I want to build my first file server to do backups of my 2 home PCs and also to stream videos/music to my HTPC. I was thinking I would go with an unraid server for flexibility and easy future expansion. Initially, I plan on starting with 3x2 TB hdds(1 for parity). I already have 2 Seagate 2TB 5900 RPM drives that I can use. I want the ability to expand as far as 12 HDDs. I have come up with this so far:

 

CPU/MOBO: [1] ASRock E350M1 AMD E-350 APU - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157228&cm_re=e-350-_-13-157-228-_-Product

Memory: [2] Crucial 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148149

Case: [3] Thermaltake V6 BlacX Edition - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133180

Power Supply: [4] Antec High Current Gamer Series HCG-400 400W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371046

HDD: [5] Western Digital Caviar Green 2TB - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136514&cm_re=digital_caviar_green-_-22-136-514-_-Product

 

I used a PSU calculator online to come up with the 400 Watts w/12 drives but it seems awfully low to me.  I know the e350 is very low power but can anyone confirm that this would work?  Also, I might use the unraid server to download from torrents/usenet.  I didn't initially plan on that but the program that automatically downloads TV shows that you have listed seems like a handy program.

The 15 drive model offered by Rajahal recommends CORSAIR Builder Series CMPSU-500CX 500W.

 

I also recommend getting a slightly larger PSU than you think is needed.

 

Use the thread to look at and compare components:

 

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=7998.0

Thanks for the advice.  I don't know why I even bothered going so low when it doesn't cost much more to take the jump to 500 Watts and just forget about it.  I'm going with the Corsair that you listed. 

 

My main questions remaining are whether or not the e-350 is a good platform for this and if the case will hold 12 HDDs without any special considerations(such as cooling).

When I built my server, everything was going to be purchased new so I just bought what was listed as known compatible components. It's easy to get caught up and buy whatever looks best, but known comparability was very high on my list.

 

 

 

My main questions remaining are whether or not the e-350 is a good platform for this and if the case will hold 12 HDDs without any special considerations(such as cooling).

 

Are you using Drive Cages? I would assume so, and they typically have adequate cooling. Especially if you plan to run all green drives.

 

Shawn

Jeff:

 

I searched the forums for the e-350 and it apparently does work with UnRaid according to this post: http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=11258.0

At least it was a level one certification so I don't know if things ever fail at higher level certifications.  If it does, I probably wouldn't be hugely disappointed because it would be an excuse to use that e-350 as a tiny HTPC frontend instead:)

 

Shawn:

 

I am not using drive cages with the initial build since I'm starting with 3 drives but I was planning on adding them.  I've never used drive cages before.  5in3 or 4in3 means it fits 5/4 hard drives in 3 5.25" drive bays, right?  What is a good cheap option for this?  Or will I run in to trouble if I go cheap with this item?

Well done with the search.

 

Yes. Cages are listed as amount of 3.5" hard disks / amount of 5.25" slots it occupies.

 

You're smart to hold off on the cages until you need them. The case you list already has room for 3 disks, so you're fine for now. They are all about $100 each.

Just be aware that the V6 case only has 8 fully available drive bays - the top one is obstructed by the docking bay.  If you really want/need the docking bay, then fine ... otherwise I would very strongly recommend that you go for the V5 instead.

Beware of the nic. The Asus E350 boards use a Realtek chip that doesn't get along with unRAID's older slackware driver.

 

Shawn:

 

I am not using drive cages with the initial build since I'm starting with 3 drives but I was planning on adding them.  I've never used drive cages before.  5in3 or 4in3 means it fits 5/4 hard drives in 3 5.25" drive bays, right?  What is a good cheap option for this?  Or will I run in to trouble if I go cheap with this item?

 

They all run between $100 and $125... pros and cons to each. Follow the link in my sig for lots more details if needed.

 

Shawn

 

I've never used drive cages before.  5in3 or 4in3 means it fits 5/4 hard drives in 3 5.25" drive bays, right?  What is a good cheap option for this?

 

They all run between $100 and $125... pros and cons to each.

 

I've just ordered three of the iStarUSA trayless 5 in 3 cages, at $75 each, to go in my Thermaltake V5.  They may take a little while to arrive here in Philippines, but when they do, I'll add my experience to Shawn's excellent comparative review.

Beware of the nic. The Asus E350 boards use a Realtek chip that doesn't get along with unRAID's older slackware driver.

 

Thanks for the warning cyrnel.  I think I almost made a bad purchase.  I guess this build isn't viable then.  I'd have to replace the NIC and there's only one available expansion slot so that'd limit me to 4 SATA connections.  Back to the drawing board!

While you are at it, you can go back to the Antec 400W PSU!   That PSU has a 30A single +12V rail, which is sufficient for up to 12 green drives.  If you use a bunch of faster 7200 rpm drives then a larger PSU is in order, but for green drives the Antec 400W is fine (as would be a Corsair 430W).

That Corsair builder 430 is a nice deal for a very reasonable PS. Not modular, but quiet, 28A @ +12V, and $25 shipped after (a confounded) rebate.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139017&Tpk=17-139-017