I browse the Good Deals forums and Newegg's sales pretty much every (work)day.  Often times when perusing a Newegg sale, it strikes me that several of the on-sale components bundled together would make a great unRAID server.  This happened to me today, for example.  I almost never buy these parts for myself, since I'm content with my server, but I still enjoy the 'hunt'.

 

I propose that we seek out a complete unRAID server parts list based on sales from all across the web on a frequent basis.  Daily may be too much, perhaps weekly or monthly is more appropriate.  The timing doesn't matter so much (with the exception that sales tend to be temporary).  However, I think it would be nice if we could always have at least one 'recommended' build going for any given time.

 

I suggest that these servers be separated into three main categories:

• Mini Servers - These will be physically small servers with very limited drive capacity, say 6 or fewer drives.  These servers will tend to use mini-ITX or similar motherboards, and diminutive cases.
  
• Budget Builds - These will be standard sized servers using microATX, ATX, or whatever's-cheap type of motherboards.  They will use mid-full tower cases.  The emphasis here is value: low cost for good functionality.  These servers will tend to have a 6-12 drive capacity.
  
• Behemoths - These servers are designed to make full use of that unRAID Pro license, supporting up to 20 drives (and more, as the license allows).  The emphasis here is packing as many drives into the beast as possible, cost and size are secondary concerns.
  

 

The above are all loose guidelines, so don't feel constrained by any of them.

 

I considered adding a fourth category for 'Green Servers' in which the focus is an environmentally friendly server (low power, etc), but I feel that all servers should be built as green as possible these days.  Given the prevalence of 80+ power supplies and low power drives, I don't think this should be any trouble.

 

I just thought of a potential fifth focus also: reliability.  These servers would most likely be modeled after LimeTech's own, or at least use components that are well vetted on these forums.  Again, I would hope that any server we design should use reliable parts.  Thoughts?

 

I hope it would go without saying that the hardware compatibility list would be an important part of this game - don't post anything that is marginal, or at least make a point of noting it if you do.

 

Not only will this be fun, but I believe it will help new-to-unRAID users get an idea of components to look for.  Lazy new users will likely just buy one of the bundles we design.

every day? thats a hassle. the problem is market segmentation. australia often doesnt have sutff available at newegg and vice versa, for example, we got loads of adaptec 4 prot stock, whereas you guys in the states seem to have an issue finding them

 

i think its just easier to check the rig, hardware and mobo threads also forum sigs to see what others are using, i mean, if youre smart... or not lazy that is you could work out what works well enough by seeing what others use.

 

some form of updatable database that everyone can submit to with what they use/teste dlevel etc would be cool.

Market segregation is a good point, one I hadn't considered.  I was thinking of only the US...typical American ego-centrism, right?

 

The 'every day' part is pretty arbitrary, I agree that it may be a hassle.  My main goal is having a constantly rotating 'recommended build' in each of the above categories.  Share the burden of research, etc.

 

The Hardware Compatibility page is pretty much already the 'database' you are talking about - any user can edit the wiki, therefore any user can contribute to that page.

If only my boss paid me enough Rajahal, I would build one everyday, and make a cluster of unraid servers .

Me too.  In lieu of that, 'virtually' building one every day is a fun pastime for me.  Ah, gov't jobs....

I think this would be a great resource for newbies researching possible unraid hardware.  Often, the hardware compatibility list is just on the verge of being outdated and this would give some needed insight as to what knowledgable unRAID'ers would recommend.  I think it would encourage more to try unRAID. 

I had another thought: instead of limiting this to the forums, perhaps this should be a constantly updated page on the wiki (maybe associated with the hardware compatibility page).  'Recommended builds' or something like that.  Discussion of these builds should happen in the forum, of course, but when a consensus is reached, parts lists could be added/updated on the wiki page.  I'll take responsibility of keeping the wiki page up to date (though anyone can edit the wiki, so anyone can pitch in).

 

Perhaps we should also have different recommendations based on different parts of the world, to address the market segregation issue.  US/Canada, Europe, and Australia seem to be the big three.

OK, enough talk - I went ahead and did it.  I have created a new section on the Hardware Compatibility page, and added the first of (hopefully) many recommended builds.  The first build is basically a cross between LimeTech's RB-1200 and my own server.  Comments and feedback are appreciated.

