klips

So it looks more like HW issue? If so, I guess that's my next best option - getting a new board or something. Thanks

Thanks. Managed to get flash the latest firmware, and now restarting the sync. Attached diagnostic for reference.planetdata-diagnostics-20211023-1835.zip Appreciate any advice to move on. PS: In parallel, I had email Asrock on availability of firmware on their side. Not putting too much hope as it is a very old MB.

The server is built on Asrock E3C224D4I-14S. My new drives are Toshiba MG series 12TBs. By any chance is the onboard LSI 2308 controller unable to support the drives?

I managed to cancel the sync (took around 10 minutes for the GUI to respond). Did a diagnostic. planetdata-diagnostics-20211023-1006.zip

Having backup my data somewhere, I had recently changed all my HDDs and SDD in my array and cache, and started as new config. I have had issues completing the parity check/build. All smart checks on disks passed. I checked the cables and reseated them for good measures; and parity would run overnight and seem to 'hang', leaving me no choice but to power cycle. Parity sync/rebuild would start fast (200MB/sec), and degrades to around 10MB/sec and - no progress even if I leave it overnight. At this stage, I can't get response from GUI (cancel the sync), nor get a diagnosis report. I notice I have high Disk Shift in some of my Disk's SMART, but thats all I see. This went on for past two weeks and I can't seem to understand why. Hopefully someone here can help me out. I did SMART tests on all disk and they turn out okay. I just restarted the parity sync, with new config, I attached diagnostic I managed to capture just when the parity-sync starts to degrades to around 20MB/sec. Thanks. planetdata-diagnostics-20211023-0940.zip

Thanks. Helpful info.

I had been running the following rig for quite few years now. Some were pre-owned parts, only the RAM and HDDs were new. All are at least 5 year old now. - Xeon E3-1231 on ASRock E3C224D4I - 16GB DDR3 ECC - Array: 6x WD3TB, 1x3TB Parity - Cache: 1x256GB SATA SSD I run few dockers including Plex (max 2 simultaneous streams), piHole and a password manager. Alongside, I have 3 Windows VM -2 Windows 10, 1 Windows 2019 Server (for lab purposes). Recently I find myself running out of space, so upgrading/refreshing the HDDs (to larger capacity etc) are in the plan. Other than aging hardware, just wondering if based on my usage, is there need to refresh to more current motherboard/CPU? I am fairly certain I do not need a GPU of sort; but please do prove me otherwise. Thanks in advanced. Added: I like to cap budget at around 1k if possible. So I guess minimum replacements.

While you are spinning off gaming VM, the underlying hardware should, imo, be server or workstation grade. For one, workstation/server grade hardware are more robust. Also, there are many recommendation on use of ECC memory, which is not found on gaming gears.

Indeed. Thanks! Added: To clarify, the CPU does not comes with its original cooler. Just need to source for another retail LGA1150 cooler.

Hi, Thanks for the comments. Just to have an update to the project thus far. Casing: Settled for a Fractal Design R5 as a local shop had some good deals; in transit. Motherboard: Scored a AsRock E3C224D4I-14S from a web dealer. Figured the mini SAS and on-board Sata ports would suffice/maximize my UnRaid Plus license, and its good pairing to the CPU i have on hand. Frees up the PCI slot (although only 8x) for graphics or other cards in the future) It is in transit as I typed this. CPU: E3-1231V3 CPU already in the bag. Just need to source for a HSF. Memory: Starting with 16GB worth (2x8GB) of ECC memory, leaving me headroom to increase another 16GB when needed. Existing parts Storage/cables etc are being reused from existing pool of parts. Update again when parts arrive and when I have time on hand to start building. In the mean time, any other comments/suggestions are welcomed. Cheers.

Both chipset used on Gigabyte h67n-wifi (Intel H67 Express) and Asus P8Z68-LX (Intel Z68) does not support vt-d. I would look for alternatives if vt-d is important to you.

If I am not wrong, there are no i5/i7 which supports ECC.

Thank you. Is this to say if there is no need for graphics intensive tasks, it is fine without a dedicated graphics card? Just need said VM to run some scripts or patches for testing purpose. Access by remote desktop or equivalent is sufficient.

Hi all. My current NL40 build (3TB Red Parity --> 4x3TB Red array; Intel SSD cache) is aging and unable to keep up to version 6. The visualization aspect of V6 is a much welcomed feature to me; thus wanting to move my array to new H/W. Appreciate any advise/guidance to finalize the parts for the new build. Usage: File share for 3 PC Video for 2 media players 2 Windows VM for testing purpose Suggestions needed for: Casing: Looking for a case with relatively similar footprint as the NL40, and have shortlisted either the DS380 or PC-Q25. Height is not an issue, but footprint should be similar. Any other suggestions welcome. Motherboard: I guess I am limiting myself to ITX motherboard here. Was eyeing on Asrock E3C226D2I mainly due to on-board 6 SATA and USB header. Should the need arise, playing with the option to add in a controller card (have one with Marvell 88SE9215 lying around somewhere) for 4 more ports. 10 drives (2 cache, 1 parity, 7 array) should be more than adequate. Any other suggestions? CPU: Will go for socket 1150; and able get my hands on E3-1231V3 CPU for good price from a buddy; similar price as brand new i3-4170 here. Guess this is confirmed unless otherwise suggested. Existing parts RAM: For the sake of VM, I have budgeted for 16GB of ECC RAM Cache: Reusing the existing Intel SSD and have another 250GB SSD lying around to form the cache pool. Array/Parity: Reusing existing drives. Thanks in advance and appreciate any suggestions.