First Try at an unRAID Box


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I'm a former FreeNAS user who is building a new unRAID box. I'm really intrigued by the capability to add any size drive to an array. My plan is to start the unRAID box with a few drives, move my old data from the FreeNAS to the new box, and then use the old drives to enlarge the array. That being said, I'd like to post my component list and read what you experts think.

 

My main purposes for the machine:

  • XBMC server for 6 machines throughout the house
  • Data backup for an ever expanding library of pictures
  • Sickbeard, CouchPotato, and SABNZBd integration

 

I am open to other "essential" plugins and uses as well.

 

Case: NZXT Source 210 - will hold up to 12 drives with the addition of a 4 in 3 cage. http://www.microcenter.com/product/378074/Classic_Series_Source_210_Mid_Tower_ATX_Computer_Case

 

Mobo: MSI FM-A75MA-E35 mATX http://www.microcenter.com/product/408925/FM2-A75MA-E35_Socket_FM2_A75_mATX_AMD_Motherboard

 

CPU: AMD A6-5400K http://www.microcenter.com/product/400672/A6_5400K_Black_Edition_36GHz_Socket_FM2_Boxed_Processor

 

PSU: Corsair TX750M http://www.microcenter.com/product/365787/Enthusiast_Series_TX750M_750_Watt_High_Performance_Modular_ATX_Power_Supply#

 

Memory: Corsair XMS3 4GB DDR3-1600 http://www.microcenter.com/product/358348/XMS3_4GB_DDR3-1600_%28PC3-12800%29_CL9_Dual_Channel_Desktop_Memory_Kit_%28Two_2GB_Memory_Modules%29

 

Parity Drive: WD Green 3TB http://www.microcenter.com/product/364652/WD_Green_3TB_IntelliPower_SATA_30Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_WDBAAY0030HNCNR

 

Cache Drive: WD Green 3TB http://www.microcenter.com/product/364652/WD_Green_3TB_IntelliPower_SATA_30Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_WDBAAY0030HNCNR

 

Data Drive: WD Green 2TB WD20EARX http://www.microcenter.com/product/378062/WD_Green_2TB_IntelliPower_SATA_6Gb-s_35_Internal_Hard_Drive_WD20EARX_-_OEM

 

Data Drive: 2x WD Green's from my old FreeNAS

 

Case Fans: 2x Coolmax 120mm

 

Cabling: Various SATA cables from prior builds

 

Internal USB Header: Koutech IO-UU220 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16815201028

 

So I'm starting out with 6TB in the array, and as the budget allows I'll pop in more 3TB or 4TB drives. At some point I'll have to add in a SATA controller card, and I'm definitely looking for recommendations on that. Noise is not an issue as this is going into a well ventilated mechanical room.

 

My biggest concern is that the PSU will handle all 12 drives and the fans. I will upload some photos as I get the box assembled. Thanks for checking this out!

 

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The PSU looks capable enough: +12@62A = awesome.

 

I don't think your cache disk needs to be 3tb, unless you also want it to be a warm spare. If so, get on with your bad self. Remember that your parity disk has to be the largest disk (or same size as the largest data disk) in the array, so don't expect to swap a 3tb data disk for a 4tb unless you're already swapped the parity for a 4tb unit.

 

I like fans, so maybe max those out if you can handle the noise.

 

I like the Supermicro controller.

 

These 12 disk builds are the best bang for the buck, IMO.

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  • 2 weeks later...

have to agree that a 3tb hdd as cache is complete overkill - unless you move enormous amounts of data every day.

rather set your mover to kick in more often, use a 250gb or 500gb hdd you might have collecting dust and add the 3tb to your data array!

 

my 2c,

L

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Agree 3TB is overkill for a cache -- but as a "warm spare" it's fine.    Personally, I'd just keep it as a "cold spare" (i.e. test it; then store it) and not bother with a cache.    I want all my the data I write to UnRAID to be fault-tolerant as of the write, and am willing to have slower write speeds for that convenience.    But I do understand why some prefer a cache drive -- especially if they need it for non-array add-on applications.  ... although if you're using it for your apps, etc. then you may want to use a drive that's NOT going to be re-purposed for the array later (perhaps a smaller -- and faster -- 7200rpm unit)

 

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