Specific build components list - up to 32GB RAM

Specific build components list - up to 32GB RAM

BKG

Dabbler
Joined
Mar 11, 2019
Messages
18
While having two servers connected to a single expansion shelf is possible with HA configurations, I don't think FreeNAS is equipped to support that at a software level, so you would likely not be able to do that.

Three controllers are not needed for the internal drives because you can obtain a SAS expander as an independent device. Please watch this video as the person making the video explains it very well, with illustrations:

Explaining the IBM SAS-2 expander and how to do 24xHDD setup with only 2-port SAS controller
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qccpopxc_Uo
Thank you Chris. On my diagram I meant either-or. I didn't mean to connect two servers. I know that some backplanes come with built in expander and some 24-bay have 6 SAS ports on the backplane . Just wanted to confirm the design incase for each case of backplane I may get.
 

Chris Moore

Hall of Famer
Joined
May 2, 2015
Messages
10,080
You can also buy a separate SAS expander module like this:

1553112042610.png
https://www.ebay.com/itm/282952532714

or this one:

1553112230276.png
https://www.ebay.com/itm/132665195104

It is possible, with the correct application of hardware to have a single SAS controller run all the internal and external drives. It just makes the wiring more complicated.
I just wanted you to know that you do not nee three separate SAS controllers to run the internal drives whether there is an integrated SAS expander or not.
 

BKG

Dabbler
Joined
Mar 11, 2019
Messages
18
Once again Chris thank you very much for your help. You've made things very clear for me it is now left to wait for a quote from ixsystems and compare it to what I can find here locally.
 

BKG

Dabbler
Joined
Mar 11, 2019
Messages
18
Chris, thanks for referring IXSYSTEMS. I got a quote from them and now waiting to hear from my client.
 
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