Hi

 

I'm very new to unRAID and Linux full stop but it has me intrigued and hooked already... I want one!

 

I used to build basic Windows systems years ago and have no idea when it comes to Linux so thought I'd be better purchasing a unit.

 

I have been trying to get a response from Lime-Tech regarding either of their systems but no answers...

 

I could just bite the bullet and build  . Your thoughts on these specs would be appreciated:

 

Cooler Master Centurion 590 Case

400W "Corsair" CX-400 ATX Power Supply 120mm fan

Asus M4A785T-M MB

AMD Sempron 140

Kingston 2 GB 2GB 1333Mhz DDR3 (x2)

Beecroft SNT-3141 Disk Array 4x Drive SATA Cage RAID Backplane (x2)

Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-Port SAS/SATA Card (x2)

 

And using WD 2TB SATA drives

 

Thanks again, love the forum and thank you all for your assistance and knowledge

 

I haven't done the numbers yet, but it looks like you're trying to setup to run 20 - 24 hard drives. I'd go with a higher spec PSU as 400 Watts with 20-24 hdds seems too low.

For 12 drives, that supply should do.

 

>> Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-Port SAS/SATA Card (x2)

you only need one.

 

6 ports + 8 ports = 14 drive possibility.

 

>> 4x Drive SATA Cage RAID Backplane (x2)

This would support 8 drives, I would suggest dropping one of the SASLP-MV8 and going with another raid cage. This way you have a full matching set of raid cages. if the cages are not popular, finding a match later may be a pain.

 

The motherboard supports

PCI Express 2.0 x16  1

PCI Express x1 1

 

The SASLP-MV8 has a PCI-E x4 interface.

 

In the end with the cages you've selected and one additional 8 port controller, you would have support for 12 drives.

Many many thanks for your comments WeeboTech.

 

I have taken your advice and changed to the Icy Dock MB454SPF-B 4 in 3 SATA I/II module the last thing I need is to not match the cage when it comes time to expand. I have also decided to up the PSU to 450W, staying with Corsair.

 

For the sake of getting a rig up and running and to keep initial outlay down I was thinking of mounting my first 6 drives internally thus removing the need for the cage(s) and expansion card.

 

As I understand it I could then, later down the track, add in the cages(s) and expansion card without the need for the array to rebuild. I dont want to get into a situation where I need to get all my data off for the array to be rebuilt and then get it back on to the expanded array. This is what I'm desparately trying to pull myself away from (hating my current Buffalo Link Station Quad)

 

Is this assumption correct?

 

You also mention the PCI-E speeds of the expansion card being x4 and the Mobo being x16, is there an incompatibilty here? I like this Mobo because I can mount the USB thum drive internally.

 

Your assistance is very much apprciated. I know it's been said before but this forum really is what makes this product great  .

 

Best regards and thanks