc-v1200-plus-571292/ - $50 (I got it used via craigslist)
- Mobo: X10SLM-F Socket LGA 1150 C224 mATX Intel Xenon Server Motherboard http://www.microcenter.com/product/...1150_C224_mATX_Intel_Xenon_Server_Motherboard -$100 +tax (awesome deal, only 2 left when I made the pick up order)
- Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Server Memory Model CT2KIT102472BD160B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148770 - $155 +tax (is this one a good decision for me and the motherboard??)
- PSU: SeaSonic S12G-450 450W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS GOLD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151139 - $75 +tax (I want the 360W since it is good enough for 6HHDs but unfortunately it is OOS, so I checked out the SSR-450RM and S12G-450. What do you think of my choice? what is diff. between these 450W PSU??)
- HDD: 6x WD Desktop Mainstream 3TB http://www.frys.com/product/7725758?clickid=U:U2KKXkMRkxQC2UYDUCoWQNUkQ0FyQGXUsLX40 - $89 each +tax (got them from Fry's also. Are they good enough for freenas??)

---- So I spent around $1100; California tax is too high.

my last question for hardware is the flash drive which contain the OS. I believe I should go with USB 2.0 right?? http://goo.gl/IMwifp Here is the list of ones I may purchase. Can you pick one for me?? or I will be more appreciate for any other recommended.

 

[Larrondo]

I scored the same motherboard deal (no idea why it was so cheap. I got the last one in Brooklyn. ) The crucial memory is not on supermicro's approved list but crucial says it will work. It's about 15 bucks more expensive today but still lower than other brands. Have you tested it yet?

 

[Ericloewe]

I scored the same motherboard deal (no idea why it was so cheap. I got the last one in Brooklyn. ) The crucial memory is not on supermicro's approved list but crucial says it will work. It's about 15 bucks more expensive today but still lower than other brands. Have you tested it yet?

If you think that's cheap, a guy recently got an X10SL7-F for the same 100 bucks. Hell, it's like getting a good deal on an M1015 and getting a free motherboard to go with it... Someone at Microcenter must've been smoking some strong stuff. Too bad I live an ocean away from the nearest one...

it has been a while, i got some good purchase so far... please double check my hardware please

- CPU: G3220 http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-3M-Cache-3_00-GHz - $44 + tax (I got it from Fry's Anniversary sale)
- Case: Lian-Li PC-V1200 http://www.geek.com/news/lian-li-pc-v1200-plus-571292/ - $50 (I got it used via craigslist)
- Mobo: X10SLM-F Socket LGA 1150 C224 mATX Intel Xenon Server Motherboard http://www.microcenter.com/product/...1150_C224_mATX_Intel_Xenon_Server_Motherboard -$100 +tax (awesome deal, only 2 left when I made the pick up order)
- Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Server Memory Model CT2KIT102472BD160B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148770 - $155 +tax (is this one a good decision for me and the motherboard??)
- PSU: SeaSonic S12G-450 450W ATX12V / EPS12V 80 PLUS GOLD http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151139 - $75 +tax (I want the 360W since it is good enough for 6HHDs but unfortunately it is OOS, so I checked out the SSR-450RM and S12G-450. What do you think of my choice? what is diff. between these 450W PSU??)
- HDD: 6x WD Desktop Mainstream 3TB http://www.frys.com/product/7725758?clickid=U:U2KKXkMRkxQC2UYDUCoWQNUkQ0FyQGXUsLX40 - $89 each +tax (got them from Fry's also. Are they good enough for freenas??)

---- So I spent around $1100; California tax is too high.

my last question for hardware is the flash drive which contain the OS. I believe I should go with USB 2.0 right?? http://goo.gl/IMwifp Here is the list of ones I may purchase. Can you pick one for me?? or I will be more appreciate for any other recommended.

Kingston or Sandisk should be fine.

As for the PSU, the G-450 and G-360 are nearly the same thing and efficiency shouldn't be noticeably different at idle. The G-450 has the advantage of being modular, while the G-360 isn't. It's a pity, because the G-360 is good for ~10 5400RPM drives and a Xeon E3 system.

 

[Larrondo]

How about that ram? It's it a decent choice?

 

[Ericloewe]

How about that ram? It's it a decent choice?

