1st Build reccomendations

ERPauls

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Messages
4
This is my first post just getting into Freenas. My plan is to have a NAS server for home. Store backups, provide cloud access and possibly use as Plex server.
I am trying to build what I can from parts I already have but if they won't work or would cause issues please tell me.

Here is what I was planning on using.
ASRock Z77 Pro4 mb
Intel I5 2500k
16gb Ram
32gb Samsung Usb 3.1
I have a couple of cases to choose from both have 6+ drive bays, usb 3.0 ports more than adequate cooling
700w or 750w PSU

The hard drives I still need to purchase. I was thinking of doing either 3-2tb WD Red drives or 3-4tb for a RaidZ.

Is there anything wrong with this configuration or a change that would make a big difference?

Eric
 

Ericloewe

Server Wrangler
Moderator
Joined
Feb 15, 2014
Messages
20,194
It's hardly ideal, but it shouldn't be too bad, lack of ECC aside. Definitely prefer an SSD over a USB flash drive for the OS, though.

Also note that RAIDZ1 is generally not a very good option. RAIDZ2 is just a lot more reliable.
 

lightwave

Explorer
Joined
Jun 14, 2018
Messages
68
As you are probably aware, RAIDZ1 means loosing all your data if two disks fail simultaneously. This is not a highly likely scenario, but it is not as uncommon as it sounds. Resilvering after a first disk failure puts a significant strain on the remaining disks which increases the likelihood of a second failure. Moreover, if you buy and start using all disks at the same time, they are more likely to go roughly at the same time. If they were produced roughly at the same time, they are also more likely to be affected by similar production errors that could make them fail simultaneously. On the positive side, the likelihood of a two disk failure is smaller in a three disk array than in one with eight disks, say.

If your data is important to you, the obvious solution would be adding another disk and going for RAIDZ2. If price is a concern, consider going for 4x3TB in RAIDZ2 which will give you 6TB of usable space at roughly the same cost as 3x4TB. If you want to stay with three disks, a three disk mirror will deliver the same redundancy as RAIDZ2, but significantly better performance.

A three disk RAIDZ1 with 4TB disks is not a completely bad decision though. It all depends on the value of your data. If you keep multiple frequent backups and can afford to lose/recreate all data created between backups; or if all the data can be recreated at an acceptable cost/effort; the setup should be fine.

With regard to backups, this is extra important as you appear to be going for consumer grade hardware. In principle, consumer grade hardware should be fine, but it does increase the risk of a complete pool failure somewhat (which is not so fine). Hence, while you should always keep backups, with this setup it becomes somewhat more likely that you will have to use them.

Finally, I would try to find another mainboard. The ASRock Z77 pro4 seems to be using an on-board ASMedia ASM1061 HBA for two of the four SATA ports. Older posts indicate that this HBA did previously not work with FreeNAS, but this may have been fixed. Another concern might be whether this HBA implements the SATA flush cash commands correctly (i.e. FLUSH CASH and FUA). Not all budget HBA’s and USB-to-SATA adapters seems to do this. Unfortunately, this is one of few hard requirements for ZFS to maintain a consistent on disk format and lack of it could potentially cause pool corruption in case of a power loss.

Ideally, you should be looking at a server grade mainboard with ECC memory. However, I understand that cost may be a concern. If you decide to go for consumer grade hardware, try to get a mainboard that supports all your disks on the CPU/PCH SATA controller or a LSI HBA.
 

ERPauls

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Messages
4
Wow, Thanks guys for the great information!
I am trying to keep the cost to a minimum on this first build. Its as much for the learning experience as anything. I will be able to rebuild/recover all data in case of disaster for now.
The server motherboard and memory will come at a later date. (Kicking myself for getting rid of all my servers/parts awhile back)

I will use a small SSD for the OS instead of the USB. I have changed to starting with 2-WD Red 4tb HDDs to start. Will use a mirror. In a couple months I will add a couple more drives and decide whether to do a pair of mirror sets or a Raidz2. Hopefully by then I will have a better MB/memory solution too. I will check to see if I have a better MB to start with.

Again, TY for the responses!

Eric
 

ERPauls

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Messages
4
I just looked at the other spare MBs I have currently:
Asus P8P67 - Deluxe
Asus H87m - Plus

would one of these MBs work better? At a glance the H87M appears to be maybe the best choice....

Eric
 

lightwave

Explorer
Joined
Jun 14, 2018
Messages
68
None of them have ECC support, so not ideal

The H87m seems to have 6 SATA ports on the PCH (should be OK)

The P8P67 seems to have 6 SATA ports on the PCH controller (2xgray and 4xblue, should be OK) and 2 SATA on a Marvel controller (2xnavy blue, should probably be avoided) and 2 eSATA on a JMicron controller (should probably be avoided)
 

ERPauls

Cadet
Joined
Aug 29, 2019
Messages
4
Thank you Lightwave.
I think I will use the H87m as the temporary MB till I can get a ECC MB.
 
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