Making the N40L FreeNAS - help needed

[mappo]

I just got an N40L and I could really use some advice on how to make it FreeNAS.

Firstly, the BIOS: All postings I've seen about it are quite dated (unsurprisingly since it's an old machine). Please point me to a stable version of the hacked BIOS that will unlock AHCI on all six sata ports.

Next, RAM: I think I might get by with 8 GB. I have a primary server and it will back up its data on the Microserver. That's all, one machine periodically dumping data on it. I still haven't decided whether there will be four or six drives in it.
So here's my question: Will it handle a single stick of 8 GB? In case I'm wrong and it turns out I need more RAM, I want one slot free.

 

[Dice]

I think I might get by with 8 GB.

What's the total drive size, RAW?

 

[Stux]

I just got an N40L and I could really use some advice on how to make it FreeNAS.

Firstly, the BIOS: All postings I've seen about it are quite dated (unsurprisingly since it's an old machine). Please point me to a stable version of the hacked BIOS that will unlock AHCI on all six sata ports.

Next, RAM: I think I might get by with 8 GB. I have a primary server and it will back up its data on the Microserver. That's all, one machine periodically dumping data on it. I still haven't decided whether there will be four or six drives in it.
So here's my question: Will it handle a single stick of 8 GB? In case I'm wrong and it turns out I need more RAM, I want one slot free.

http://n40l.wikia.com/wiki/Base_Hardware_N40L

This page says that the documented max is 2x4GB, and tested max is 2x8GB non-ECC. Not sure if 2x8GB ECC will work. You might need to do some more digging.

 

[SavageAUS]

Am I the only one thinking "This should have been researched before purchasing".
Not to sound rude or anything but what your asking should have asked and or researched prior to purchase.
But in saying that I believe alot of people use that system so maybe they will chime in.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[gpsguy]

Yes, you can put 2x8GB ECC sticks of RAM in it. Search the forum for known model numbers.

 

[mappo]

@Stux :: I've looked at that site and on http://n40l.wikia.com/wiki/Memory they list modules known to work. Now, they only list pairs so my question was if anyone has seen it work with a single 8 GB module.

@SavageAUS :: Good point... but: I got this fairly fast and furious off an internet auction. I had no doubt it would fulfill my primary goal which was back-up (at least xpenology). I'd prefer to run FreeNAS, but the price was right and time was short. Your point was made and taken - no harm.

@Dice :: I should have clarified this in OP. Total disk size (sum of labels) will be at least 16 TB. I have (4) 4TB, but I haven't yet figured out the best configuration (to further make SavageAUS' point). It will be one of these three:
a. All (4) disks in RZ2
b. (3) disks in RZ1 and (1) backing up that pool.
c. Get another (2) disks and use all (6) in RZ2 (sum of labels: 24TB)

 

[gpsguy]

Yes.

Now, they only list pairs so my question was if anyone has seen it work with a single 8 GB module.

 

[SavageAUS]

@mappo glad it didn't come across rude wasn't intended to be so.
If you have any luck with it let me know I'm always on the look out for a cheap backup/test rig.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

 

[gpsguy]

[QUOTE="SavageAUS, post: 376728]
If you have any luck with it let me know I'm always on the look out for a cheap backup/test rig.[/QUOTE]

By today's standards, it's old and slow. As I recall it has a 1.5GHz AMD Turion CPU. The N54L has a 2.2GHz CPU.

4-5 years ago, these machine were often sold with rebate or cash back offers. Here in the US, I bought a N40L with an after rebate cost of ~$225. A year later, I saw a similar deal on a N54L and bought one.

 

[mappo]

@gpsguy :: thank you for that!

So one question from my OP remains: What version of the hacked BIOS is documented to FreeNAS on the N40L with six drives?

 

[Alecmascot]

@gpsguy :: thank you for that!

So one question from my OP remains: What version of the hacked BIOS is documented to FreeNAS on the N40L with six drives?

I have used both the commonly available modded bios on all models of the G7 and they work fine.
You will find what you want in this thread: http://goo.gl/9Mlqy.