BUILD Scrub's First Attempt at FreeNAS

[devianz]

<div class="bbWrapper">Hi guys,<br /> <br /> <br /> First attempt at FreeNAS. I've been dreaming about a decent FreeNAS build for a few months, but this weekend I really buckled down and started doing some research/making spreadsheets of what I want to achieve. I'd like a sanity check from some veterans before I go ahead and blow a few thousand on something that doesn't work or is drastically different from what I need - which is problematic because I live in Australia, which isn't the best place in terms of hardware availability.<br /> <br /> Type of use: Home - 2, maybe 3 devices streaming media, along with use as a dumping ground for my old files. Obviously I need to find an off-site backup solution as well.<br /> <br /> Anyway, here's what I have in mind:<br /> <br /> CPU-i3-6320<br /> - I have no idea which of the i3s (i3-6100, i3-6100t, i3-6300, i3-6300t, i3-6320) I need for this build - naturally I'm leaning towards the one with the most grunt, but I don't even know if it's necessary. Is the cache and clock beneficial for FreeNAS? Or is extremely low TDP the way to go?<br /> <br /> Mobo - AsRock C236 WSI<br /> - Really wanted a mini-ITX solution without going all the way for the E3 prefix board - I couldn't find any Supermicro ITX boards (aside from Xeon Ds which are out of my price range). If there are serious issues with this particular board though/if anybody has had any terrible experiences with it, I'd like to know before I buy a $400 brick and get it shipped in from the States.<br /> <br /> <br /> RAM - 2x8GB or 1x16GB Crucial DDR4-2133 ECC Unbuffered [CT8G4WFD8213 or CT16G4WFD8213] <br /> - Had extreme difficulty finding the ECC RAM on the QVL for the C236 WSI, so I searched all around and found this on the website of a RAM specialist store. Not sure if the 1x16 version is compatible (I'd like the option to upgrade to 32 whenever), so I'll need to check with them when I get a chance.<br /> <br /> Boot - Sandisk Ultra Fit SDCZ43 16GB (boot USB)<br /> - Self-explanatory (non-garbage?) boot USB<br /> <br /> NAS Drives - 4x WD Red 4TB / Seagate ST4000VN000<br /> - Here is where I'm stuck. From what I can see, the C236 WSI has 8 SATA ports, but how to distribute these and get a decent drive topology is where I'm having trouble deciding. I know I don't want a L2ARC and ZIL SSD mirror cache because it'll have little impact on my home use, so I should have full use of all 8 ports. I want to preferably start off with 2-4 drives (my wallet won't really like it if I buy the whole lot at once, and neither will the vdev when everything starts failing at the same time). I would like to maximise the amount of space available whilst having a decent amount of redundancy.<br /> <br /> 1) 2-4 vdevs of mirrors?<br /> e.g. VDEV 1 - 2 x 4TB, VDEV 2 - 2x4TB, VDEV3, VDEV 4 etc<br /> <br /> 2) RAID Z1 or RAID Z2? <br /> I'm not sure how to configure this though, as 8 ports is in the odd space between the traditional RAID-Z1 5/9 or RAID-Z2 6/10, and I want to maximise the number of ports used.<br /> <br /> - Second question - would mixing WD Reds / Seagate 4000VN000s and even HGST DeskStar drives create performance/redundancy issues? I have read about some individuals preferring to mix different vendor drives of the same capacity, along with purchasing them at staggered intervals to ensure batch defects don't become a problem.<br /> <br /> <br /> Also, I'd like opinions on which of the following Case + PSU combos to buy:<br /> <br /> 1)<br /> Case - Silverstone DS380B<br /> - Has anybody had issues with the Hotswap function of this case? From what I understand, you naturally have to configure from within FreeNAS in order to disconnect/replace a drive, but aside from that, are there any other issues with the hotswap?<br /> <br /> PSU - Silverstone ST45SF-G<br /> - Just your classic 80+ Gold efficiency SFX PSU.<br /> <br /> 2) <br /> Case - Fractal Design Node 304<br /> <br /> PSU - Seasonic SSR-360GP</div>