Great point Rajahal. I've noticed some parts that is mentioned on the forum are not locally available for me in Australia, and eBay isn't always the savior (and if it is, delivery costs or buying online from overseas retailers would tax a tonne on delivery, hence hampering the value of buying particular parts).

Having a 'Geographical' subsection for particular unraid server builds would be better. If (for example), Rajahal made an example of a server build using parts only locally available, I (or others in my country) could then suggest an alternative for a locally sold part to replace one that Rajahal suggested (Pending compatibility to unraids Hardware Compatibility Charts). This gives newbies an example of what to go for and to have assurance that their buying with guidance. Even something like a 'Light', 'Mid Range' and 'Heavy Duty' server builds would be great and some members have different taste in horse power for their rig too.

 

I had another thought: instead of limiting this to the forums, perhaps this should be a constantly updated page on the wiki (maybe associated with the hardware compatibility page).  'Recommended builds' or something like that.  Discussion of these builds should happen in the forum, of course, but when a consensus is reached, parts lists could be added/updated on the wiki page.  I'll take responsibility of keeping the wiki page up to date (though anyone can edit the wiki, so anyone can pitch in).

 

Perhaps we should also have different recommendations based on different parts of the world, to address the market segregation issue.  US/Canada, Europe, and Australia seem to be the big three.

Alright unraided, here's your first challenge...

Virtually build the 'AUS' version of the following:

Budget Box

No worries, I'll investigate and have an Aussie version posted in a day or so.

 

Alright unraided, here's your first challenge...

Virtually build the 'AUS' version of the following:

Budget Box

For the wiki, would it also be useful to have a separate page on 'Recommended sources of hardware', listed by country. Would be a handy list of quick links when researching best prices

In the UK, for example, I used 3 sites for my build, the only ones I've dealt with before and know are reliable:

 

UK

Scan: http://www.scan.co.uk

Dabs: http://www.dabs.com

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk

 

But there may be others I've not come across

 

OK Rajahal, I have the 'Aussie Edition' of the Budget unraid server below, providing general non-sale figures in AU dollars (03/04/2010):

 

CPU: 2.7 GHz AMD Sempron 140 ($43)

 

Motherboard: Asus M4A785T-M ($93)  - I currently own and use this on my rig now.

 

RAM: Kingston Value 2 GB DDR3 RAM ($70), or Kingston DDR3 1GB PC-8500/1066 CL7 Value Ram ($38) - 1GB would suffice for most.

 

Power Supply: Antec Basiq 500W ATX Power Supply ($65) - Provides ample support for 12+ disks

 

Case: Antec Three Hundred - Black ATX Gaming Case ($73) - Has three 5.25in bay support + nine 3.5in bay support

 

Hard Drive Bays:

 

Non-Hot Swap: Cooler Master STB-3T4-E3-GP 4-in-3 Device Module Hard disk Cage ($40, would only need one for this case)

 

Hot Swappable: SNT-3141 SATA-II Hot-Swap 4 Drive RAID Enclosure Server (eBay price: $120 each) - You can forgo this option as the case only allows for one of these. To keep things on a budget scale, I'd suspect most would build this server without them and would use the Cooler Master STB-3T4-E3-GP 4-in-3 Device Module Hard disk Cage.

 

Hard Drives:

 

Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB 7200RPM 32MB SATA 3Gbs ($130 each),

 

or

 

Western Digital Caviar Green Power 1.5TB 7200RPM 32MB SATA 3Gbs ($124 each)

 

Western Digital seem to be quieter and better for value to date.

 

If you plan to use more than 6 SATA drives, you'll need to buy a compatible SATA RAID controller ($40 gets you a 4 Port SATA I RAID controller, about $70 gets you a 4 PATA II RAID Controller. PCIe would retail for about $100+ 4 Port card).

 

 

So for under $400 AUD (minus the disks, disk hot-swappable disk enclosures and depending on the RAM module(s) you purchase), you can build a decent server which is fully compatible with unraid.

 

 

No worries, I'll investigate and have an Aussie version posted in a day or so.

 

Alright unraided, here's your first challenge...

Virtually build the 'AUS' version of the following:

Budget Box

Great work unraided, thanks!  Are all of these parts available at a particular retailer?  I would like to be able to post links to each part as I did for the American version.

