October 13, 20169 yr Hello all! I just wanted to run a few things by some experienced users before I make the switch. I'll try not to make it too wordy. I run a fairly large PLEX server, which currently consists of x10 3TB drives. Recently a ransomware got through my security so I've been looking into better backup solutions. Here is my current plan along with some questions. Rather than shell out the money for a NAS, I figured I would take advantage of the situation by building an unRAID system to not only hold my PLEX library (I would still run PMS on my current server), but also my backup. I want to be able to turn off the backup array when I'm not running a backup, which I would do manually once a month. Is that possible? Obviously the reasoning there is to keep ransomware away from it. My second question is related to the recommended hardware setup. As much as I want to save money, I would also much rather over-build it than under-build it. Since I do not plan on running any applications from this unRAID system I know I don't need as much, however I want to make sure that I don't run into any issues when PLEX is hungry, seeing as on any given night I can have up to 20 users streaming HD video. As stated, I have ten 3TB drives currently, but that number will grow, not including whatever drives I get to use for the backups. One more question on that subject, I imagine ECC memory will be highly preferred for my use, is that the case? So to recap: -Can I have a separate array that I can turn off and on at will? -How much hardware do I really need to avoid being underpowered? -For my use, will ECC memory be as important as I'm used to? Thank you in advance for any help!
October 13, 20169 yr An unRAID server only has a single storage array. Unfortunately your goal of having an active array and a standby, on-demand array in a single machine would be complicated to achieve - either multiple unRAID instances under ESXI or a multi-mainboard case. You might want to look into User Share security as an option (if a share is read-only ransomware can't modify your files). You should also look at the under development Ransomeware Protection Plugin. A lot of folks here have the same concerns and are giving this a lot of thought. Running unRAID strictly as a NAS doesn't require much power. I'd go with a Haswell or Skylake Core i3 and 8GB of RAM as a starting point. If you want to start running Dockers (including Plex) on the unRAID server then it's a different story - consider a Xeon. ECC memory isn't strictly necessary for unRAID but it's always a great idea for an always-on, fault tolerant server. I imagine you might have already looked into dual or quad NICs with bonding on your current PMS server. You should consider that for this server if you're going to be serving 20 users.
October 13, 20169 yr I'd put the PMS on the unRAID system as otherwise the network connection between the storage array and PMS system might become the bottleneck.
October 13, 20169 yr Author Thank you both for all the info, it's a shame that there can only be on array. After looking into the user share security I can't confirm if I will still be able to have the automated downloaders do their thing from my download box. It does make sense to do it this way, though I am definitely still leaning towards a full backup solution that isn't mapped on any other systems. I'm now considering simply having the backup array in my current server and the library on a separate unRAID machine, but that's just a thought. I also have reservations about trusting any software to keep me safe at this point. After 15 years of working the repair bench at various IT companies I have grown wary of any security software. I currently use Sophos Endpoint Security, and though it is normally a brick wall and the best I've ever seen, my recent ransomware attack has put me back on edge. Now, about the dockers, and mr-hexen's advice of running PLEX from unRAID to avoid a network bottleneck. I'm very hesitant to move PLEX to a new platform, I've never had any problems with my current system as it is, I mean, besides the ransomware lol. I currently use Server 2012 R2, and I get lots of use from it. I suppose I could re-purpose another machine to take over a few of the roles it plays for me though. How is the PLEX Docker compared to the Windows version? My library consists of over 30k TV episodes and around 2k movies. I may prefer to simply install a 10GB NIC in both machines to ensure I avoid any network bottlenecks between the server and the storage. For the sake of not being too stubborn about the platform my PLEX runs on, I am genuinely curious if running it from unRAID is as reliable and speedy as my current setup. If so, then I can consider saving a good deal of money on this little adventure by re-purposing my current system, which consists of: -Intel E3-1220 v3 CPU -S1200V3RP Board -32GB ECC Unbuffered Memory My downloads would still be handled by a separate machine, so it would only be running PLEX. Sorry for droning on again, I'm pretty sure my brain is melting at this point. I've been pouring over this project for days now. Thank you again in advance for any input on this.
October 13, 20169 yr I can't compare the Windows Plex server with the Docker versions as I've only run the server version on unRAID. That said, unRAID really has its roots in being a media server and Plex is probably the most commonly installed Docker. If you've got the ability to stand up a small test server it would be worthwhile to give Plex a try on unRAID. You can't be doing a lot of heavy transcoding on a 1220 v3 with 20 concurrent users... Install Dockers via the Community Applications plugin. Binhex and Linuxserver.io are the most widely used and supported Plex Docker containers right now, though there are several other versions as well.
