New Server build help please

[Rob1983]

So after filling my 12tb Synology nas i have decided to have a go at building my own Freenas server for Plex
I am looking to be able to handle 4 to 5 1080p transcodes with an eye for further upgrading in the future

Shopping list is as follows

Case: Fractal Define R4 (http://www.fractal-design.com/home/product/cases/define-series/define-r4-black-pearl)

I have already bought this as it was on sale a few months back

Motherboard: Supermicro X10SL7-F (http://www.supermicro.com/products/motherboard/Xeon/C220/X10SL7-F.cfm)

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1231V3 3.4GHZ LGA1150 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Description=intel Xeon E3 processor&Submit=ENE)

Passmark 9592

Memory: 2x Crucial CT4484988 16GB kit (http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/x10sl7-f/CT4484988)

Is 32GB overkill?

Power Supply: Coolermaster V650s 650w (http://www.coolermaster.com/powersupply/modular-vs-series/v650s/)

Do i need 650w or 550 or 450 not really sure?

Boot Drive: Sandisk Ultra 16GB flash drive (http://www.sandisk.com/products/usb/drives/ultra3/)

Hard Drives: WD Red 6TB SATA 3 (http://www.computerlounge.co.nz/components/componentpop.asp?partid=22517)

Still undecided whether to go with 8 drives for 32.7TB in RAID-Z2 or convert the 5.25'' bays and add more drives
Can anyone recommend a good converter for this?

I had thought of purchasing an SSD drive for Plex metadata will i need this?
If so does it matter in regards to brand capacity etc?

Finally will i need to purchase extra cooling for this setup?

Any comments on my questions or anything i might have missed would be greatly appreciated

 

[Robert Trevellyan]

Is 32GB overkill?

Probably not for the size of pool that you're planning. Plex is a memory hog too. You could always start with 16GB and add more later if necessary.

 

[Ericloewe]

Further thoughts:

Memory: 2x Crucial CT4484988 16GB kit (http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/x10sl7-f/CT4484988)

The 1.35V DIMMs recommended by Crucial have been tested and validated by Supermicro. I'd definitely get them over the 1.5V ones. For details, check the X10 RAM FAQ (link in my sig).

Power Supply: Coolermaster V650s 650w (http://www.coolermaster.com/powersupply/modular-vs-series/v650s/)

Consider a Seasonic G-Series instead. For 8 drives, the G-550 will do. If you want significantly more drives, consider a Seaonic X-650 or Platinum 650.

Can anyone recommend a good converter for this?

I'm happy with the ones I got (model in the sig). The fans are bearable and reasonable quality. Temperatures are very good.

I had thought of purchasing an SSD drive for Plex metadata will i need this?

Need? No. Want? Someone else will have to answer, I don't use Plex.

Finally will i need to purchase extra cooling for this setup?

More cooling is better. Ensure ample, unobstructed airflow.

 

[Robert Trevellyan]

Still undecided whether to go with 8 drives for 32.7TB in RAID-Z2 or convert the 5.25'' bays and add more drives

I used an Evercool converter for a while, but cooling with extra drives installed where they don't belong can be a challenge. The device I linked to keeps the drives you install in it cool, at the expense of airflow over the drives in the original bays. Even with the fan removed, it changes the airflow through the case. You would have to add more exhaust airflow to fix that. I ended up removing it.

 

[Rob1983]

Think i will just get the 32GB from the start save me having to pull it apart again.

Thanks Ericloewe i hadn't seen that FAQ i am now going with 2X CT2KIT102472BD160B 1.35V DIMM kits as they are tested and validated like you said plus they are slightly cheaper where i am which is a bonus also for the advice on the power supply the Seasonic G-550 sounds good save me a bit more money.

After looking at my budget i have decided eight drives will probably be enough at the present so will look at putting extra money towards more cooling and maybe an SSD will do a bit more research on that

 

[Rob1983]

I can get a Seasonic G-650 for cheaper than a G-550 in my area will there be any difference if i choose the 650?

 

[Ericloewe]

I can get a Seasonic G-650 for cheaper than a G-550 in my area will there be any difference if i choose the 650?

Won't hurt, but check out prices for the Seasonic X-650/Platinum 650.

 

[Rob1983]

The store i use (mainly because i earn rewards there) offers X-650 for fifty bucks more or the Platinum 520w for eighty bucks more is the extra outlay worth it?

 

[Ericloewe]

The store i use (mainly because i earn rewards there) offers X-650 for fifty bucks more or the Platinum 520w for eighty bucks more is the extra outlay worth it?

Probably not. G-650 is fine.

 

[Rob1983]

Sweet thanks for the advice now ready to order HDD's does it make a difference if i order them all at once or in bunches?

 

[gpsguy]

Some users buy them in "bunches" or from different vendors, so as not to get all the drives from the same lot.

 

[Jailer]

Sweet thanks for the advice now ready to order HDD's does it make a difference if i order them all at once or in bunches?

As long as you burn them in properly it shouldn't be an issue.