dkopsieker
Cadet
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2022
- Messages
- 3
I know there are plenty of boot device questions here but I couldn’t find one exactly like my circumstances (or I could be a terrible searcher)
I have a new to me Dell poweredge R440 1U server that I want to use as my main truenas box.
This server fell into my lap for free from my workplace, completely unused. It was set up to be a DC in our network but was never put in service (long story)
I only use it for storage and as a Plex server with a very simple user setup.
It, unfortunately, only has the option of 4 - 3.5” drives, so I need all of those for my storage drives.
There are no internal sata connections or available power connectors to use a sata ssd.
There are also no m.2 slots on the board.
My only options are to use the internal dual-SD slots, internal USB slot, or buy a Dell BOSS card with two m.2 sata slots on it.
The BOSS card is what I’d prefer, but the card itself is expensive, and the m.2 drives that are supported by it (only 3 different chipsets) are insanely expensive…. Like $700 for a 240gb drive. Or the eBay route is still over $150 each for the drives.
What would be my best option? And is there a way to use an m.2 to USB adapter to boot from? Is that better than a usb thumb drive?
I have a new to me Dell poweredge R440 1U server that I want to use as my main truenas box.
This server fell into my lap for free from my workplace, completely unused. It was set up to be a DC in our network but was never put in service (long story)
I only use it for storage and as a Plex server with a very simple user setup.
It, unfortunately, only has the option of 4 - 3.5” drives, so I need all of those for my storage drives.
There are no internal sata connections or available power connectors to use a sata ssd.
There are also no m.2 slots on the board.
My only options are to use the internal dual-SD slots, internal USB slot, or buy a Dell BOSS card with two m.2 sata slots on it.
The BOSS card is what I’d prefer, but the card itself is expensive, and the m.2 drives that are supported by it (only 3 different chipsets) are insanely expensive…. Like $700 for a 240gb drive. Or the eBay route is still over $150 each for the drives.
What would be my best option? And is there a way to use an m.2 to USB adapter to boot from? Is that better than a usb thumb drive?