BUILD Need help build my home/company server

[Tommy Svartvatn]

I am totally new to FreeNAS, but I want to make a reasonable server with RAID Z, 4 disks 16Gb RAM. I need help finding components and to configure the server. I know it's a far fetch, but I need to get started somewhere. I am familiar with PCs, software and solve problems with a normal PC, some coding, windows servers, but new to server with FreeNAS.

Can anyone make suggestions on a complete system?

 

[cyberjock]

Nobody here will do a parts list. You are going to need to read our stickies and search the forum and put together a parts list of your own. We *do* critique parts lists others have made, but don't do them for people. The hardware sticky will get you like 80% of the way if you read it. ;)

 

[danb35]

If you want a complete system, what you're describing sounds just like a FreeNAS Mini. Might want to give it a look. Or look at the hardware recommendations sticky, which will give you a big head start.

 

[9C1 Newbee]

You could also get some ideas in the signature portion of posts. Just sayin :D

 

[Tommy Svartvatn]

thx, 9c1 newbee :) How many TB of storage do you get with that setup raidz?

 

[9C1 Newbee]

You're welcome. 20.4TB usable.

I just migrated from RAIDz2 with 6x 3TB drives. That gave me about 10TB useable.

 

[mw2014]

Nobody here will do a parts list. You are going to need to read our stickies and search the forum and put together a parts list of your own. We *do* critique parts lists others have made, but don't do them for people. The hardware sticky will get you like 80% of the way if you read it. ;)

I also am looking for "build suggestions".
I have a thought that might help a lot of people. Add a new "topic" to the FreeNAS Community Forum. "My Build", "How I Did It" or something like that. A location for members to tell others what they did and how they did it. This would be a single location for hardware that works and/or how to make it work. I think it would help us new people and save time for the experts.

 

[Ericloewe]

I also am looking for "build suggestions".
I have a thought that might help a lot of people. Add a new "topic" to the FreeNAS Community Forum. "My Build", "How I Did It" or something like that. A location for members to tell others what they did and how they did it. This would be a single location for hardware that works and/or how to make it work. I think it would help us new people and save time for the experts.

Most people just grab their favorite mix of stuff from the hardware sticky and people's signatures. I can imagine such a section being rather monotonous, going something like this:

• My X10SL7-F build
• My ASRock C2750D4I system
• My X10SLM+-F server
• My E3C226D2I
• Yet another X10SL7-F
• X10SLL-F

Don't be afraid to ask for opinions on your component selection once you have a general idea of what you're getting. Fortunately, most of the hardware just works together (that's why it's recommended). When it doesn't... well, that's what some of the stickies are for. ;)

 

[9C1 Newbee]

Here is the problem with stickies. Technology changes. What is good one day, might not be good for the next. Numerous factors play a part in this. For example, I have been reading about how Kingston has been dropping the ball on part number consistency. I read in another thread how the newer versions of the FreeNAS software might not be compatible with equipment that used to work ok. My point is, software and hardware are very dynamic. They are constantly changing. That requires somebody to keep the sticky fresh and updated. A search provides the same information. Takes a bit more work to sift through it. Either way it is STILL a great idea to have forum input on an intended parts list. I'm not a sys admin. I know next to nothing about anything (read: uber n00b) and yet the current system has served (pardon the pun) me well. It just takes time to research so you can ask the right questions. If I can do it, anybody can do it.:D

 

[Ericloewe]

A section on new builds would suffer from the same lag as the stickies.

In my opinion, it's easier to keep a small number of stickies updated and have them serve as the "documentation" than to have a number of disjointed threads, some of which may be pushed down into oblivion.

 

[leenux_tux]

Looking at the number of questions around hardware compatibility, would it not be worth considering a new area on the forums where people can post their build ?

Separate sections for each component type, Motherboard, RAM, Hard drive controller, hard drives, CPU, even the case being used. I have never tried it but I don't thing signatures are searchable.

