Taking the plunge... (Building a NAS - Need Help)

[JTT0]

Hello,

I have been using a series of external drives over the years and now have an assortment of random drives that are difficult to keep organized (5-7 drives hanging around), some 3.5inch and some 2.5inch. With that being said, it is time to put together an appropriate solution that can work for multiple users living in a household.

I am not worried about losing space due to RAID or even Write speed. Currently, this NAS will be hooked up directly to my internal network for multiple computer usage, but only until I have finished building my Gaming/Streaming server. Once I have this build, it will interface directly with the NAS server and all clients will interface through the Streaming Server for media. With this being stated, I also have an HTPC that will play these streams on the TV via XBMC. In detail, media is stored as FLAC and MKV, which needs transcoded for mobile devices, etc.

I am also aware that RAID != Backup solution. The majority of this data is also in hard copy in binders as a physical backup and the rest is going to be backed up on an external hard drive (Manually or Automatically, not sure yet, mostly just code and documents). Ideally, I would have a second array of RAID0 to send my ZFS Snapshots once/day, but the expense of HDD’s is too cost-prohibitive for at least the next few years.

In summary, I am building a server to handle much of the usage with this data, so this NAS will not do much other than serve up the files on it. I do not expect to expand the NAS, capacity-wise, for at least 3-5 years and will most likely just upgrade the HDDs, not the case at that time. Excluding HDD's cost (Where quality matters to me), I would like to keep the cost/noise/power as low as possible and try to stay below the 8-Bay Synology box (http://www.synology.com/en-us/products/overview/DS1813 ), which is roughly $1,000. Ideally, this build would hover around $500 before the HDD's.

The NAS will hold the following data:
- Media (Probably 85-90% of data)
- Personal Documents (Encrypted on filesystem)
- Backups for multiple Windows, Mac and Linux computers
- Git Repository for programming projects
- Potentially an OwnCloud Jail for User-defined usage

NAS:
- 8 HDD’s (SSD in distant future, when affordable)
- OS: FreeNAS
- Must be QUIET and LOW POWER!!!
- May or may not be left on 24/7
— Will definitely not be on when not home for vacations, etc.
- HDD Configuration
— 5+3 RAIDZ3 or 4+3 RAIDZ3 and 1 used for Backups only or Raid10 (Least Favorite ATM)
—— From seeing references to the "Magic Number of HDD's for 32KB stripe's, 4+3 would be best, but I am not fully convinced yet. If I do go 4+3 and have an extra hanging around, should this be used for my OS backups?
- FreeNAS Encryption will be used on the HDD level

Case:
- Considering->U-NAS NSC-800
--http://www.u-nas.com/product/nsc800.html

Motherboard:
- Considering->ASRock E3C226D2I Mini ITX Server Motherboard LGA 1150 Intel C226 DDR3 1600/1333
--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157466

-- OR --
ASRock E3C224D2I Mini ITX Server Motherboard LGA 1150 Intel C224 DDR3 1600/1333
--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157467
Requirements:
- ECC Memory Support (DDR3)
- 6 or 8 SATA 2/3 (3/6GB/SEC) ports
— If 6 SATA ports, needs a PCIE expansion slot
- Prefer 2 NICS for Link Aggregation, but not required (Must Support WOL)
- I much prefer Intel over AMD

CPU:
- Considering->Intel Core i3-4130T Haswell 2.9GHz LGA 1150 35W Dual-Core Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4400 BX80646I34130T
--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116947
Requirements:
- Must support AES-NI Encryption requirement to prevent hits when using FreeNAS encryption
- Not sure how to gauge the requirements here yet

RAM:
- Considering->16GB kit (8GBx2), 240-pin DIMM, DDR3 PC3-12800 memory module
--http://www.crucial.com/store/partspecs.aspx?imodule=CT2KIT102472BD160B
Requirements:
- Must be DDR3 and ECC (Registered or Unbuffered?)
- Need 16GB

SATA Controller / Port Extender (If needed):
Requirements:
- Should support adding two SATA2/3 (3/6GB/SEC) ports

PSU:
- Considering->Athena Power AP-U1ATX40P8 20+4Pin 400W Single 1U EPS 80 PLUS Server Power Supply
--http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817338059&nm_mc=AFC-C8Junction&cm_mmc=AFC-C8Junction-_-na-_-na-_-na&cm_sp=&AID=10446076&PID=3754110&SID=skim1132X509988X78437a95ba0572d1929f8d160f67f85d

HDD:
- Four 3TB Seagate NAS
- Four 3TB WD Red

So, with all this stated, can anyone suggest some assistance on how to fill the gaps?

