New build for archiving/serving/transcoding

[zorak950]

I'm looking to put together a robust but reasonably sized/priced server that I can store headless in a corner or closet somewhere and was attracted to FreeNAS for its feature set and use of ZFS to prevent data degradation over time. I want some room for expandability/upgradability, within reason obviously since I'm trying to stay within the constraints of mATS. I need the power to transcode; HDR probably isn't practical within my budget, but 1080 certainly and regular-ol'-4k if possible. Likely going to be using something in the vein of Emby/Plex for video streaming, but I'm not committed to a solution yet. I'm also going to be storing pretty much all my other digital content on the machine- primarily for archival purposes but of course it may get pulled remotely from time to time (and yes, it is all backed up elsewhere as well). Only one user, but storage scalability is important. Naturally, I'm also trying to keep power consumption under control.

I've built and run desktop machines before, but never a server. I've been doing research in my downtime the last couple weeks, but my knowledge is still very limited and doubtless riddled with blind spots, so I'm hoping to exploit you all for my own selfish purposes. Below is the initial build I'm currently looking at (and potential future upgrades); I humbly submit it for your inspection. Are these good selections? Could it be tweaked? Am I on completely the wrong track? Any helpful thoughts are welcome.

Case: Fractal Design Node 804
PSU: Seasonic SSR-650PX
MB: ASRock Rack E3C246D4U
CPU: Intel Xeon E-2126G
RAM: 2x (up to 4x) Crucial CT16G4WFD8266
Boot: 2x mirrored Crucial BX500 120GB
Storage: 2x (up to 8x with PCIe card) mirrored Western Digital WD80EFAX

 

[anmnz]

Looks like a reasonable build, consistent with typical recommendations on the forums.

But have you considered used server hardware? If you look around the forums for recommendations you may find you can build a similar system with used parts for a lot less money. @Chris Moore is a great source of recommendations. (The system in my sig is an example.)

 

[Constantin]

For example, you can get a used CSE-826 case on ebay for about $250 shipped that can hot-swap up to 12 drives, has redundant power supplies. Might be noisier than the 804, however.

Having owned / experienced ASrock as well as SuperMicro, I have an affinity for SuperMicro over AsRock. SM is simply more aligned with server-grade gear than ASrock (which seems more of a workstation company dabbling in server gear). Nothing wrong with finding a good used motherboard and mating it with a good used CPU to stretch your $$$.

 

[zorak950]

Having owned / experienced ASrock as well as SuperMicro, I have an affinity for SuperMicro over AsRock. SM is simply more aligned with server-grade gear than ASrock (which seems more of a workstation company dabbling in server gear).

I'd read that Supermicro boards require an adapter to interface with other-brand case buttons/LEDs, which sort of put me off. I did look at the MBD-X11SCH-LN4F though; which near as I can tell is basically identical feature-wise.

 

[Constantin]

I've had no issues with the LIAN LI case external interfaces, etc. But that's just n=2.

 

[zorak950]

Huh. Maybe I just misunderstood something. As to the other point, I've never been very savvy with buying things second-hand but I'll definitely poke around at least. Thanks for the suggestion guys. This is an ongoing process, so if anyone else wanders in feel free to add your two cents; I'll be lurking about in the meantime.

 

[Chris Moore]

I'd read that Supermicro boards require an adapter to interface with other-brand case buttons/LEDs,

No, but it might take some ability to read the manual, which you will likely need to download from the site and be smart about making thins connect. I have used many Supermicro boards in cases that are not Supermicro and not even server cases.

 

[Constantin]

I've found the SuperMicro site to be quite comprehensive in all things manuals for current as well as legacy boards. For the most part, the standard headers are just that - standard headers (USB, etc.). The one area where things can get potentially tricky is the power / reset / etc. button header. For example, Lian Li furnishes these as a collection of 1x1 and 1x2 female pin connectors that eventually fuse into a bigger wiring harness. These connectors may even require correct polarity (LED indicators for HDD activity, for example).

That said, I've also disconnected external USB 3 ports, audio jacks, etc. and any assorted cabling built into a chassis since they didn't add to the build and I'd have to contend with even more "cable-salad" inside my case with the unused cables dangling about. My A76 chassis now looks a lot more like a A75 since I didn't see the point of the hinged front panel (so I removed it). My server needs good air flow, not aesthetics.

 

[zorak950]

The one area where things can get potentially tricky is the power / reset / etc. button header. For example, Lian Li furnishes these as a collection of 1x1 and 1x2 female pin connectors that eventually fuse into a bigger wiring harness. These connectors may even require correct polarity (LED indicators for HDD activity, for example).

My main gaming machine runs in an older Corsair case with the same setup; that's no problem.

 

[nikalai2]

@zorak950 You need an adapter only if you are using a non Supermicro motherboard in a Supermicro Case (like 846 series for example).

 

[zorak950]

@zorak950 You need an adapter only if you are using a non Supermicro motherboard in a Supermicro Case (like 846 series for example).

THAT'S probably what I'm thinking of. Thanks.