Hi guys, I am looking to build a small portable unRAID server for my year long civilian deployment to Bagram next month.  My buddy has a large system and he turned me on to the technology.  I thought it would be great to use for streaming movies and music to a couple of iPad's during off time.  I am looking for some advice on components in this unusual environment.  Also open to suggestions to other options as well.  Here are some details to help:

 

Environment: Air Conditioned Connex box converted for two man living.

Power: 220

Maximum 2 person simultaneous access

Going to hook this up to a small wireless N router to stream.

Possibly be carrying this over in the aircraft to avoid damage in shipment.  Not sure yet. 

Primary viewing device : iPad

Other computer available: MacBook Air.

 

Need to go as small as possible.  Thinking about using this case

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112348

 

Any thoughts or ideas?  Crazy idea?  My buddy is going to fill it up prior to me leaving and he wants me to get an external to send back to him in case I need more media.  I will be working 12/12 shifts 6 days a week so lots of off hours to unwind with movies. 

 

Thanks in advance for the help.

That's a very nice small case, is fairly easy to carry, can hold a nice complement of drives, and fits under airplane seats 

 

It sounds like you may need to do a bit of transcoding for your IPads, so I'd go with a Socket 1155 board and Ivy Bridge CPU like these:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131841

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775

 

Add an SFX power supply, 4GB of RAM, a USB flash drive with UnRAID, and 5 4TB drives and you'll have 16TB of fault-tolerant storage.    Be sure to take along a spare 4TB drive so if you have a failure over there you don't have to wait for a replacement.

 

24 TB of Storage in that case ->

1 - 4 TB 3.5 Parity

3 - 4 TB 3.5 (on SAS card)

6 - 2 TB 2.5 (on Mobo sata)

1 - (4 in 1) SUPERMICRO CSE-M14TB 2.5" mobile rack http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816101190

1 - 2.5” Spare (precelared)

1 - 3.5” Spare (precelared)

 

...and ... stick with 5400 RPM drives.

...and ... do NOT forget the APC UPS!

 

and for the cage... a quite 40mm fan

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835608033&Tpk=noctua%2040mm&IsVirtualParent=1

6 2.5" 2TB drives ?? 

 

That adds about $1100 to the cost of the system !!  (~ $90/TB)

 

You can build a very nice 16TB system for about $500 + drives.  Assuming $150 ea. 5 4TB drives would cost $750 => a total cost of ~ $1250.    [As I'm sure you recognized, I suggested 5 based on 4 in the internal 3.5" cages and 1 mounted in the 5.25" slot.

 

You could, of course, bump that to 20GB with 2 of the 2TB 2.5" units ... but I'd think 16TB is pretty adequate.  I'd spend the extra $$ on an external drive or two 

Great information guys!  Thanks very much.  Probably going to go the 16tb option to save on costs.  Ill update this thread as the build progresses. Any additional comments or suggestions would be welcomed. 

Having been there before i would highly suggest  UPS!!!!. The power there is generator ran and surges ALOT!!!!! (and goes out alot).  If you get the main internet provider there (aka not your own satellite setup) its going to be able $75 per month for about 18KB/s download speeds. And you have to login with pppoe. Keep these things in mind as you plan your network.

 

Do not be afraid to ship it. Shipping a fullsize tough box wwas only about 70 USD. Goodluck and be safe.

Having been there before i would highly suggest  UPS!!!!. The power there is generator ran and surges ALOT!!!!! (and goes out alot).  If you get the main internet provider there (aka not your own satellite setup) its going to be able $75 per month for about 18KB/s download speeds. And you have to login with pppoe. Keep these things in mind as you plan your network.

 

Do not be afraid to ship it. Shipping a fullsize tough box wwas only about 70 USD. Goodluck and be safe.

 

Thanks for the info man, I appreciate it.  Is there a PSU that has built in UPS or do I need a separate UPS? 

 

I heard bad things about the internet hence the reason I thought I would load up a server with movies and music and not worry about Internet. $75x12= $900 savings.  I assume there are Internet cafes for Skype back home. 

 

The more I research the more I think I may want to do an ESXi server eventually and convert what I have into an unRAID VM.  Would it be possible to convert this into an ESXi server when I get back so I can have utilize it for other things?

 

BTW....Here is where I am at so far.  I have not been able to locate any 4tb drives in the 150 range.  I was looking at using Red drives but they only make them up to 3TB's.  I may just go with the standard green drives.  Unfortunately I don't have a lot of time to wait around for sales.

 

Case:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112348

 

MOB:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131841

 

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775

 

PSU:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817182133

 

RAM:  Already have 2 4GB sticks.

 

HDD's:  Undecided.

