First Build First Post

[batt01]

I use to be a Tivo Hacker, and it was my first exposure to Linux. That lead me to Ubuntu and I have basic Linux skills.

After haing several Tivo hard drives die on a period of ten years, I started look into less restrictive options. Finally went went a HTPC and Sabnzbd, Sickbeard, and CouchPotato. I use Plex Media Center/XBMC for the front end. Currently I am using a Qnap 259 Pro with 4 TB of storage, configured for max space, no data protection. Now I want more space and data protection.

 

Out of all the options I have looked it. Unraid appears to be the most cost effective and flexible. I just orderd the parts for my build. From information found on this forum, and the Xbmc forum, I decided on the following hardware.

 

CPU: AMD Athlon II X3 455 Rana 3.3GHz Socket AM3 95W Triple-Core  $79.00

(for transcoding Plex Media Server needs a Dual Core 2.8ghz)

I Intend to buy the dual core 65w cpu. While swapping stuff in and out of the shopping card, I made a mistake.

so I may replace this cpu with a 65w dual. The tr-core is overkill.

 

MB: ASRock 880GM-LE AM3 AMD 880G Micro ATX AMD Motherboard $59.00

 

Kingston 4GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1066 (PC3 8500) $19.00

 

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CX500 V2 500W ATX12V v2.3 80 PLUS Certified Active PFC $59.00

 

Case: Nexus Prominent 9 $99.

http://www.amazon.com/Nexus-Prominent-9/dp/B0057JAJT6/ref=sr_1_sc_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1323193985&sr=8-1-spell

 

Next month I will order a 5 in 3, probably a Norco.

 

I have three or four drives laying around to use in this build. I will buy some better drives when prices come down from the moon. For now I will continue to use the Qnap and just get to know Uraid.

I am open to suggestions. I will be building another PC for a friend in a couple weeks, so the cpu in this order may end up it that, and a low power cpu will on in the Unraid box. I wil be running Plex, Sabnzbd, CouchPotato, SicKbeard and Headphones on the Unraid. So I am pretty sure a dual core would be the best option. I would like to be able to run up to 15 drives in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rajahal]

Sounds like you've got it all figured out.  I think your build is perfect for your needs (definitely agree that you need a dual core).  I'm sure you'll also be very happy with the Nexus case, it is one of my favorites.  Since you plan on adding 5-in-3 cages later, I suggest flattening the tabs between the 5.25" bays right away, before installing anything else.  You don't want to risk damaging your motherboard or anything else while working on those tabs.

[Johnm]

i agree the prom9 is a nice case. it does come with 2x 4in3 adapters for hard drive but only one cooling fan.

 

if you get an extra 120mm, you can add 8 drives before you need to worry about the 5in3 adapter.

 

also, going with Raj's advice, pull the whole front panel off so you dont scratch the curved brushed aluminum. it scratches easily. just give it a good tug.

 

 

it sounds like you have a good plan.

welcome to unraid!

[batt01]

Thanks all, for the advice. I picked that case, because I want a quiet system. It will go in a spare bedroom, that is used fairly often. I need to order a 120mm fan for the rear case. Any recommendation for a quiet fan?

 

You have a great forum here. I am testing Unraid on a my sandbox PC, a Dell 745, and it looks sweet. I installed Plex and Sabnzbd and it was easy. I am still not sure how to install Sickbeard and CouchPotato. I am going to try and get it running, on the Dell, I just need to put in a spare drive.

 

[Johnm]

I should have pointed out, pull off the front panel "when you bend the tabs"..

ps. this box has really short tabs so it was an extra PITA to get them to fold over but the "C-clamp" method works.

 

It does come with 2 Fans a 140mm on the back and a 120mm on the front as I recall.

 

I moved my front 120mm to the top aft and removed my drive cages and went with 5in3 supermicro cages with fan controllers to spin the down to about 1/4-1/3 speed. the only noise it really makes now is the drives crunching away (mine is not an unraid box, win 2k8 with hardware raid. so lots of drive crunch sounds)

 

I can say i love this build..

 

 

 

[batt01]

Man Unraid is  sweet. Install Unraid on 4g usb stick and dropped a old 250g drive in my trusty old Dell crashbox. I got it running in minutes.

Installed Unmenu, sabnzbd, sickbeard, and plex server in a few mins more. If I had known about Unraid a year ago, I never would have dropped the cash on my expensive Qnap Nas.  All I can say is ......Winner, Winner....Chicken Dinner.

[batt01]

I assemble my new server tonight. I got a C-Clamp to flatten the optical drive tabs as recommended. I stuck an old 500gb hard drive and I have Unraid running. I want to start with one 5 in3 drive bay, but NewEgg is out of stock. What would be a good second choice?

[swells]

If you can wait a few days, Norco told me last month that the SS-500 would be available Dec. 20th. I have a notify set on newegg and can post again when they have it.

[Johnm]

I assemble my new server tonight. I got a C-Clamp to flatten the optical drive tabs as recommended. I stuck an old 500gb hard drive and I have Unraid running. I want to start with one 5 in3 drive bay, but NewEgg is out of stock. What would be a good second choice?

 

A lot of people like the norco.

i also like the supermicro 5in3's but the Supermicro fans are pretty loud. you might need a fan controller or new fan if used in a livingroom or bedroom.