I've pretty much secured funding for my project and am in the configuration stage. But before I pull the trigger I thought I'd run it by you all to see a) if what I am building will work, and b) if there are any suggestions.
My goal (besides building something I can show off and impress my friends who don't have a server ;) ) is to build a server that will last at least 5 years, hold all the stuff that is ready to go on it, and be expandable enough to add more drives and other software as my needs expand.
Initial use will be to offload my ripped Blu-Ray and DVD movies currently housed on multiple systems: Current size 4TB, eventual expected size on server 10TB
Along with the family's Music collection. Current size 45GB, eventual expected size on server 1TB
Along the way I'm sure the photo collection (Currently 2TB and growing) will make it's way there
As well as being used for some backup purposes.
Each family member (4 of us) is also looking for a couple of TB of storage for freeing up space on laptops.
My Thought process was to start out robust on the MB & CPU, Initial steps for RAM and Drive Space, and then expand RAM and Drive Space as I get more comfortable administering the server and the others get more comfortable using it.
To that end, here is my proposal:
After initial setup, an additional 2 hard drives (10TB each in Raid 1) will be added, and finally an additional 2. Total expected to be 6 drives providing 30TB of space.
After initial setup, and additional 2 sticks of 16GB of memory will be added for a total of 64GB (Max that the E3-1200 series can handle)
Of course the PSU will be sized accordingly OR will be upgraded as drives are added.
Cooling will be provided by an All-in-one loop for the CPU and fans for the drives.
The case is still undecided, but I may have access to CoolerMaster HAF X case. While oversized, it will easily handle the number of drives and the fans to keep them cool with minimum noise. My son keeps saying I should get a 2U or 3U rack mount case and put it under the laser printer... but I'm worried about keeping the drives cool. (The system will be in my home office which is not know for being super chilly, so I know airflow will be a big consideration.
I hope I have provided a somewhat clear build path and I am open to most suggestions. While this is not a "money is no object" build, I do want a system that will last, so I'm willing to spend a few more bucks now so I don't have to scrap and rebuild from scratch in a few years.
Looking forward to all of your recommendations.
My goal (besides building something I can show off and impress my friends who don't have a server ;) ) is to build a server that will last at least 5 years, hold all the stuff that is ready to go on it, and be expandable enough to add more drives and other software as my needs expand.
Initial use will be to offload my ripped Blu-Ray and DVD movies currently housed on multiple systems: Current size 4TB, eventual expected size on server 10TB
Along with the family's Music collection. Current size 45GB, eventual expected size on server 1TB
Along the way I'm sure the photo collection (Currently 2TB and growing) will make it's way there
As well as being used for some backup purposes.
Each family member (4 of us) is also looking for a couple of TB of storage for freeing up space on laptops.
My Thought process was to start out robust on the MB & CPU, Initial steps for RAM and Drive Space, and then expand RAM and Drive Space as I get more comfortable administering the server and the others get more comfortable using it.
To that end, here is my proposal:
- Motherboard:
- SuperMicro X11SSH-CTF-O
- OR
- SuperMicro X11SSH-F
- CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1275-V6 (includes HD Graphics P630 so a video card is not needed)
- RAM: 32 GB (Getting tough to find 16GB sticks on SuperMirco's CVL)
- Hard Drives:
- 2 x Seagate IronWolf 10TB NAS Hard Drive 7200 RPM 256MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" Internal Hard Drive ST10000VN0004
- OR
- 2 x WD Red 10TB NAS Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6Gb/s 256MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD100EFAX
- Boot Drive: Either an M.2 drive from the CVL or a SSD from the CVL. 512GB Capacity
- Network card: Built into Motherboard
- Hard Disk Controller: As I understand it, the X11SSH-CTF already has a LSI3008 built in so I'm leaning towards that
After initial setup, an additional 2 hard drives (10TB each in Raid 1) will be added, and finally an additional 2. Total expected to be 6 drives providing 30TB of space.
After initial setup, and additional 2 sticks of 16GB of memory will be added for a total of 64GB (Max that the E3-1200 series can handle)
Of course the PSU will be sized accordingly OR will be upgraded as drives are added.
Cooling will be provided by an All-in-one loop for the CPU and fans for the drives.
The case is still undecided, but I may have access to CoolerMaster HAF X case. While oversized, it will easily handle the number of drives and the fans to keep them cool with minimum noise. My son keeps saying I should get a 2U or 3U rack mount case and put it under the laser printer... but I'm worried about keeping the drives cool. (The system will be in my home office which is not know for being super chilly, so I know airflow will be a big consideration.
I hope I have provided a somewhat clear build path and I am open to most suggestions. While this is not a "money is no object" build, I do want a system that will last, so I'm willing to spend a few more bucks now so I don't have to scrap and rebuild from scratch in a few years.
Looking forward to all of your recommendations.