 

[jgreco]

<div class="bbWrapper">Low TDP processors are for for people who really have an environment where they absolutely positively cannot exceed a thermal rate. They tend to eat more power, cost more money, and deliver poorer performance. Since they idle at about the same power consumption as a standard processor, you may be better off getting a CPU that just gets its work done quickly.<br /> <br /> Your PSU sizing may be a bit shy for 8 drives (implied by 4 vdevs). <a href="https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/proper-power-supply-sizing-guidance.38811/" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="noopener">https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/proper-power-supply-sizing-guidance.38811/</a><br /> <br /> CIFS in particular does better with a higher clock, because each client is singlethreaded.</div>

 

[Ericloewe]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> RAM - 2x8GB or 1x16GB Crucial DDR4-2133 ECC Unbuffered [CT8G4WFD8213 or CT16G4WFD8213]<br /> - Had extreme difficulty finding the ECC RAM on the QVL for the C236 WSI, so I searched all around and found this on the website of a RAM specialist store. Not sure if the 1x16 version is compatible (I'd like the option to upgrade to 32 whenever), so I'll need to check with them when I get a chance. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Definitely get 16GB DIMMs. There's no point to 8GB DIMMs now that Skylake takes 16GB per DIMM.<br /> <br /> Also, if you end up buying that memory, do me a favor and post some pictures of the labels on the DIMMs.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Mobo - AsRock C236 WSI<br /> - Really wanted a mini-ITX solution without going all the way for the E3 prefix board - I couldn't find any Supermicro ITX boards (aside from Xeon Ds which are out of my price range). If there are serious issues with this particular board though/if anybody has had any terrible experiences with it, I'd like to know before I buy a $400 brick and get it shipped in from the States. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>It should work, but it's a workstation board, built for different sensibilities than its server counterparts (no IPMI, but instead has audio).<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> I'm not sure how to configure this though, as 8 ports is in the odd space between the traditional RAID-Z1 5/9 or RAID-Z2 6/10, and I want to maximise the number of ports used. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Don't worry about it. An 8-wide RAIDZ2 is perfectly ok.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> - Second question - would mixing WD Reds / Seagate 4000VN000s and even HGST DeskStar drives create performance/redundancy issues? I have read about some individuals preferring to mix different vendor drives of the same capacity, along with purchasing them at staggered intervals to ensure batch defects don't become a problem. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>No, no issues. Don't overdo it, though, otherwise you'll waste time chasing different lots and different models. What's far more important is to have at least one spare burned-in and ready to go.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> 1)<br /> Case - Silverstone DS380B<br /> - Has anybody had issues with the Hotswap function of this case? From what I understand, you naturally have to configure from within FreeNAS in order to disconnect/replace a drive, but aside from that, are there any other issues with the hotswap? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>That chassis has dubious thermals that need to be worked around. I recommend you read up on the matter before you get it, to determine what is needed to prevent it from baking your drives.<br /> The backplane seems appropriate for hot swapping, though. I can't see the SATA connectors, but they'll probably be of the appropriate type. It also has a few caps to deal with inrush current, as is normal.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> 2)<br /> Case - Fractal Design Node 304<br /> <br /> PSU - Seasonic SSR-360GP </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>That's cutting it a bit tight. A G-450 would be the minimum to consider. Modular cables also help a lot.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299881" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299881" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299881">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> PSU - Silverstone ST45SF-G<br /> - Just your classic 80+ Gold efficiency SFX PSU. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>I hear Corsair's new SFX models are quite nice and a good step up from the Silverstones.</div>

 

[devianz]

