First build Harware questions

[fleetingyouth]

Hello,

Im going to build a small FreeNAS server to play around with the software to see if it will work for my home and work needs. Since this is just to play with the software im going to use extra parts i have lying around.
what I have...
Intel E6700 cpu
8gb ddr3 1333 ram
4 sata 500gb hhds

I found this motherboard on Newegg and it had the 3 things I want, Gigabit lan, ddr3, and 4 sata ports.

would it be a good match for what I have and a capable mobo for a freenas server.

Im not going to do mch with it just use it to familiarize myself with the software, Maybe put a bunch of different types of files on it and play around with accessing it from different computers.

Thanks for any tips

 

[b1ghen]

Performance wise that is plenty.

I would maybe try and find a motherboard with 4 memory slots (unless you have 2x4GB modules already), 6 x SATA, more PCI-E expansion slots (PCI is basically useless performance wise if you need to expand later).
And I am unsure if the Atheros AR8131M LAN controller on that specific motherboard is supported or not, just so you don't get it and then need to shell out for another NIC immediately.

 

[fleetingyouth]

thanks for the tips...

As far as up-gradability it doesnt matter this is just something to play around with since i have everything but a motherboard. If i decide down the road that i like using the freenass server I will just build a new comp specificly for it. Right now I just thought it would be fun to use this old junk and see how freenas is.

I didnt think of compatibility with freenas thanks is there a list I can look through?

 

[survive]

Hi fleetingyouth,

You just need to take a look at the FreeBSD 8.2 HCL. Take a look here:

http://www.freebsd.org/releases/8.2R/hardware.html

Honestly I don't think you will have any problems, the hardware is old enough that it should all be sorted & supported, but fast enough that performance doesn't suck. I wouldn't spend a dime on anything yet, play around with your existing setup and if it does what you need ask for suggestions then...you should get at least 5 or 6 different opinions!

-Will

 

[fleetingyouth]

Thanks thats what I was looking for I will check it out and see if its compatible.

I need to buy a mobo because I gave the one I had away a long time ago.

 

[survive]

Hi fleetingyouth,

If you need a motherboard that complicates this significantly. The reason I say that is you have a socket 775 chip and I assume 4 2GB sticks of RAM. There are exactly 3 (if I searched correctly) boards on Newegg that would allow you to use your existing hardware:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128496
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182143

and if you do open box:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182143R

Everything else uses Intel's G41 chip which is their "budget" chipset and only does 2 DDR3 slots.

You should actually be just fine using any of them. The Supermicro is a very nice board, the only thing is it might be a little picky about RAM.

-Will

 

[b1ghen]

Hi fleetingyouth,

If you need a motherboard that complicates this significantly. The reason I say that is you have a socket 775 chip and I assume 4 2GB sticks of RAM. There are exactly 3 (if I searched correctly) boards on Newegg that would allow you to use your existing hardware:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128496
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182143

and if you do open box:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813182143R

Everything else uses Intel's G41 chip which is their "budget" chipset and only does 2 DDR3 slots.

You should actually be just fine using any of them. The Supermicro is a very nice board, the only thing is it might be a little picky about RAM.

-Will

The problem with all of these boards is that they all lack integrated graphics, so you will need to get a discrete graphics card and use a slot on the motherboard.

 

[survive]

Hi b1ghen,

This is the perfect time to dig out that old PCI video card out of the spares pile!

-Will

 

[fleetingyouth]

Thanks for all the help guys. im still looking for a board and the ones mentioned are no longer available. I found this one similar to the first posted and I think the gigabit lan is on the supported list just not sure.
It uses Realtek 8111DL and i saw on the list it said rtk 8111?