Having this area of the forum would make it easier for people to figure out what would works and what doesn't. Especially if there is a "tried this doesn't work" section. I could have avoided purchasing an incompatible HBA card 12 months ago perhaps....

 

[mjws00]

Heh. Eric pretty much posted the entire list. Everyone else is taking a chance. FreeBSD is the kind of animal where one plans ahead and matches the hardware to the best drivers.

Nothing to stop a thread listing great combos with a few pros and cons. Get the ball rolling and if it is popular there is no reason it wouldn't be made a sticky. I think on one level the mods don't want to spit out a component list, as it might be construed as endorsement of vendors etc. Cyber's list is incredibly thorough, even if a bit overwhelming for some.

To me there is one head and shoulders above no brainer. x10sl7-f, e3 1230v3, seasonic psu (450w+), micron or hynix ecc ram, wd reds, nice open case. Great value and stability saves the cost of the hba. Everyone wants to add a "personal touch" But it is often just a source of pain.

I do think there is room for a "logic" based list. One that would target cost, performance, stability, size, flexibility, power, etc. All those targets result in minor tweaks. All require a fair bit of knowledge to execute proper trade-offs without compromising key elements. Plus these are moving targets... however FreeNAS drivers move slow, so our window is pretty large and not bleeding edge.

 

[SweetAndLow]

Isn't that what the hardware section and hardware stickies are for? They have hundreds of builds and also stickies of suggested hardware.

 

[9C1 Newbee]

I ran across a suggested hardware thread. I purchased an outdated card from an outdated list. Luckily I caught the error straight away and it didn't cost me money. I assumed the list was current. It wasn't. A section for hardware threads might be good though. But an ever outdated thread or sticky will cause issues I think.

 

[Ericloewe]

I ran across a suggested hardware thread. I purchased an outdated card from an outdated list. Luckily I caught the error straight away and it didn't cost me money. I assumed the list was current. It wasn't. A section for hardware threads might be good though. But an ever outdated thread or sticky will cause issues I think.

What list? By car, d you mean an HBA? I don't recall any recommendations for HBAs not based on LSI 2008/2308 controllers. If so, must've been an ancient list. All current stickies were up to date, last time I checked.

 

[mw2014]

What list? By car, d you mean an HBA? I don't recall any recommendations for HBAs not based on LSI 2008/2308 controllers. If so, must've been an ancient list. All current stickies were up to date, last time I checked.

Thanks for responding. It was just a thought.

OK, I guess I'm an idiot. What is a "stickies" and where do I find them?
If it helps.
I'm looking for a motherboard and add on card with at least 10 SATA ports and doesn't require firmware updates.
Thanks

 

[cyberjock]

OK, I guess I'm an idiot. What is a "stickies" and where do I find them?
If it helps.
I'm looking for a motherboard and add on card with at least 10 SATA ports and doesn't require firmware updates.
Thanks

The stickies are at the top of the applicable sections and have the "push pin" icon.

there is no addon card that has at least 10 sata ports and doesn't require updates.. so that's out of the question. :P

Even hardware RAID controller require updates, so you shouldn't expect less from ZFS. :P

 

[mw2014]

The stickies are at the top of the applicable sections and have the "push pin" icon.

there is no addon card that has at least 10 sata ports and doesn't require updates.. so that's out of the question. :p

Even hardware RAID controller require updates, so you shouldn't expect less from ZFS. :p

Thank you very much you are always very helpful.
I was thinking of a 6 port motherboard and a 4 port card.

 

[Ericloewe]

Thank you very much you are always very helpful.
I was thinking of a 6 port motherboard and a 4 port card.

There are no good four port cards that I know of... The ones I do know are eight port controllers with only four physical connections.

 

[mw2014]

There are no good four port cards that I know of... The ones I do know are eight port controllers with only four physical connections.

Thank you very much.
That explains why I haven't been able to find one. It also points me in a new direction for hardware.