Help with new (re-purpose) build

[splnut]

So I am trying to re-purpose an old computer that I have for an unraid build. I have been running unraid for the last 2 weeks on 2 old IDE drives and everything has been fine. I am trying to go extremely cheap for right now. I was wondering what issues I would have with trying to use this drive cage:

 

http://www.directron.com/hdarbk.html

 

Looks like I would be able to change the fan out pretty easily if its loud. I am trying to fit 5 drives in an Apevia Q-Pack case

 

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811144162&nm_mc=OTC-Froogle&cm_mmc=OTC-Froogle-_-Cases+(Computer+Cases+-+ATX+Form)-_-APEVIA+CORP.-_-11144162

 

Also what PSU would you recommend.

2 WD20EARS (I would like to add another WD20EARS shortly)

1 WD10EARS

1 WD5000AADS

 

CPU:

AMD Sempron 2800+ (1.6Ghz)

 

Mobo:

Biostar K8M800-M7A

 

Add on cards:

Gigabit enet card

Sata controller

 

Open to any suggestions.

[Rajahal]

That drive cage looks fine to me.

 

Even though you are operating on a tight budget, I would still recommend a quality PSU like the Corsair 430w.  That one will last you up through about 12 green drives.  You could get away with less, but you'll only save maybe $10 - not worth it.

 

But wait - doesn't the case come with a PSU?  In the newegg pics the included PSU looks much shorter than a standard one.  You'll need to make sure that the case can even take a standard sized PSU.

 

While I can't attest to the quality, here's a super-cheap 4 port PCI card:

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=104&cp_id=10407&cs_id=1040702&p_id=2667&seq=1&format=2

I believe that uses the SIL3132 chipset which is well supported by unRAID, so it should work.

 

As for a GigE card, look for Intel brand as they tend to be the best supported.

[Carpet3]

I wouldn't trust the PSU and I dont think that case will support a standard size PSU by the look of it.

 

Completely agree with Raj about the corsair PSU.

[Rajahal]

For only 5 drives the included PSU will be OK.  But I wouldn't push it much past that.  Better just to replace it now and get it over with.

[splnut]

Thanks for the quick response. Once I finally get everything in Ill post a build log

[Unqualified Spectator]

I really want to see you get 5 drives in the Q-Pack...I really do. Please post pics and temperature readings when you get there.  As I recall, my reading on the Q-Pack was that it is very tight, very proprietary and not the best cooling design. But, if you make it, it will be a tight, sweet little server with a real storage punch. Also, didn't the Q-Pack have a mobo that doesn't have many SATA plugins on it?

 

Are you in the boat I am in, you happen to have a Q-Pack case and wanna make it work for a testbed? I kinda have the same problem...specific case, specifically not designed for use in unRaid. (Actually, yours may capable of doing a 5 in 3 - I can't even do that.)

 

I am looking forward to seeing your build notes...I would especially like to see how your drive mount and cooling solution work out. Best of luck!