Hello,

It’s been a while. Wasn’t quite sure which channel to place this in...so it’s here.

As the title indicates, my server died at the beginning of last year. I built it in 2007, so 17 years of service makes me feel like I got a good deal. The PSU died quite a few years back, but a replacement kept it ticking. However, it’s NOT the PSU this time.

Since I built the PC in 2007, I have slid into old age showing some signs of regression → hence the call for some help.

I have lost touch with what hardware is required and would like help in determining the most cost effective hardware I can get here in New Zealand. I have also started to worry about the HDD’s in there and their health.

My server is really basic, essentially just a NAS. I want it to remain that way because I no longer have the capacity to maintain anything complicated. Further, I no longer use it the same way I used to. These days I use a single USB drive plugged into my Shield. I would just start the server when required and copy media to my USB HDD, which entertained us for months, if not a year.

You can see the old HW I had in my sig. Currently 8x HDD’s in the server, but part of me would like a couple of spare if possible (but not essential). Gone are the days you can get 8 SATA ports on a MB, so I guess I will need some type of SATA expansion card. Original PC had 8x onboard + 2x TX4 expansion cards → total of 16x HDD’s. 😮

I would prefer Intel, but don’t want the whole thing underpowered so it struggles to do anything. 32Gb RAM is probably a good bet, Onboard video is all that’s required I think and at least a 2.5Gb network connection. Do I need a SSD? I don’t have a cache HDD currently.

Have I forgotten anything?

I will get the local PC store to build it and install it. I have a big case, so plenty of room.

One concern I do have is will the software (V6) start the array at boot, or will it recognise things have changed and stop before that? I do have records somewhere of all the HDD assignments etc. We all worry about doing something to the media already on the HDD’s.

Also, I want to update the file system from Reiser to ZFS (Have I got this right??) But this is for another time, unless it’s something that should be known now. I already have a cleared HDD to start the migration.

The post already seems to be a novel, so I’ll sign off. Thanks in advance.

8 hours ago, flambot said:

One concern I do have is will the software (V6) start the array at boot, or will it recognise things have changed and stop before that? I do have records somewhere of all the HDD assignments etc. We all worry about doing something to the media already on the HDD’s.

As long as the flash drive is intact and no RAID controllers are involved, it should recognize all the devices as if nothing changed. For hardware advice, I would recommend posting in the Hardware subforum.

@JorgeB -> Thanks for the help and the advice.

As you are a moderator, could you please move the thread to the hardware section. I wasn't quite sure where to post it because the HW section appears to be made up of all sorts of elements in the build.

9 hours ago, flambot said:

could you please move the thread to the hardware section

Sure, done.

Hello,

Was hoping I would've got a few replies (threads been up 2 weeks). Still don't know what I should be looking at.

I guess the best thing is to start with a Motherboard. I guess that will dictate the other components that would be required.

One post mentioned this MB -> https://forums.unraid.net/topic/137448-new-setup-intel-b760-mobo-cant-boot-from-usb/

While there was an issue booting (Had to rename the EFI folder), it would appear that this board works

I have had a look locally and there are numerous types. Can someone suggest which one I should look at paired with what CPU and RAM amount?

This is a large national chain here in NZ that lists this MB -> https://www.pbtech.co.nz/category/components/motherboards/intel-motherboards/intel-b760

Appreciate any advice. Thanks.