Please advise on adding 2nd pool via SAS HBA

[aloowak]

Hi,
Couple of mths ago I've build my first nas server, it has a mini itx with 4x 4TB hdd (seagate ironwolf NAS) in RAIDZ1, 512GB nvme cache and 128GB nvme for TrueNAS.
Recently I got my hands on 2x 12TB seagate baracuda's which I'd like to add to my nas (the case can hold 6 hdd's), but in a bit of a pickle on how to do this as my MB has only 4 sata ports.

So my idea is:
- replace 128gb nvme with a 2.5ssd to hold TrueNAS os
- add a SAS HBA board that will connect both 12tb HDDs and the 2.5ssd
- add a 2nd 512gb nvme as a cache for new pool

The new HDDs will be used to store security camera footage, so not super critical data but I would still probably go with Z1.

Questions:
1. overall does this concept even make sense?
2. what SAS controller should I get? would any of these 2 work:
-> Array Card for LSI 9260-8i
-> IT 4-Port Array Card

Open to any suggestions / recommendations.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Ericloewe]

-> Array Card for LSI 9260-8i

That one is completely unsuitable, as it is a RAID controller, not an HBA.

-> IT 4-Port Array Card

Better, but that's a very dodgy example. "Bewinner"? What kind of Shenzhen dark-grey market crap do they allow on Amazon these days? You'll want something from a reputable brand and reputable seller. See also https://www.truenas.com/community/r...ide-some-tips-for-not-getting-ripped-off.176/

 

[aloowak]

That one is completely unsuitable, as it is a RAID controller, not an HBA.

Better, but that's a very dodgy example. "Bewinner"? What kind of Shenzhen dark-grey market crap do they allow on Amazon these days? You'll want something from a reputable brand and reputable seller. See also https://www.truenas.com/community/r...ide-some-tips-for-not-getting-ripped-off.176/

how about a used LSI 9220 like THIS, bearing in mind it's for light home use only

 

[jgreco]

how about a used LSI 9220 like THIS, bearing in mind it's for light home use only

That's fine. I am, however, curious what role you believe "light home use only" plays in this. It either works right or it doesn't. There are newer LSI controllers like the 3008 that would be more spendy, offer newer connectors, and may be a bit faster, but all the LSI HBA's we recommend are safe and suitable. I've sold lots of LSI 2008 for businesses.

 

[aloowak]

That's fine. I am, however, curious what role you believe "light home use only" plays in this. It either works right or it doesn't. There are newer LSI controllers like the 3008 that would be more spendy, offer newer connectors, and may be a bit faster, but all the LSI HBA's we recommend are safe and suitable. I've sold lots of LSI 2008 for businesses.

'light home use' was with regards to buying a used board, i.e. if it fails for some reason it's not the end of the world and I can just get a replacement

thanks for the confirmation it's an acceptable choice :)

 

[jgreco]

'light home use' was with regards to buying a used board, i.e. if it fails for some reason it's not the end of the world and I can just get a replacement

There's very little point in buying them new, as the "new" ones are typically Shenzhen back alley knockoffs. You are MUCH better buying used cards that are being parts'ed up from a datacenter teardown.

Hardware Buying Guide - some tips for not getting ripped off

This resource was originally created by user: jgreco on the TrueNAS Community Forums Archive. Please DM this account or comment in this thread to claim it. I’ve been giving this information out piecemeal for years, and should maybe have it summarized in one place. There’s been a lot of people...

www.truenas.com

You can buy two on the used market and still have enough left over for a case of beer and maybe even a steak dinner, compared to a truly legit new card.

 

[aloowak]

There's very little point in buying them new, as the "new" ones are typically Shenzhen back alley knockoffs. You are MUCH better buying used cards that are being parts'ed up from a datacenter teardown.

Hardware Buying Guide - some tips for not getting ripped off

This resource was originally created by user: jgreco on the TrueNAS Community Forums Archive. Please DM this account or comment in this thread to claim it. I’ve been giving this information out piecemeal for years, and should maybe have it summarized in one place. There’s been a lot of people...

www.truenas.com

You can buy two on the used market and still have enough left over for a case of beer and maybe even a steak dinner, compared to a truly legit new card.

got you, will bear that in mind for my future purchases.

Thanks again for the help, parts ordered :)