Hi guys, first time user.

I would like to praise the unraid team for doing a great job. I am new to the whole NAS/unraid/freenas thing and have just recently started reading up when i came across unraid/flexraid.

 

I had an old PC lying about (4gb ram and a core duo processor + 3 1.5TB non-nas HDDs +750w PSU) and decided to put unraid to the test...easy install, great stuff! I still need to look into buying an updated system for my media server.

 

My primary reason for doing this is because I wanted to centralise my media (movies/tv shows) so I can access it across the house (brothers pc/mine/fathers/living room). I will be using couch potato and sickbeard and I would also need to transfer content from a fast server I rent to the NAS box via FTP.

 

My questions are:

1) is it advisable to let the NAS server process couchpotato/sickbeard downloads, say on a cache drive?

2) would you advise an SSD cache drive? Does it have to be a specific capacity in relation to the other drives?

3) Are NAS HDDs necessary or will desktop HDDs suffice?

4) what kind of write speeds should i expect with parity?

5) Will I be able access an FTP client via the webgui to transfer files directly to the pool, rather than logging into the FTP server from another PC on the network and transferring files to the nas (will be slower)

6) any advice on specs for a budget rig ~500$ or 350£ ?    Is ECC ram needed for Unraid? How much ram would I need for say a 12-16TB build?

 

EDIT - any thoughts on either build?

Thanks a lot!

1) is it advisable to let the NAS server process couchpotato/sickbeard downloads, say on a cache drive?

 

I think that's how many do it -- check the couchpotato/sickbeard threads for advise on how to best set those up.  (I don't use either)

 

 

2) would you advise an SSD cache drive? Does it have to be a specific capacity in relation to the other drives?

 

If you're using it as an applications drive (per #1) then an SSD has distinct advantages due to its much higher speed.    If it's purely used as a cache drive, it doesn't really matter, as any modern spinner will still be faster than your network, so the write speeds won't be impacted.

 

 

3) Are NAS HDDs necessary or will desktop HDDs suffice?

 

Many choose to use the least expensive drives they can get.  Personally, I only use NAS drives.

 

 

4) what kind of write speeds should i expect with parity?

 

This depends on the specific drives you're using.  Typically you'll see 30-45MB/s, depending on the drives you're using and where on the drive you're writing (outer cylinders are much faster than inner cylinders).

 

 

5) Will I be able access an FTP client via the webgui to transfer files directly to the pool, rather than logging into the FTP server from another PC on the network and transferring files to the nas (will be slower)

 

With the write add-ons you can do this; but I don't think it'll actually impact the speed unless you have a VERY fast internet connection AND are writing to the cache drive instead of the protected array.

 

 

6) any advice on specs for a budget rig ~500$ or 350£ ?    Is ECC ram needed for Unraid? How much ram would I need for say a 12-16TB build?

 

The two systems you asked about are fine.    The first one (Xeon E3-1220v3 is FAR better than the second ... almost twice the CPU "horsepower" and ECC RAM.    While ECC ram isn't "needed" for UnRAID, it's certainly a better choice.    How much memory you need is largely a function of what you're going to use the system for -- if you plan to run a lot of Dockers and/or virtual machines you'll want more RAM.  8GB is enough for most folks;  16GB is more "future proof".    Of the two systems you listed, I'd go with the first one, but buy two of the 8GB ECC modules (for a total of 16GB).

 

Wow, what a great reply!

 

5) Will I be able access an FTP client via the webgui to transfer files directly to the pool, rather than logging into the FTP server from another PC on the network and transferring files to the nas (will be slower)

 

With the write add-ons you can do this; but I don't think it'll actually impact the speed unless you have a VERY fast internet connection AND are writing to the cache drive instead of the protected array.

 

 

My main concern is regarding the FTP potential - I have a 150mbit connection, so I shouldnt see a performance hit. Regarding writing to the cache drive - that is a good point, I may well do that as the cache drive will contain the "processing/renaming" folders - but this may burn out the ssd with too many write cycles?

 

6) any advice on specs for a budget rig ~500$ or 350£ ?    Is ECC ram needed for Unraid? How much ram would I need for say a 12-16TB build?

 

The two systems you asked about are fine.    The first one (Xeon E3-1220v3 is FAR better than the second ... almost twice the CPU "horsepower" and ECC RAM.    While ECC ram isn't "needed" for UnRAID, it's certainly a better choice.    How much memory you need is largely a function of what you're going to use the system for -- if you plan to run a lot of Dockers and/or virtual machines you'll want more RAM.  8GB is enough for most folks;  16GB is more "future proof".    Of the two systems you listed, I'd go with the first one, but buy two of the 8GB ECC modules (for a total of 16GB).

 

Thanks for the advice on the PC, I created the first one with FreeNAS in mind, which is kind of overkill I think for a plex media server, despite faster read/write speeds (plus you cant extend). I just wanted to confirm whether unRAID needed those higher specs for the purpose I will be using it for....

 

1) What would be the advantage of more ram/CPU power in my case? I've been told that the i3 is good enough for at least 2 1080p streams when trasncoding. 

2) Also, what would be the benefit of a "Dedicated Lan" or "Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports" in this case?

 

3) Are NAS HDDs necessary or will desktop HDDs suffice?

 

Many choose to use the least expensive drives they can get.  Personally, I only use NAS drives

 

1) will it be possible to have a btrfs cache SSD and zfs storage drives? or do they all need to be the same format?

2) Has anyone had experience with WD Green drives? They seem similar spec to NAS

 

Also, can anyone explain what kind of wizardry is going on here. Is this NAS connected to the tv plex app via ethernet (PMS) and connected via analogue and HDMi all displaying different output via VM? In which case the server will need a dedicated gfx card and have to be close by to the tv itself https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkAGyzNL9jA

 

Thanks again guys!

