First I would like to say Hello to the Forum, this is my first post, and it's quite long. I have been lurking here for a bit - finally registered the other day. I want to thank, in advance, anyone who reads this post and offers suggestions. I really appreciate any input.
I am considering building an UnRAID server to finally get rid of the pile of HDDs I have collected over the years. Hopefully, a lot of those drives could be repurposed in the array once the data is retrieved. Mostly to be used for storage and streaming, but backing up the various computers in the house is a bonus. Also the ability to run UnMenu and UnTorrent would be fabulous.
The budget for the beast should be $1K, or under would be better (of course!), but I don't want to have a system that will need constant upgrades (MoBo, CPU) to keep up with the task. I know that's probably a pipe dream.
I am as new to computer/server building as you can be, but have been doing a lot of reading/lurking and am not afraid to experiment. I am also a Linux newbie, I have had Macs since 1984 and really never touch any other OS (well Windows via bootcamp very occasionally).
Large capacity and expandability is going to be key for my uses. I am going to use a server chassis. New drives will be green drives, but some of the other drives I have are not so green.
Stuff I have figured out (I think):
Case: Norco RPC-4220
• I will also get the 3x120mm fan plane, as that seems to offer better airflow. This is bundled with a 2TB Samsung drive through 2/9/11 so I may have to bite the bullet on it ASAP.
SATA Expansion cards: SuperMicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 (2), PCI-Express x1 Controller Card (Silicon Image SIL3132)
• Obviously the SATA cards depend on how many ports are on the MoBo. I need (eventually) 22 drives (20 data + cache + parity). If I can find a MoBo with 6 SATA ports that would get rid of the SIL3132.
Power Supply: Corsair CMPSU-750TX or Maybe Corsair CMPSU-650TX
• Recommendations here would be appreciated. This PS seems to be used a lot with minimal issues.
Fans: GELID Solutions FN-TX12-15 120mm Case Fan with Superior Temperature Control,
• As usual, if there are other, better options, I am open to suggestion. Also could use suggestions for temp controller for fans.
Cables: NORCO C-SFF8087-4S Discrete to SFF-8087 (Reverse breakout) Cable (1), NORCO C-SFF8087-D SFF-8087 to SFF-8087 Internal Multilane SAS Cable (4), I have plenty of spare SATA cables around for the 2 additional drives. Probably have a few molex power splitters around, too - if not easy to find. OK, what am I missing here?
Here's where I am getting in WAY over my head:
MoBo: I know I want on-board video, at least 2 PCI-Express (4x min.) and one other PCI slot, on-board USB, so the UnRAID flash can live inside the case, 6 SATA connectors (4 OK). Anything else I need to consider? There are just so many options, lots of which seem to be discontinued, that my head is swimming. Seems like form factor is not an issue with the size case I want to use. Also, should I perhaps wait for the new MoBos that will allow > 2TB disks, or is that too far away to consider?
CPU: Not a clue what to look for here. Seem like 2GHz minimum, after that not sure what to look for. Obviously depends on the MoBo, too.
Ram: 2GB (maybe 4), type dependent on MoBo requirements.
General questions:
• I am not going to populate the case completely initially, is it better to buy all the components now to be prepared down the road. or should I just get the stuff I need, when I need it. For example, I could probably do with one SATA card initially, but I don't want to get stuck with incompatibilities, or no source for parts, in the future.
• Is it OK to use 2.5" drive for cache? I would like to utilize the small drive mounts in the unit. Also, is there some way to figure out how large a cache drive should be? I think I read that the cache drive could be a PATA drive, true?
Thanks for reading this far.