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! :)
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! :)