I'd like to get some advice on building a new FreeNAS unit. My objectives is to be frugal with my choice of components, but at the same time do it right. (I'm a big believer in aiming to get it right the first time around.) This box will be storage only, so it should be undemanding in the CPU department.
A note on suppliers: The easiest choices for me are Amazon or local shops. So I've included Amazon links where relevant, but not for everything.
On X10 vs X11 based Supermicro platforms: A quick look at suppliers seems to indicate that X11 motherboards can be had for cheaper than X10 ones. On the other hand, I'm under the impression DDR4 RAM is at at high, which might more than make up for the difference. I'm also not sure if an X10 based platform is still a viable build because of CPU availibility, but here's my list so far:
X10 System:
Motherboard - Supermicro X10SL7-F (about $240)
Newegg
Includes SAS2308, but I could just get a M1015 if I go with a different board that doesn't have it.
OR
Supermicro X10SLL+-F-O (about $185)
Amazon
Not the X10SLL-F. According to the Supermicro web site, this doesn't have the Intel i217LM. Does that matter?
CPU - G3260 from a local retailer. (About $100)
Actually costs more than the X11 based CPU options, and I'm not sure if it's still in stock. I also don't know of any reliable source for alternative options.
RAM - Crucial CT2K102464BD160B ($137)
Amazon
I think, but am not completely sure if this is compatible with the X10 motherboards.
X11 system:
Motherboard - Supermicro X11SSM-F
Amazon
The price on this has been jumping around quite a bit, and I've seen it on par (or cheaper) than the X11SSL-F. Not to mention Amazon currently only lists third party sellers for the X11SSL.
CPU - G4400 ($54 Amazon or $65 local) or G4560 ($70 Amazon or $71 local)
Is there any point in going Kaby Lake over Skylake aside from a 200 MHz clock bump? Also, the sellers on Amazon are currently third parties. The hardware guide offers the G4600 as the Kaby Lake option.
RAM - ???
This is where I'm lost. Crucial's website lists options, but they're all out of stock, and I don't know what the matching part number is for an Amazon search. I'm not sure if Kingston RAM is still to be avoided.
Common parts:
Boot drive - 2x Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB ($85 each)
Amazon
For security I'd like to go wtih the mirrored boot drive option. But are dual SSDs overkill? My other option is dual USB flash drives, but that doesn't seem to be advised. If not I'd have gone with dual Sandisk Fit drives.
Storage - 6x HGST NAS 4TB drives
Probably the easiest part to pick. Configured as a RAIDZ2.
PSU - Seasonic Focus Plus Gold 650 W
Seasonic seems reliable, and from what I've read here 650 W seems appropriate for the box, with minor room for expansion. Would 550 W do though?
Any comments or suggestions on my component choices? In particular, I could really use advice on what DDR4 options are available.
A note on suppliers: The easiest choices for me are Amazon or local shops. So I've included Amazon links where relevant, but not for everything.
On X10 vs X11 based Supermicro platforms: A quick look at suppliers seems to indicate that X11 motherboards can be had for cheaper than X10 ones. On the other hand, I'm under the impression DDR4 RAM is at at high, which might more than make up for the difference. I'm also not sure if an X10 based platform is still a viable build because of CPU availibility, but here's my list so far:
X10 System:
Motherboard - Supermicro X10SL7-F (about $240)
Newegg
Includes SAS2308, but I could just get a M1015 if I go with a different board that doesn't have it.
OR
Supermicro X10SLL+-F-O (about $185)
Amazon
Not the X10SLL-F. According to the Supermicro web site, this doesn't have the Intel i217LM. Does that matter?
CPU - G3260 from a local retailer. (About $100)
Actually costs more than the X11 based CPU options, and I'm not sure if it's still in stock. I also don't know of any reliable source for alternative options.
RAM - Crucial CT2K102464BD160B ($137)
Amazon
I think, but am not completely sure if this is compatible with the X10 motherboards.
X11 system:
Motherboard - Supermicro X11SSM-F
Amazon
The price on this has been jumping around quite a bit, and I've seen it on par (or cheaper) than the X11SSL-F. Not to mention Amazon currently only lists third party sellers for the X11SSL.
CPU - G4400 ($54 Amazon or $65 local) or G4560 ($70 Amazon or $71 local)
Is there any point in going Kaby Lake over Skylake aside from a 200 MHz clock bump? Also, the sellers on Amazon are currently third parties. The hardware guide offers the G4600 as the Kaby Lake option.
RAM - ???
This is where I'm lost. Crucial's website lists options, but they're all out of stock, and I don't know what the matching part number is for an Amazon search. I'm not sure if Kingston RAM is still to be avoided.
Common parts:
Boot drive - 2x Samsung 850 EVO 250 GB ($85 each)
Amazon
For security I'd like to go wtih the mirrored boot drive option. But are dual SSDs overkill? My other option is dual USB flash drives, but that doesn't seem to be advised. If not I'd have gone with dual Sandisk Fit drives.
Storage - 6x HGST NAS 4TB drives
Probably the easiest part to pick. Configured as a RAIDZ2.
PSU - Seasonic Focus Plus Gold 650 W
Seasonic seems reliable, and from what I've read here 650 W seems appropriate for the box, with minor room for expansion. Would 550 W do though?
Any comments or suggestions on my component choices? In particular, I could really use advice on what DDR4 options are available.