New build sanity check

[JimB66]

Hi all,

 

I'm looking at building my very first server/NAS box. I'm familiar with regular desktop PC builds (just completed my 4th? over the holidays), but servers are new territory. Been trying to do a lot of reading here to get an idea for current parts info.

 

The server will provide:

- general mass storage (~1TB of race car in-car video)

- local backup for 2-3 PCs (currently running Crashplan cloud & local)

- BitTorrent and Plex server for 1, maybe 2, streams

 

Basically, this server will be replacing 4 external eSATA disks attached to my desktop PC. They started out just being external mass storage, but now evolved to be a "pseudo-server" with the other PCs backing up to it. Plus there seems to be some issue with the eSATA cards in the new PC that I can't seem to resolve.

 

The race video is just simply stored there, any editing I do would be done on the desktop and then moved to the server. I currently use BT & Plex from my desktop; moving that to the server makes sense.

 

Modest budget, but with good quality parts, and the possibility for a bit of expansion.

 

So, here's what I'm looking at (I had started by looking at FreeNAS, but then came across unRAID which seems better suited to my needs):

 

Case: Fractal Design Node 304 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811352027

M/B: ASRock E3C226D2I http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157466

CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1230V3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819116906

Power Supply: SILVERSTONE SFX ST30SF 300W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817256097

RAM: Crucial 16GB kit, ECC, 1.35V http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/e3c226d2i/CT5007654

HDDs: 3xWD 3TB Reds (2-data, 1-parity) http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822236344

 

This seems like a good starting point for me (maybe CPU overkill?). It gives me another ~5TB of free space once I migrate the existing stuff plus with room in the case to add drives. The 1TB was accumulated over several years, so this should be sufficient for a while.

 

Thanks everybody.

 

Jim

[JimB66]

Well, since no replies I'll assume there's at least no glaring problems. 

 

I did do a bit more reading/investigating and will probably downgrade the CPU to a E3-1220v3. $50 cheaper than the 1230v3 and seems like it'll be sufficient for my needs.

 

Probably order parts today - never know how long the Newegg Instant Savings will last.

 

Cheers,

Jim

[gundamguy]

Well, since no replies I'll assume there's at least no glaring problems. 

 

I did do a bit more reading/investigating and will probably downgrade the CPU to a E3-1220v3. $50 cheaper than the 1230v3 and seems like it'll be sufficient for my needs.

 

Probably order parts today - never know how long the Newegg Instant Savings will last.

 

Cheers,

Jim

 

Your E3-1220v3 will handle your needs. I don't see any issues with your parts list, and I think you'll be way happier with an unRAID box replacing four eSATA disks.

[JimB66]

 

Your E3-1220v3 will handle your needs. I don't see any issues with your parts list, and I think you'll be way happier with an unRAID box replacing four eSATA disks.

 

Thanks for the feedback gundamguy!

[mabadjiev]

If it's not too late, go with Fractal Design Node 804 much better than 304 based on my experience.

MA

[JimB66]

If it's not too late, go with Fractal Design Node 804 much better than 304 based on my experience.

MA

Just a bit too late  - I just got the hardware built this morning and am just working my way through the Configuration Tutorial (next up: preclearing the disks).

 

Both are nice cases - I'm impressed with the build quality of the 304.

 

The 304 suits my needs both in terms of the number of drives I'll be using but also in terms of overall size. It fits perfectly in the shelf below the printer.

 

I appreciate the feedback.