wraith
Contributor
- Joined
- Dec 21, 2015
- Messages
- 102
Hi All,
First time forum user & FreeNAS system builder. I've been perusing the forum and various guides around the 'net and feel it's about time I "jump in" and get started. I would really appreciate some feedback on my system specifications and configuration.
The primary purpose for the FreeNAS server is to replace/complement my existing, and aging, QNAP TS-410. Purchased in 2009, it's reaching it's capacity; both in terms of space and capabilities. I suspect it's limited ARM processor and 256Mb of memory is what causes me grief trying to stream HD movies.
The features I'm looking for the new system to support are:
* Streaming/transcoding of HD movies. At the moment only one stream/transcode is occurring at any time. However, as the family grows, I do envision a potential need [albeit rare] to stream/transcode two movies simultaneously;
* Stream music to various locations around the home and be able to access the music from the internet;
* Move all my and my wife's documents and access/edit them from the server. The primary purpose here is ensure documents are always backed up [hopefully making my life easier!];
* Run MySQL database to support a Document Management System [OpenKM] and Accounting Software [GnuCash]
* Perform regular backups to the QNAP TS-410
* Minimize power consumption
Considering the above, and looking around the 'net/forums, I'm considering the following components:
Motherboard: SuperMicro X10SL7-F
CPU: Pentium G3260 [3.3GHz]
RAM: 2 x Geil 8Gb Single DDR3 ECC C9 1333MHz
HDD: 8 x WD Red [max] - see, also, below
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 or R5 with 3no 120/140 fans
PSU: SeaSonic SSR-550RM
Boot: 16Gb USB
Most of the parts are available from my local PC shop; which is preferable, wherever practicable, to make any warranty claims easier.
The HDD configuration I'm considering is:
vdev1: 2 x 1Tb Red in stripe to maximize performance accessing and using documents from the server. These files will be regularly backed up to the QNAP TS-410. 2Tb is a huge overkill but 1 Tb is the smallest drive one can get these days. Other options I'm considering are:
* Two SSD's for vdev1; more pricey but better performance I'd imagine. I believe there are some longevity issues introduced by using SSD's in RAID [e.g. decreased life span due to regular disc access] - would the same issue apply for documents that may not be accessed too regularly?
* Using the drives in mirror for extra security [particularly for photos which cannot be retrieved once irrevocably lost] and still backing up to the TS-410.
vdev2: 6 x 3Tb Red in RaidZ2 for the remaining files [videos, movies, music etc.]
Would a combination of SSD and HDD [not in the same vdev] be an issue? I can't envision an issue but don't want to make any unnecessary assumptions.
I intend on initially only installing vdev1 to allow me time to get used to the system, backing up between systems etc. as well to save up for the next six drives for vdev2. After vdev2 is installed, I intend to upgrade the RAM to 32Gb.
Any feedback/advice/critique is welcome :)
Thanks in advance
First time forum user & FreeNAS system builder. I've been perusing the forum and various guides around the 'net and feel it's about time I "jump in" and get started. I would really appreciate some feedback on my system specifications and configuration.
The primary purpose for the FreeNAS server is to replace/complement my existing, and aging, QNAP TS-410. Purchased in 2009, it's reaching it's capacity; both in terms of space and capabilities. I suspect it's limited ARM processor and 256Mb of memory is what causes me grief trying to stream HD movies.
The features I'm looking for the new system to support are:
* Streaming/transcoding of HD movies. At the moment only one stream/transcode is occurring at any time. However, as the family grows, I do envision a potential need [albeit rare] to stream/transcode two movies simultaneously;
* Stream music to various locations around the home and be able to access the music from the internet;
* Move all my and my wife's documents and access/edit them from the server. The primary purpose here is ensure documents are always backed up [hopefully making my life easier!];
* Run MySQL database to support a Document Management System [OpenKM] and Accounting Software [GnuCash]
* Perform regular backups to the QNAP TS-410
* Minimize power consumption
Considering the above, and looking around the 'net/forums, I'm considering the following components:
Motherboard: SuperMicro X10SL7-F
CPU: Pentium G3260 [3.3GHz]
RAM: 2 x Geil 8Gb Single DDR3 ECC C9 1333MHz
HDD: 8 x WD Red [max] - see, also, below
Case: Fractal Design Define R4 or R5 with 3no 120/140 fans
PSU: SeaSonic SSR-550RM
Boot: 16Gb USB
Most of the parts are available from my local PC shop; which is preferable, wherever practicable, to make any warranty claims easier.
The HDD configuration I'm considering is:
vdev1: 2 x 1Tb Red in stripe to maximize performance accessing and using documents from the server. These files will be regularly backed up to the QNAP TS-410. 2Tb is a huge overkill but 1 Tb is the smallest drive one can get these days. Other options I'm considering are:
* Two SSD's for vdev1; more pricey but better performance I'd imagine. I believe there are some longevity issues introduced by using SSD's in RAID [e.g. decreased life span due to regular disc access] - would the same issue apply for documents that may not be accessed too regularly?
* Using the drives in mirror for extra security [particularly for photos which cannot be retrieved once irrevocably lost] and still backing up to the TS-410.
vdev2: 6 x 3Tb Red in RaidZ2 for the remaining files [videos, movies, music etc.]
Would a combination of SSD and HDD [not in the same vdev] be an issue? I can't envision an issue but don't want to make any unnecessary assumptions.
I intend on initially only installing vdev1 to allow me time to get used to the system, backing up between systems etc. as well to save up for the next six drives for vdev2. After vdev2 is installed, I intend to upgrade the RAM to 32Gb.
Any feedback/advice/critique is welcome :)
Thanks in advance