My main concern is regarding the FTP potential - I have a 150mbit connection, so I shouldnt see a performance hit. Regarding writing to the cache drive - that is a good point, I may well do that as the cache drive will contain the "processing/renaming" folders - but this may burn out the ssd with too many write cycles?

 

A 150mb connection is less than 20MB ... which is well below the write speeds to your protected array, so as you noted it won't matter if you cache those writes or not.    As for burning out your SSD ... this is simply not an issue with modern SSDs.

 

 

Thanks for the advice on the PC, I created the first one with FreeNAS in mind, which is kind of overkill I think for a plex media server, despite faster read/write speeds (plus you cant extend). I just wanted to confirm whether unRAID needed those higher specs for the purpose I will be using it for....

 

1) What would be the advantage of more ram/CPU power in my case? I've been told that the i3 is good enough for at least 2 1080p streams when trasncoding. 

2) Also, what would be the benefit of a "Dedicated Lan" or "Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports" in this case?

 

A simple adage that's all too true:  You can never have too much RAM or too much processing power      You'll almost certainly be glad you have the extra "oomph" of the Xeon system as you start to enhance your server -- especially if you use UnRAID v6 and eventually create a VM (or VMs).    The dual gigabit ports are because the board supports IPMI -- trust me, if you've never had this feature, you'll love it !!

 

 

1) will it be possible to have a btrfs cache SSD and zfs storage drives? or do they all need to be the same format?

2) Has anyone had experience with WD Green drives? They seem similar spec to NAS

 

Yes, the cache and array drives can be different formats.  Green drives are okay -- but the Reds use less power; have a longer warranty; and have better vibration control features.    I think they're easily worth the modest price difference.

 

 

Also, can anyone explain what kind of wizardry is going on here. Is this NAS connected to the tv plex app via ethernet (PMS) and connected via analogue and HDMi all displaying different output via VM?

 

It's not clear, but it seems that there's an UnRAID server providing ONE of the inputs (Plex), and the rest of the inputs are attached to other sources -- a Chromecast device, a game box, a cable box, etc.  It's possible one of these is provided via a VM with a dedicated video card, but I doubt it.

 

 

 

Thanks, I have asked questions on several boards, and you have helped me out the most by FAR. 

 

I will go with the xeon and 2x4gb for now, and add another 2x4gb later on when unraid6 is out or when i need it.

 

With regards to the dual gigabits, the board actually has another (3rd) dedicated lan port for ipmi, although I read that the eth0 port can also be used for this feature if you don't wish to run 2 cables from router to the server. I was wondering if you saturated the both gigabit ports, if it would help with performance, or does the drive speed bottleneck that?

Last question, Will i need to alter any settings on my current router in order for my unraid server to work efficiently?

 

UnRAID supports bonding, so if you want to you could run two lines and bond them for higher network speeds.    A more typical use is to bond them in backup mode, so if one connection is having issues, the other one will be used.

 

You shouldn't have to make any changes to your router.

 

By the way, if you think you'll want 16GB, it's better to use 2 8GB modules than 4 4GB modules -- the bus loading is much lower with only two modules when you're using unbuffered memory.    Since they're ECC modules, it's less of an issue than with non-ECC modules (since any single bit errors will auto-correct), but nevertheless I'd tend to only install 2 modules.    If you just want to buy 4GB modules now, then when you decide to expand I'd buy 2 8GB modules and sell the 4GB modules.

 

UnRAID supports bonding, so if you want to you could run two lines and bond them for higher network speeds.    A more typical use is to bond them in backup mode, so if one connection is having issues, the other one will be used.

 

You shouldn't have to make any changes to your router.

 

By the way, if you think you'll want 16GB, it's better to use 2 8GB modules than 4 4GB modules -- the bus loading is much lower with only two modules when you're using unbuffered memory.    Since they're ECC modules, it's less of an issue than with non-ECC modules (since any single bit errors will auto-correct), but nevertheless I'd tend to only install 2 modules.    If you just want to buy 4GB modules now, then when you decide to expand I'd buy 2 8GB modules and sell the 4GB modules.

 

Noted, I will buy 1 8GB module for now. I just thought it would be worth while buying the modules in pairs (as that is what's generally recommended). I also ordered 4 3TB seagate nas drives and a 60GB SSD for cache

 

Great stuff and thanks a lot for your help, I appreciate the time you've given me

Sorry for the double post,

 

I also wanted an opinion on how I could transfer files from a seedbox server (1gbps) to my NAS efficiently.

 

Here are some ways I have thought of

 

1) Connect to FTP seedbox server via a FTP client on a local PC on the network and drag files on to the NAS network folder in explorer (will this be slow, as the connection to the server is from the local PC which is then relaying the data to the NAS via the router) 

 

2) Run a FTP server on unRAID NAS box and move files from seedbox server to NAS by using a FTP client on a local PC on the network (would this be the same as option 1?) .....

 

3) Run a ftp client on unRAID webgui itself (not sure if this can be done?) or via VM, and transfer the files from the NAS to the NAS

 

Thanks!

I'm not doing this, but if I was I'd use a VM on the UnRAID server and do option #3.  I think option #2 is effectively the same thing as #1 in terms of net speed (it's conceptually different, but using the same hardware with the same restrictions).

 

I just came across this reddit post which explains the similar situation I am facing, they suggest rsync..pretty cool

 

http://www.reddit.com/r/DataHoarder/comments/1td9rj/setting_up_my_unraid_server_to_regularly_sync_a/

 

Thanks

 

EDIT - I have bought a licence and have installed unraid 6. I will be formatting storage pool to XFS and cache with btrfs, however, does XFS filesystem allow multiple volumes of different sizes?? or can i only extend with same size?