20 hdd unraid build advice


cmge

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hi everyone, 

 

looking to build a 20 hdd server and need some advice of a couple of hardware stuff. it will be used for plex, cloud backup and light gaming.

these are the parts i already have.

 

  • case: lian li pc-a77
  • mobo: asus prime Z370-a
  • cpu: i7 8700
  • hsf: noctua nh-d15
  • ram: corsair ddr4-3000 32gb
  • gpu: 2080ti
  • hdd: 15 x HGST deskstar HDN728080ALE604

 

the following are things i cant really decide on:

 

1.)  i know it's these 5x3 (Icy Dock MB455SFP-B, Norco SS-500, SuperMicro CSE-M35T-1, iStarUSA BPU-350) are well reviewed but they tend to get pricey. i know it adds convenience for its hotswap feature but i dont mind opening my server from time to time to perform maintenance. i was looking at this particular setup as an alternative.

 

 

2.) for the HBA im stuck between lsi 9201-16i or 9207-8i + expander. i'm not planning on expanding to more than 20 drives. maybe add an m.2 nvme ssd as cache in the future.

 

3.) for the psu, i saw the thread the psu thread but cant decide if 750w or 850w would be enough for my setup.
https://forums.unraid.net/topic/11568-the-power-supply-thread/

 


any recommendations/advice/input are very much appreciated. thanks in advance.
 

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I run 5-hgst 7200 rpm UltraStar drives, they do run warm if not given plenty of airflow.  I have 3 of them in an icydock flexidock and the other 2 with a pair of 80mm Noctua fans pulling air across them.  The 3 in the icydock run in the mid 30's c and prior to the addition of the fans the other two would run in the mid 40's and now back in the mid 30's with the fans.  For this reason I would suggest spending the money and getting the icydock or equivalent with active cooling.  15 of these drives without active cooling have the potential to become very warm as well as warming the case they are in, so make sure you have plenty of airflow for the drives and the case as well.  Temperature control is always important.

 

I do not believe you can hotswap drives in Unraid.

 

It is more economical to use these, which is the same as what I have.  It should be noted that there is no cover for the drive when it is installed so you will see the end of the drive, that may be an issue if aesthetics is important. https://www.amazon.com/ICY-DOCK-FlexiDOCK-MB830SP-B-Mobile/dp/B07Y8MZ9Z6/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1LOWIRIOSEASM&keywords=flexiDOCK&qid=1643315620&s=electronics&sprefix=flexidock%2Celectronics%2C252&sr=1-6

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1 hour ago, SirReal63 said:

I run 5-hgst 7200 rpm UltraStar drives, they do run warm if not given plenty of airflow.  I have 3 of them in an icydock flexidock and the other 2 with a pair of 80mm Noctua fans pulling air across them.  The 3 in the icydock run in the mid 30's c and prior to the addition of the fans the other two would run in the mid 40's and now back in the mid 30's with the fans.  For this reason I would suggest spending the money and getting the icydock or equivalent with active cooling.  15 of these drives without active cooling have the potential to become very warm as well as warming the case they are in, so make sure you have plenty of airflow for the drives and the case as well.  Temperature control is always important.

 

I do not believe you can hotswap drives in Unraid.

 

It is more economical to use these, which is the same as what I have.  It should be noted that there is no cover for the drive when it is installed so you will see the end of the drive, that may be an issue if aesthetics is important. https://www.amazon.com/ICY-DOCK-FlexiDOCK-MB830SP-B-Mobile/dp/B07Y8MZ9Z6/ref=sr_1_6?crid=1LOWIRIOSEASM&keywords=flexiDOCK&qid=1643315620&s=electronics&sprefix=flexidock%2Celectronics%2C252&sr=1-6

 

thanks for the feedback. 

 

no hotswap gotcha.

 

i meant it more like its accessibility (easier to replace drives, rather than opening up the case and stuff)

 

would a 120mm fan blowing in front of the drives enough to keep it cool? the hdd cage (hard drive cage, 5.25" to 5x 3.5" > https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0854QRSC2) has the option to put one in.

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You can add fans to those cages but the fans go towards the outside and the drives are on the inside, perhaps they can mount either way, not sure.  With the Flexidock the fan is on the inside and the drives are on the outside, making swaps as easy as powering down the server and pulling out a drive and the fan speed is controlled from the front of each unit.  I won't tell you not to get the cheap option but there are advantages to the icydock.  I don't believe I would do the $210 version but the $68 version works well and is made well.  The cage only with a decent Noctua fan is $48, so a little savings.  If you go the cheap cage route be sure and come back and give your impressions, it may help someone in the future.

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