<div class="bbWrapper">Thanks for the enlightening answers jgreco and Ericloewe! Really made my day.<br /> <br /> Based on your replies, I think I might get the following:<br /> <br /> i3-6320<br /> AsRock C236 WSI<br /> Crucial 1x16 GB DDR4-2133 ECC Unbuffered CT16G4WFD8213 (I checked with the RAM specialist seller, they said it'll work. If it doesn't there will be trouble.)<br /> Sandisk Ultra Fit SDCZ43 16GB<br /> 2 x WD Red 4TB<br /> 2 x Seagate ST4000VN000<br /> Silverstone DS380B<br /> Silverstone SX500-LG<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> I have a few more questions.<br /> <br /> 1) Can you elaborate more on the dodgy thermals in the DS380B?<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> 2) Would the following topology work? (Not just in terms of being technically feasible, but in terms of performance and sufficient redundancy too).<br /> VDEV 1 - RAID-Z2<br /> 4 x 4TB<br /> <br /> VDEV 2 - RAID-Z2 (for later expansion)<br /> 4 x 4TB</div>

 

[Ericloewe]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299993" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299993" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299993">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> 1) Can you elaborate more on the dodgy thermals in the DS380B? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Airflow in the chassis as it was designed is crap. Some people, even on this forum, have documented their fixes, some more warranty-voiding than others.<br /> <br /> <blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 299993" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299993" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299993">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> 2) Would the following topology work? (Not just in terms of being technically feasible, but in terms of performance and sufficient redundancy too).<br /> VDEV 1 - RAID-Z2<br /> 4 x 4TB<br /> <br /> VDEV 2 - RAID-Z2 (for later expansion)<br /> 4 x 4TB </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Easily.</div>

 

[devianz]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 37321" data-quote="Ericloewe" data-source="post: 299996" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299996" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299996">Ericloewe said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Airflow in the chassis as it was designed is crap. Some people, even on this forum, have documented their fixes, some more warranty-voiding than others. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> What would you suggest instead? The Node 304?</div>

 

[Ericloewe]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 61491" data-quote="devianz" data-source="post: 300006" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=300006" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-300006">devianz said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> What would you suggest instead? The Node 304? </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>I don't have any real recommendations for a chassis. That's something that I think everyone has to choose for themselves, according to their requirements.</div>

 

[nojohnny101]

<div class="bbWrapper"><a href="https://www.truenas.com/community/members/61491/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="61491" data-username="@devianz">@devianz</a> if you are going to go the USB route for your freeNAS boot, i would recommend mirrored USB drives so your server doesn't go down <i>when</i> the USB fails.<br /> <br /> not very expensive to pick up another one, peace of mind!</div>

 

[Nick2253]

<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote data-attributes="member: 37321" data-quote="Ericloewe" data-source="post: 299996" class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote js-expandWatch"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/community/goto/post?id=299996" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" rel="nofollow" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-299996">Ericloewe said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent js-expandContent "> Airflow in the chassis as it was designed is crap. Some people, even on this forum, have documented their fixes, some more warranty-voiding than others. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink js-expandLink"><a role="button" tabindex="0">Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote><br /> I'm one of the more warranty-voiding fixers (<a href="https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/thoughts-on-plex-build.38278/#post-230842" target="_blank" class="link link--external" rel="nofollow ugc noopener">https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/thoughts-on-plex-build.38278/#post-230842</a>). After having put quite a bit of work into the case, I do like it. However, if I were to do it again, I would get a different case.<br /> <br /> If your requirements are strict about case footprint, and you <i>must </i>have 8 hot-swappable drives in that footprint, then I'd give a tepid recommendation of the DS380 <i>with </i>modifications. However, my real advice would be to forget the hot-swappable thing. The real value of hotswap drives is being able to easily remove the drives without either turning the server off or opening the server's case. If you are a typical home user, then having your server offline for a couple hours is no big deal. Ditto opening the case is no big deal.</div>

 

[Stux]

<div class="bbWrapper">Get two of the Cruiser Fit drives and use them in mirror mode.</div>