October 13, 20169 yr Author I will definitely give that a try and see how I like it, that makes the most sense. I'm actually starting to hope I like it, as it would not only make this project cheaper, but it would also streamline my setup considerably. I think that covers any questions and concerns I had for now. Thanks again for all the input, you've been very helpful!
October 13, 20169 yr I run PMS on my i5-4460 unRAID server (with Sonarr, CP, DelugeVPN) all via dockers. I also have a Plex Media Player VM running 24/7. I've never run into transcode issues (and I routinely transcode to lower bitrates for remote streaming).
October 13, 20169 yr I also have a Plex Media Player VM running 24/7. Out of interest, what OS do you use?
October 13, 20169 yr I also have reservations about trusting any software to keep me safe at this point. After 15 years of working the repair bench at various IT companies I have grown wary of any security software. I currently use Sophos Endpoint Security, and though it is normally a brick wall and the best I've ever seen, my recent ransomware attack has put me back on edge. There is a WIP plugin that is designed to help alleviate the problems with ransomware encrypting the files over the network on your unRaid server by taking the system down once it detects an attack has begun... http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=52462.0
October 13, 20169 yr I also have a Plex Media Player VM running 24/7. Out of interest, what OS do you use? Its the PMP embedded edition, like OpenELEC/LibrELEC
October 13, 20169 yr Author Well, after tinkering around with it a bit, I'm impressed. I'll continue to play with it for the time being, but so far I like it enough to consider re-purposing my current server to run this instead. Then it will just be a matter of how to handle my backup. I still want to have something completely independent from the server, but again, I think I'm just being stubborn. I just don't want to do anything I can to keep from having to rebuild my library again, that was not fun. I assume unRAID will take full advantage of USB 3.0, in which case I'm perfectly fine with just getting a 5 bay enclosure and some 8TB Archive drives. Anyone have any recommendations for a rackmount case with around 16-20 hot swap bays? I can't afford an 800$ chassis at the moment, so I was looking at the Norco cases like this one. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811219033&cm_re=norco_20-_-11-219-033-_-Product I'm just a bit nervous about the quality of the backplates.
October 13, 20169 yr Their backplanes are still garbage. I bought a handful of their 2212 2U chassis about six months ago for a different project and had multiple backplanes fail. They only replaced one and won't respond to phone or email. So trust me, they are still garbage, so don't walk, run far far away from their junk. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
October 13, 20169 yr Author Their backplanes are still garbage I don't disagree with you, but then on the other hand I have a friend who has 2 of the 24 bay models and says they've reworked them to remedy that problem. Of course he has had no problems, including one that's been running for 3 years. I'm just wondering if it may be worth the calculated risk, Norco is kind of the go-to for budget home NAS systems. Any recommendations?
October 13, 20169 yr Their backplanes are still garbage I don't disagree with you, but then on the other hand I have a friend who has 2 of the 24 bay models and says they've reworked them to remedy that problem. Of course he has had no problems, including one that's been running for 3 years. I'm just wondering if it may be worth the calculated risk, Norco is kind of the go-to for budget home NAS systems. Any recommendations? My Norco RPC-4220 has been running for 6 years without any issues...
October 13, 20169 yr And there in lies the problem. Their quality is shady at best and solid working units are very hit or miss. Some work fine and some are garbage. I didn't want to spend the money on a Supermicro so I went with Norco. Any guesses on what happened after I went with the Norco chassis? I ended up buying the Supermicro's anyway. Nobody can say what is right for you. If you want to roll the dice and gamble, I can't say I blame you but add up the extra costs associated with a Norco as far as buying a power supply, the additional HBA's needed rather than a SM chassis with a built in expander and you can probably save a little money by buying a SM and have a much much higher quality chassis. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
October 13, 20169 yr Author Very fair points. I'm not normally one to skimp out on hardware and I sure would kick myself if I go with a Norco and get bit by it. Looking at the price of a SM chassisby itself is slightly daunting, but by just looking at the cost difference it doesn't seem so bad. I'll keep thinking about it.
October 13, 20169 yr Check the prices of used data center pulls on eBay. You'll be shocked how cheaply you can get a 24 bay with a SAS2 expander complete with caddy's, drive screws, air shroud and most likely the sas cables still in the chassis. Then again, just one persons opinion that for not by Norco then realized they don't support their products. Just read reviews on Newegg by all the buyers that found out Norco won't respond. Norcos idea of support is if you ignore the problem long enough it will go away. Not exactly the best business practice. But by then they have your money. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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