No worries Rajahal. These parts a readily available at most AU Computer retailers, but I normally buy my components from www.cpl.net.au or www.centrecom.com.au (I compared the parts listed from both these shops and rounded off the price figure). These are Victorian-based businesses but you should be able to locate all of the parts mentioned from other interstate shops too. Australians could also try www.pcmarket.com.au or www.expresspcparts.com.au as well for sourcing parts online. It is a shame we don't have a www.newegg.com here in Oz, I can't even buy stuff from them unless I'm an American resident.

Alright, I added the AU version with as many links as I could find.  I couldn't find any links to the hard drive bays.  If you find some, please let me know, or add them to the wiki yourself.

 

I did change the PSU you chose to a Corsair 400W.  The Antec Basiq 500W that you chose has dual 12+ V rails, which is generally something to avoid.  The Corsair uses a single 12+ V rail, and is 80+ certified.  The prices were similar.

 

Take a look and make sure everything is ok:

http://lime-technology.com/wiki/index.php?title=Hardware_Compatibility#Budget_Box

Hi Rajahal, the Wiki site looks good. As far as the disk enclosures go, I could only source them from eBay, the is two eBay seller retailing the SNT-3141 SATA-II Hot-Swap 4 Drive RAID Enclosure Server are:

 

http://myworld.ebay.com.au/ecomputerwholesale/

 

and

 

http://myworld.ebay.com.au/technology_directions/

 

Thanks.

 

Added, thanks.

Hey on the subject on editing the Wiki, in terms on having a mobo listed as a compatible board, what is the process and what is involved in Level 1, 2 and 3 testing? I'd like to recommend a mobo that i just cousigt, which is listed as the Aussie Budget server. Thanks.

An explanation of what the "Tested Level" column means

 

Once you have the syslogs to prove your tested level, make a post about your mobo in the motherboards forum.

An explanation of what the "Tested Level" column means

 

Once you have the syslogs to prove your tested level, make a post about your mobo in the motherboards forum.

 

Spot on!  When that is done PM me to let me know and then i will try to get around to adding it to the Hardware Compatibility Page.

So basically, if my syslogs come up clean , in the sense of little to no errors or problems regarding the hardware mixture, and the run-in/burn-in time I've had this mix for (ie: 1 to 2 months), it'll get accepted as a Recommended board? Thanks.

Rajahal, I have to start by apologizing for never getting back to you concerning your fine PM some months back.  My parents didn't bring me up that way, so I can't blame them!  I initially started reading rather excited with the possible opportunities, then increasingly realized how little I matched what you needed for that, ended very disappointed (not your fault, just my flaws and life constraints).  Story of my life ...

 

It is great to see you adding to the Wiki, and nice work too, should be very helpful, has long been needed.  It's going to need someone (or multiple someones) committed to constantly updating it though, over time.

 

I do have a couple of suggestions.  One is that the new heading be "Recommended Builds", rather than "Recommended Builds as of 3/29/2010".  You can follow it with a note indicating the As Of date, which becomes easy to update in the future.  The problem with including the date in the heading is that headings become links, and therefore cause problems if changed later.  For example, if next month you update the Builds and want to change the date, then your earlier link (in this post) will be broken.

 

I would also recommend always adding a summary note to every change.  While it is OK to do it the way you have (edit and save, edit and save), it is usually better to save in batches of related edits (edit and preview, edit and preview, then save all), partly because each save creates a separately managed version of that page.  If you check the Recent Changes page, I think you will see what I mean.

 

I have updated the Start Contributing page, to include these as suggested guidelines.  But feel free to do it any way you like, wiki contributions of any form are always welcome!

unraided: Yes, that is correct.

 

Great suggestions, RobJ.  I'm still fairly new to wiki editing, so I'm open to any and all advice.  I'll make the changes you suggested.

 

Edit: OK, I made those changes, and I updated the links in my previous posts in this thread.  I also figured out why I was having trouble with wiki headings - nothing can be on the same line as a heading, or else the wiki seems to ignore the ='s.  Maybe something else to add to the wiki instructions - or maybe I just didn't read them closely enough

I've finished the UK Version of the Budget Box, I would appreciate someone else checking it over, preferably someone actually living in the UK.