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[cyberjock]

Yeah... you aren't going to get friendly results with this. What you need to do is come up with a build using your experience and the stickies in this forum, then present that build for critique. What you are asking is for someone else to build your server. Well, we don't do that here as volunteers.

 

[JTT0]

Thanks for the reply cyberjock! I have been researching this for a good three weeks now. I left out my current "Build Config" to allow discussion, but will include that in my next post here shortly when I can format it.

 

[cyberjock]

Quite seriously, if your build follows the stickies you'll have a build that is likely going to get the approval. If you ignore the stickies, expect us to tell you to go read them. We created the stickies so we didn't have to critique the 100s of systems built ever day for other users. This way it allows you to follow our recommendations without having to say them in every thread. :)

 

[JTT0]

Ok, so I have updated my initial post with my current hardware considerations. Hopefully this makes things a little more workable?

 

[DrKK]

Most of it looks pretty nifty. I think a lot of people on the forum would be interested in how that motherboard works out on a FreeNAS.

 

[Michael Wulff Nielsen]

In general this looks good. I have the 4130 cpu and it is a peach :) Remember to report how the motherboard works if you go for it.

You should choose an excellent PSU it is literally the cardio-vascular system of your nas. Forum favorites tend to be SeaSonics. But just read the test and find one with a super stable 12v rail.

 

[JTT0]

In general this looks good. I have the 4130 cpu and it is a peach :) Remember to report how the motherboard works if you go for it.

You should choose an excellent PSU it is literally the cardio-vascular system of your nas. Forum favorites tend to be SeaSonics. But just read the test and find one with a super stable 12v rail.

I have been considering a Seasonic as well. In particular, the following:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m1132X509988X574dfacbeeab8c3792f9e41bbc08a71b

I have been told that they can be noisy. Thoughts?

 

[JTT0]

Most of it looks pretty nifty. I think a lot of people on the forum would be interested in how that motherboard works out on a FreeNAS.

I will definitely report back if I choose to go with it. I am mostly using this post as a sanity check on my requirements before I drop $500-$1000 on hardware :p

 

[JTT0]

Does anyone have any input regarding Power Consumption / Noise with this setup? My primary goal here is to ensure that I get some feedback on this setup before I drop the cash.

What is everyone's thoughts on using a SATA Add-On for 2 ports vs a Raid Controller? I thought I read something somewhere regarding throughput issues when not using a Raid Controller. I plan to use ZFS and RaidZ3 software Raid, but no Hardware Raid.

Also, is the Seasonic PSU expected to be quieter then the Athena?

Does the RAM need to be registered or is Unbuffered fine?

Thanks for the answers ahead of time!

 

[cyberjock]

The ram has to be whatever the motherboard recommends

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[JTT0]

True. I will go with the Unbuffered RAM.

Here is the latest setup that I am considering with pricing:

NAS:
Case: $200(U-NAS NSC-800) - http://www.u-nas.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17617
Motherboard: $240(ASRock E3C226D2I Mini ITX Server Motherboard) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157466
CPU: $140 (Intel Core i3-4130T) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116947
RAM: $205 (Kingston 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333MHZ) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139979
PSU: $70(Athena Power Supply 400W 1U) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...m1132X509988X78437a95ba0572d1929f8d160f67f85d
CPU Cooler: $44 (Noctua NH-L9i low-profile HSF) - http://www.amazon.com/dp/B009VY1PMI/?tag=ozlp-20
HDD Set 1: $135 * 4 = $540 (Four 3TB WD Red)
HDD Set 2: $140 * 4 = $560(Four 3TB Seagate NAS)
SATA Port Extender / Raid Controller: N/A (Not sure what to do here)

Total Price: $1,999 = $899 + ($1,100 -> Drives)
In this setup, the Motherboard only has 6 SATA3 ports. My case has 8 slots. I have no intentions to ever do hardware Raid, but instead am planning on software RaidZ3. What is the best way to obtain those two extra ports via a PCIE slot?