On paper it should work, but as the recent Kingston experience shows, you can't always blindly trust paper. Nobody's complained about Crucial and it's listed (at least some Crucial DIMMs are) by Crucial as compatible with Supermicro X10 motherboards, so it should be ok. If it isn't be sure to tell us.

 

[netchibi]

I scored the same motherboard deal (no idea why it was so cheap. I got the last one in Brooklyn. ) The crucial memory is not on supermicro's approved list but crucial says it will work. It's about 15 bucks more expensive today but still lower than other brands. Have you tested it yet?

I have not put them together yet since I found a better deal for PSU. I got the Corsair 450W 80+ gold modular for $30 (no tax and after $30 rebate). Cannot beat it with this price so I order it and return the Seasonic (got $12 re-stocking fee :( ). I'm still waiting for my PSU delivery.

Update list:

- CPU: G3220 http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-3M-Cache-3_00-GHz - $44 + tax (I got it from Fry's Anniversary sale)
- Case: Lian-Li PC-V1200 http://www.geek.com/news/lian-li-pc-v1200-plus-571292/ - $50 (I got it used via craigslist)
- Mobo: X10SLM-F Socket LGA 1150 C224 mATX Intel Xenon Server Motherboard http://www.microcenter.com/product/...1150_C224_mATX_Intel_Xenon_Server_Motherboard -$100 +tax (awesome deal, only 2 left when I made the pick up order)
- Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Server Memory Model CT2KIT102472BD160B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148770 - $155 +tax (is this one a good decision for me and the motherboard??)
- PSU: Corsair CS Series™ CS450M 450W Modular PSU - 80 PLUS® Gold - $30 (no tax + after $30 rebate) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...ffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-rX75yzgiDIo0NBY3li.4eQ (deal is still on)
- HDD: 6x WD Desktop Mainstream 3TB http://www.frys.com/product/7725758?clickid=U:U2KKXkMRkxQC2UYDUCoWQNUkQ0FyQGXUsLX40 - $89 each +tax (got them from Fry's also. Are they good enough for freenas??)

------------------------- I also found an old 8GB Kingston USB ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139246 ) in the drawer, so I will save little money for it. Note: it is very little used.

 

[Ericloewe]

I have not put them together yet since I found a better deal for PSU. I got the Corsair 450W 80+ gold modular for $30 (no tax and after $30 rebate). Cannot beat it with this price so I order it and return the Seasonic (got $12 re-stocking fee :( ). I'm still waiting for my PSU delivery.

Update list:

- CPU: G3220 http://ark.intel.com/products/77773/Intel-Pentium-Processor-G3220-3M-Cache-3_00-GHz - $44 + tax (I got it from Fry's Anniversary sale)
- Case: Lian-Li PC-V1200 http://www.geek.com/news/lian-li-pc-v1200-plus-571292/ - $50 (I got it used via craigslist)
- Mobo: X10SLM-F Socket LGA 1150 C224 mATX Intel Xenon Server Motherboard http://www.microcenter.com/product/...1150_C224_mATX_Intel_Xenon_Server_Motherboard -$100 +tax (awesome deal, only 2 left when I made the pick up order)
- Memory: Crucial 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Server Memory Model CT2KIT102472BD160B http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148770 - $155 +tax (is this one a good decision for me and the motherboard??)
- PSU: Corsair CS Series™ CS450M 450W Modular PSU - 80 PLUS® Gold - $30 (no tax + after $30 rebate) http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...ffiliateID=lw9MynSeamY-rX75yzgiDIo0NBY3li.4eQ (deal is still on)
- HDD: 6x WD Desktop Mainstream 3TB http://www.frys.com/product/7725758?clickid=U:U2KKXkMRkxQC2UYDUCoWQNUkQ0FyQGXUsLX40 - $89 each +tax (got them from Fry's also. Are they good enough for freenas??)

------------------------- I also found an old 8GB Kingston USB ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139246 ) in the drawer, so I will save little money for it. Note: it is very little used.

Honestly, it was a bad move. The Seasonic was much better than the Corsair (the low-end Corsairs are mediocre. Not system-destroying bad, just average quality).

 

[Larrondo]

I bought the same Corsair for the same price. Couldn't resist the deal. Reviews seemed to be OK. For 30 bucks I suppose I can always swap it out later.