blanchet
Guru
- Joined
- Apr 17, 2018
- Messages
- 515
Abstract:
QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP is a x86 NAS from QNAP that can easily run FreeNAS. The installation is done on a USB key so you can revert to the original QTS software at anytime. You need only 3 USB keys: one for the installer and two for the mirrored boot device.
Full Story:
I had an unused QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP in the computer room. The hardware is very decent, so I have tried to run FreeNAS on it.
Hardware:
The embedded boot device is too small (512MB) for FreeNAS. It is soldered on the motherboard, so you can no replace it.
Instead you need to use an external USB key to install FreeNAS. In my case, I use three KingstonDataTraveler 3.0 16GB.
Procedure to install FreeNAS
Change the boot order for the USB device to boot on the installer key instead of the ADATA IUM01-512MFHS that holds QTS. In means ADATA IUM01-512MFHS that must be at the bottom. With my Kingston USB key the screen looks like
KingstonDataTraveler 3.0
ADATA IUM01-512MFHS
Press F10 to save and exit.
The computer boots on the FreeNAS installer. At this time, insert two other USB keys in the USB3 ports. These USB keys will be used as mirrored boot device.
Select
When FreeNAS installer asks for the boot device you want to use select your just-added USB keys (da2 and da3)
WARNING: never try to install on ADATA IUM01-512MFHS because it is too small (512MB) and it will kill QTS
At the end select
At the installation end, the computer reboots.
Unplug the installer key, and press F2 to enter the BIOS again
Go to
In my case I still use Kingston USB keys for the boot device, so the screen looks like.
KingstonDataTraveler 3.0
KingstonDataTraveler 3.0
ADATA IUM01-512MFHS
Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS
The computer will boot on the FreeNAS boot device and you can start to use it.
Everything works except the status LED for the hard disks. I do not know yet how to activate them in FreeNAS to locate a disk.
The BIOS settings is persistent. You do not have to setup the boot order after a power off.
So, if you wish to revert to QTS, just unplug the FreeNAS USB keys.
Conclusion
FreeNAS runs perfectly on the QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP.
I think that many other x86 NAS from QNAP (and Synology) can run FreeNAS, it they have enough memory and can boot from a USB key.
QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP is a x86 NAS from QNAP that can easily run FreeNAS. The installation is done on a USB key so you can revert to the original QTS software at anytime. You need only 3 USB keys: one for the installer and two for the mirrored boot device.
Full Story:
I had an unused QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP in the computer room. The hardware is very decent, so I have tried to run FreeNAS on it.
Hardware:
- QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP
- 16 SATA bays for 3.5" or 2.5" hard disk
- HBA: Marvell 88SE9215
- Intel Xeon E3-1245v3 @ 3.40GHz
- 32 GB DDR3 ECC
- 4 x 1 GbE (Intel i210)
- 2 x 10GbE SFP+ (Intel 82599ES)
- 512MB boot device (ADATA IUM01-512MFHS)
- Dual Power Supply
The embedded boot device is too small (512MB) for FreeNAS. It is soldered on the motherboard, so you can no replace it.
Instead you need to use an external USB key to install FreeNAS. In my case, I use three KingstonDataTraveler 3.0 16GB.
Procedure to install FreeNAS
- Create a FreeNAS USB installer key
- Plug a USB keyboard and a HDMI monitor to the rear of the NAS
- Plug the installer key in a USB slot at the rear of the NAS. You can use a USB2 or USB3 port, it does not matter.
- Power on the NAS and press F2 to enter in the Insyde BIOS
Boot | Legacy
Change the boot order for the USB device to boot on the installer key instead of the ADATA IUM01-512MFHS that holds QTS. In means ADATA IUM01-512MFHS that must be at the bottom. With my Kingston USB key the screen looks like
KingstonDataTraveler 3.0
ADATA IUM01-512MFHS
Press F10 to save and exit.
The computer boots on the FreeNAS installer. At this time, insert two other USB keys in the USB3 ports. These USB keys will be used as mirrored boot device.
Select
1 Install/Upgrade
When FreeNAS installer asks for the boot device you want to use select your just-added USB keys (da2 and da3)
WARNING: never try to install on ADATA IUM01-512MFHS because it is too small (512MB) and it will kill QTS
At the end select
Boot via BIOS
At the installation end, the computer reboots.
Unplug the installer key, and press F2 to enter the BIOS again
Go to
Boot | Legacy
In my case I still use Kingston USB keys for the boot device, so the screen looks like.
KingstonDataTraveler 3.0
KingstonDataTraveler 3.0
ADATA IUM01-512MFHS
Press F10 to save and exit the BIOS
The computer will boot on the FreeNAS boot device and you can start to use it.
Everything works except the status LED for the hard disks. I do not know yet how to activate them in FreeNAS to locate a disk.
The BIOS settings is persistent. You do not have to setup the boot order after a power off.
So, if you wish to revert to QTS, just unplug the FreeNAS USB keys.
Conclusion
FreeNAS runs perfectly on the QNAP TS-EC1680U-RP.
I think that many other x86 NAS from QNAP (and Synology) can run FreeNAS, it they have enough memory and can boot from a USB key.