Also, what are your thoughts regarding my CPU / MB combo? Should I buy the CPU Cooler for such a low TDP CPU?

 

[SweetAndLow]

I just built my NAS using the E3C226D2I. I really like it and think it makes for a great server ITX board. There are hook up's for lots of stuff including things like case open alarms. The dual NIC's are Intel and it also includes remote management interface. The board only works with unbuffered ECC ram so you choice is good, I went with Crucial. I think if you shop around a little more you can drop the price down to less than $1,500. You might also not need the Noctua CPU cooler, the stock cooler should be plenty since you aren't overclocking it.

Remember to disable USB3 on the motherboard otherwise freenas 9.1.1 won't book.

 

[Michael Wulff Nielsen]

I would recommend the IBM M1015 sata controller flashed to it-mode. That would give you more sata ports and it is known to work well.

 

[JTT0]

I would recommend the IBM M1015 sata controller flashed to it-mode. That would give you more sata ports and it is known to work well.

As I am not using this card for anything beyond a two SATA slot expander, can I find anything cheaper? I figured that this piece was a prime candidate to save money on. Am I wrong here? I have never used hardware Raid or SATA Controllers/Expanders before, so I have no clue how performance is as opposed to straight from the Motherboard.

Could'nt I just use something like this? http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=837173&Q=&is=REG&A=details

 

[cyberjock]

You might be able to. You will be at the mercy of possibly crappy drivers or non-existent drivers that you will have to solve on your own. Still want to use a controller like that one? If so go for it. It's your money and your data...

 

[JTT0]

You might be able to. You will be at the mercy of possibly crappy drivers or non-existent drivers that you will have to solve on your own. Still want to use a controller like that one? If so go for it. It's your money and your data...

So, if I skimp on the controller/adapter, it could jeopardize my data integrity? I am planning to use RaidZ3, so integrity is kinda important to me. I don't mind spending the necessary funds to protect my data, but am very against spending money on "Bells and Whistles" that will never be used on a NAS.

 

[KMR]

Here are my 2 cents:
Your case selection, while nifty, really limits your options for this build. A mini-itx motherboard is limiting in that you only have room for one HBA or are required to use a potentially crappy expander of some sort. This case also seems to require a 1U PSU which is going to be louder than a typical ATX PSU and has fewer options. If you looked at a cheap mini tower case with the appropriate amount of space for hard drives I think you would be much better off. You would lose hot swap bays but you would gain more in options and hot swap bays aren't particularly useful in a home setting where 100% uptime isn't critical (unless you have a high density application with 20+ drives).
Getting a mini tower case would let you use a tried and true SuperMicro mATX motherboard that is cheaper than the one you have selected and gives you a lot more room for capacity expansion because you are able to use more than one M1015. Also, if you are just serving files to your network you can get away with a much cheaper CPU for this build. Other than that the RAM selection looks good and you seem to have the right idea with using RAIDZ2 or 3.

 

[KMR]

Case: $50 - Anything with 8 internal bays.
Motherboard: $155 - SuperMicro mATX
CPU: $68 - G2020
RAM: $205 (Kingston 16GB (2 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 1333MHZ) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820139979
PSU: $60 - SeaSonic 360W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817151117

Total: $538 compared to $899. Get an M1015 on eBay for $100 and flash it to IT mode.

 

[cyberjock]

So, if I skimp on the controller/adapter, it could jeopardize my data integrity? I am planning to use RaidZ3, so integrity is kinda important to me. I don't mind spending the necessary funds to protect my data, but am very against spending money on "Bells and Whistles" that will never be used on a NAS.

I hear ya... do you think that a sticky telling you what is the best for FreeNAS has you paying for unnecessary bells and whistles? If you do your homework you'll find the M1015 is an amazing bang for the buck.