 

Here are some 4TB drives for $152:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/835055-REG/Hitachi_0S03359_4TB_Internal_Hard_Drive.html

 

Your parts list looks okay with the exception of the PSU.  I don't have that case, but I have built a few systems using the PC-Q25B, and an ATX unit is a VERY tight fit in that case, so you may have similar issues.  It will "work" ... but can be very tight.  I've used this ATX unit in one build:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

... which is 5.5" long and JUST fit.  The PSU you listed above is 6.3" long, so it could be an "interesting" fit 

 

You also don't need that much wattage for this system ... 400w is PLENTY.

 

If it was me, I'd use an SFX unit ... it will fit much better and leave more room for airflow within the case.    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256063

Here are some 4TB drives for $152:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/835055-REG/Hitachi_0S03359_4TB_Internal_Hard_Drive.html

 

Your parts list looks okay with the exception of the PSU.  I don't have that case, but I have built a few systems using the PC-Q25B, and an ATX unit is a VERY tight fit in that case, so you may have similar issues.  It will "work" ... but can be very tight.  I've used this ATX unit in one build:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139026

... which is 5.5" long and JUST fit.  The PSU you listed above is 6.3" long, so it could be an "interesting" fit 

 

You also don't need that much wattage for this system ... 400w is PLENTY.

 

If it was me, I'd use an SFX unit ... it will fit much better and leave more room for airflow within the case.    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256063

 

Thanks!  I will upgrade to the SFX unit you suggested.  I have not built a system in a very long time so I appreciate the help.  I don't have a ton of time to research so I will take you guys suggestions since you all have the experience. 

 

Ordered 4 of the HDD's as that is all they had available.  Gotta find one more for the spare. 

 

 

Ordered 4 of the HDD's as that is all they had available.  Gotta find one more for the spare.

 

Actually you need two more if you want a 16TB array AND a spare.  You need to install 5 in the system (parity plus 4 data) => 4 in the 3.5" bays, one in the 5.25" bay (you'll need an adapter for it).

 

You can get 4TB Seagates at Newegg for $180 if you don't want to wait for another sale.

 

Just posting to keep track.

 

Case:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112348

 

MOB:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131841

 

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775

 

PSU:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256063

 

RAM:  Already have 2 4GB sticks.

 

HDD's:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/835055-REG/Hitachi_0S03359_4TB_Internal_Hard_Drive.html - Ordered

Ordered 4 of the HDD's as that is all they had available.  Gotta find one more for the spare.

 

Actually you need two more if you want a 16TB array AND a spare.  You need to install 5 in the system (parity plus 4 data) => 4 in the 3.5" bays, one in the 5.25" bay (you'll need an adapter for it).

 

You can get 4TB Seagates at Newegg for $180 if you don't want to wait for another sale.

 

Got it.  I will check out the Seagates when I place the large order with New Egg tomorrow.  Still waiting to see if anyone else replies on whether or not I could convert this hardware to use as an ESXi server (with unRAID VM) once I get back. 

I assume these would be acceptable:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=931216&is=REG&Q=&A=details

I assume these would be acceptable:

 

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=931216&is=REG&Q=&A=details

 

Sure, those would work well.

 

Still waiting to see if anyone else replies on whether or not I could convert this hardware to use as an ESXi server (with unRAID VM) once I get back.

 

I don't run an ESXi system, but I don't believe you can use it "as is" for ESXi.  You'd want a pass-through SATA controller to get native performance levels from your hard drive, among other things.

 

In addition, I believe ESXi requires vt-d, which the 3220 does not support.

 

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it ... at most you'd need a motherboard/CPU upgrade and a dedicated controller card to change to an ESXi based system;  and when you get back you should be able to get those with Haswell (or better) components for a couple hundred bucks.

 

Still waiting to see if anyone else replies on whether or not I could convert this hardware to use as an ESXi server (with unRAID VM) once I get back.

 

I don't run an ESXi system, but I don't believe you can use it "as is" for ESXi.  You'd want a pass-through SATA controller to get native performance levels from your hard drive, among other things.

 

In addition, I believe ESXi requires vt-d, which the 3220 does not support.

 

Personally, I wouldn't worry about it ... at most you'd need a motherboard/CPU upgrade and a dedicated controller card to change to an ESXi based system;  and when you get back you should be able to get those with Haswell (or better) components for a couple hundred bucks.

 

Sounds good.  I will order the rest of the components now.  Other than a flash drive and the unRAID software, anything else you guys can think of?

 

Thanks again Gary!

... anything else you guys can think of?

 

As I noted, I don't have that case, but it LOOKS like it uses essentially the same backplane as the Q25B (except 4 drives instead of 5).

