First Unraid Build - Hardware Check Experts

[Zer0x123]

Hey guys,

 

Really excited to do my first Unraid build, ultimately i'll be using it with XBMC and one or two Asrock 330HTs.

Before i go ahead and order the following parts i just wanted to make sure I didn't do anything stupid hardware wise.

I'm fairly certain the parts I'm going with are pefect for starting off and will also let me expand in the future.

 

Note that I will be picking up some HDDs later on.

 

 

PSU - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371030

Case - COOLER MASTER Centurion 590 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811119152

RAM - OCZ Platinum Revision 2 2GB (2 x 1GB) - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227139

Mobo - ASUS M4A785-M - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131595

CPU - AMD Sempron 145 - http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103888

 

$321.81 CAD Shipped.

 

PSU should be good for future expansions, I can throw another 2GB (2x1GB) or 4GB (2x2GB) in the mobo if required in the future.

Should be good right? Other than the HDDs, and the lack of an internal USB port, i think it's solid.

 

What say you?

[Rob_Esc]

An expert might confirm this, but when building a server type rig it might be better to stick with 'standard' spec RAM sticks.

 

The OCZ platinum modules list 4-4-4-15 timings with 1.9-2.1V.   Usually, variable voltages and faster timings are for users who do a lot of gaming or overclocking.  

 

The OCZ gold modules (currently on sale) list more standard 5-5-5-15 timings with 1.8V.

 

http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820227124

 

I've had good luck in the past with A-DATA and Kingston ValueRAM.

 

Then again, it might not make any difference at all.

[prostuff1]

I will agree with the above.  Stick with standard RAM with timings of 5-5-5-15 and 1.8 volt.

[Zer0x123]

Thank you for the heads up on the RAM. I don't fully understand it but It's no skin off my back as the price is the same for the more stable version.

 

How many HDDS can my PSU support (520W) do you guys think? Assuming WD2TB Green-EARS for all HDDs.

[prostuff1]

Thank you for the heads up on the RAM. I don't fully understand it but It's no skin off my back as the price is the same for the more stable version.

 

How many HDDS can my PSU support (520W) do you guys think? Assuming WD2TB Green-EARS for all HDDs.

 

it is not the wattage so much that you need to watch for.  it is the amps on the +12 volt rail and yours is 40.  You can probably get 15-18 drives (green version) on the psu.

[Zer0x123]

Hmmm. Okay that will be more than enough for my home server. I've decided to go with an Antec 300 instead of the CM590 since i can get it locally from a shop here and save 30 dollars

 

That's bring the total cost of the system to less than $300 CAD before HDDs. Woot.

[ohlwiler]

I'd stick with the 590, much better drive cooling, and flexibility to add hot swap bays.

[SSD]

I'd stick with the 590, much better drive cooling, and flexibility to hot swap bays.

 

Couldn't agree more.  The importance of the case is under-appreciated until you become an unRAID user.

[wsume99]

I'd stick with the 590, much better drive cooling, and flexibility to add hot swap bays.

I'd have to partially disagree with this.  I'm currently using an Antec 300 and it does a wonderful job of cooling my drives (WD greens & black).  With the two case fans on low my temps never go above 33C.  If I set the fans on high they all stay below 30C.  The reason to get a 590 instead of the 300 is total drive capacity.  The 590 can hold up to 15 drives with three 5-in-3 hot swap bays installed.  The 300 can only hold 11 drives max - 6 internally and 5 in a hot swap bay. If you go with the 300 you'll have to upgrade your case in the future to go beyond 11 drives. 

[ohlwiler]

Okay, strike that. The six internal hard disks achieve good cooling. The case is not as flexible as the 590 though, is that flexibility worth $30? That is a question each person will have to answer for themselves. It doesn't make sense to choose a 300 and then throw in a 5 in 3 as the drive cage will cost almost twice as much as the case. The more logical choice is the cooler master 4 in 3 at about a third the cost of the case. Thus total drive capacity is 10 vs. 12 if one chooses to add drives in the most inexpensive manner. Currently both cases are about the same price at Newegg (the 590 is a bit cheaper). Both are good cases, the 590 is more flexible no matter which way direction unRAID takes you.

[wsume99]

I'd have to agree with that and if I were going to buy a case today for a server it would be the 590 (unless I was going to build something real big).  It's really the best value out there for a new unRAID system.  The only reason I'm using a 300 is because I already had one.