BUILD First time FreeNAS build

[Bambam]

Hey all,

I have ordered various components for my new FreeNAS server over the past 1.5 months to try to save some money. Unfortunately, I don't think I got any really GREAT deals, but I wanted to list what I have and on Friday will be receiving the case which I will be able to start putting it together. However, I do have some questions if some of you guys don't mind answering. I'm very familiar with Linux and haven't touched a FreeBSD machine in 10 years, and haven't used FreeNAS, so I apologize if I say something stupid. I've build about 7-8 PC's before, but never any "server grade" hardware or ECC ram.

I plan on using it as a dedicated Plex server, since I currently have about 9TB of media I'd like to share across my gigabit lan, and will possibly be transocding 2-3 devices at a time. I will bitstream directly to my HTPC on my LAN, so no transcoding there.

The build so far:

Case: Fractal Design Define R5 (Got an extra fan - Fractal Design Dynamic GP14 for the HDD cooling)
MB: Supermicro X10SL7-F-O (highly recommended here)
CPU: Xeon E3-1231v3
RAM: 32GB Crucial ECC DDR3 1600
HDD: 8x3TB WD Red's to hopefully fulfill a RaidZ2
PSU: Seasonic SSR-550RM 550w (Modular)


So, after lurking on the forums here and picking up a lot of info, I decided on this build. I don't know if I overpaid, but I tried to get sales (e.g: Paid $95 each per 3TB red). Altogether including shipping it cost me $1,612.27. Does it seem like I overpaid or is that in the ballpark of a decent buy? I've been impatient lately and want to just get the thing done!

A few questions:

First, Is there anything obvious that I am missing?

I specifically want to use the SAS2 ports to expand now & later but I understand you have to flash it into IT mode? Is that difficult to do? Also, are there certain specific firmware versions I should go for (such as bios, etc.)?

I've used IPMI (a very old version) in the past working as a part-time SA to be used to kill a node in an HA cluster. However, as far as "booting up" the device and being able to install FreeNAS, do I use the VGA port per usual or is there a better method? (This is probably in the manual.. sorry if it's a dumb question..)

Finally, I've been seeing posts about people using small SSD's to install FreeNAS on instead of using USB. Should I snag a good brand low GB SSD and install it there instead of using USB/Dual USB?

Thank you so much for any help you can provide! :)

 

[Dice]

Finally, I've been seeing posts about people using small SSD's to install FreeNAS on instead of using USB. Should I snag a good brand low GB SSD and install it there instead of using USB/Dual USB?

I'm debating myself which road to choose.
Some arguments I'm keeping on the top of my head are:
- "choose different brand USBs - they are less likely to fault at the similar times" (but check which USB is the smallest in practice - install on that one first, otherwise you cannot expand the install by attaching a smaller drive).
- SSDs cope a lot better with random writes than USB sticks, which plays a role in the life expectancy since freenas moved boot drives to also use ZFS (Not 100% sure on this one - yet it points towards SSD)

So far my own plan is to buy the cheapest small size SSD I can find, install on that one, then attach my ooooold 60gb SSD as mirror, from within FreeNAS once it is installed. (I'm planning to go for a X11 board/skylake CPU, which forces me off the USB route due to lacking support of XHCI in current version of freenas (will likely be fixed in may when v10 is supposedly released).

edit: check this thread https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/usb-or-which-ssd.40396/

Cheers/

 

[Bambam]

Okay, so besides the SSD, does anyone else have any comments/constructive criticism on the build?

 

[Dice]

Looks like you've done your homework in terms of hardware recommendations around the forum..

 

[Bambam]

Thanks Dice. I tried :) I'm glad to hear that someone thinks it's not too shabby. I think I will go SSD if I can get a small/cheap one. I'm at work right now and busy, but I'm going to visit that link you posted to get more information and try to order a SSD today. I live near a microcenter too and they match prices for amazon/newegg so I can always pick it up there. My goal is to have this all done as a weekend project! Thanks for your input.

 

[gpsguy]

I would go ahead and flash your HBA with Phase 20 in IT mode. P20 is needed for FreeNAS 9.3.1. Directions for doing it can be found via a forum search. Document the procedure- if an upgrade is needed in the future, you will know how to do it.

You should be able to do the FreeNAS install via IPMI. If you are more comfortable using a monitor, use it instead. Revisit IPMI when you have time for it. Since you have used it in the past, we don't have to sell you on its virtues.

Before you start your build review @jgreco 's "Building, Burn-In, and testing your FreeNAS system" thread in the hardware section of the forum.


Sent from my phone

 

[Bambam]

Thanks gpsguy, I will check it out. I appreciate the input. I'll definitely need to look up instructions for flash to IT mode procedure.

 

[Bambam]

gpsguy .. one question. You say "before I start my build" review the burn-in script. I assume I would need to have everything built with my drives hooked up and everything installed before I execute the script? Should that be one of the first things I do, besides flashing the HBA to IT mode?

 

[gpsguy]

I didn't say "script" in my reply. In the referenced thread jgreco starts with the build process, for example a "suitable workspace" ...

Please read it before you start.


Sent from my phone

 

[Bambam]

Yeah I looked at it and I saw a script he used to (assumingly) test the drives. I'll go over the thread again, apologies for misunderstanding.