 

If it's configured the same way on the rear, you can cable it much neater with left-hand SATA cables for the backplane.    That can be a hard to find item .... so here you go:  http://www.cpustuff.com/left-angle-to-straight-sata-cable/

 

Not sure what length you'd need ... you can wait until you have everything and measure;  or just buy 4 10" - 12" cables and have a bit "extra".  [i'd buy 2 8", 2 10", and 2 12" and use what fits best ]

 

Keeping track:

 

Case:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811112348 - 169.99

 

MOB:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131841 - 109.99

 

Processor: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116775 - 129.99

 

PSU:  http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256063 - 64.99

 

RAM:  Already have 2 4GB sticks. - free

 

4 HDD's:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/835055-REG/Hitachi_0S03359_4TB_Internal_Hard_Drive.html - 607.96

 

1 HDD:  http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=931216&is=REG&Q=&A=details - 169.99

 

Cables (2: 8,10,12):  http://www.cpustuff.com/8-inches-left-angle-sata-to-straight-sata-black-cable.html - 14.64

 

UPS: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101381 -111.99

 

Shipping Costs:  22.64

 

Total so far:  1429.18

 

Still need:

 

External HDD:

Spare HDD:

Do not go cheap on your UPS or you will be buying a new server. Most Soldiers end up replacing their laptop battery's after a deployment. I would suggest you get a separate UPS. Also depending on where you are staying in bagram you may be in "B-HUTS". Which are basicly wooden houses (think backyard play house converted into a room). Either way plan for heat@!!!!!!!!! Do not put your server on the floor (think snow melting and floooding your bhut/chew).

 

Invest into a good UPS and cooling, without these you will be buying another server. Also bring your own wireless router and plan on running some CAT5.

 

I am building my C.O.R.P.S. System with deployments in mind see:

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=28414.0

 

You might be lucky enough to stay in a "CHEW" which is a shipping container converted into rooms. But plan for the worst. Best of luck to you stay safe! Let me know if you have any questions. 

 

Do not trust any "workers" and watch your back.

Agree with "don't go cheap" on the UPS.  Be sure it has automatic voltage regulation and enough capacity to provide at least 15 minutes of run-time at 50% load.  This is probably the #1 thing that will help keep your server reliable.

 

Do not go cheap on your UPS or you will be buying a new server. Most Soldiers end up replacing their laptop battery's after a deployment. I would suggest you get a separate UPS. Also depending on where you are staying in bagram you may be in "B-HUTS". Which are basicly wooden houses (think backyard play house converted into a room). Either way plan for heat@!!!!!!!!! Do not put your server on the floor (think snow melting and floooding your bhut/chew).

 

Invest into a good UPS and cooling, without these you will be buying another server. Also bring your own wireless router and plan on running some CAT5.

 

I am building my C.O.R.P.S. System with deployments in mind see:

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=28414.0

 

You might be lucky enough to stay in a "CHEW" which is a shipping container converted into rooms. But plan for the worst. Best of luck to you stay safe! Let me know if you have any questions. 

 

Do not trust any "workers" and watch your back.

 

The program I am supporting has a Connex that was purchased and is where we sleep.  If I had to sleep in a B/Hut I would not be doing this. 

 

Thanks for the advice.  I had heard not to trust the "workers".  I plan on doing my job and keeping my head down. 

 

Any other advice is appreciated. 

 

Agree with "don't go cheap" on the UPS.  Be sure it has automatic voltage regulation and enough capacity to provide at least 15 minutes of run-time at 50% load.  This is probably the #1 thing that will help keep your server reliable.

 

 

Thanks.  I will try and find something that works and is not too cumbersome. 

Thanks.  I will try and find something that works and is not too cumbersome.

 

This is fairly small, has booth boost and trim AVR, and works perfectly with the APC UPS plugin you can easily install via UnMenu's package manager.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101381

 

Thanks.  I will try and find something that works and is not too cumbersome.

 

This is fairly small, has booth boost and trim AVR, and works perfectly with the APC UPS plugin you can easily install via UnMenu's package manager.

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16842101381

 

Thanks Gary.  According to the reviewer here:

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=42-101-381&SortField=0&SummaryType=0&Pagesize=10&PurchaseMark=&SelectedRating=1&VideoOnlyMark=False&VendorMark=&IsFeedbackTab=true&Keywords=%28keywords%29&Page=1#scrollFullInfo

 

........there seems to be a problem with active PFC PSU's (which I bought) and this UPS.  What are your thoughts?  A problem?

Not a problem.  I have that exact UPS for my 2nd UnRAID server, and it's got a power supply with active PFC [i'm not aware of ANY quality power supply these days without active PFC ... some of the very low-cost units don't have it, but nothing that I'd buy]

 

Newegg reviews always need to be taken with a grain of salt