January 4, 201115 yr 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.
January 5, 201115 yr 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.
January 5, 201115 yr 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.
January 5, 201115 yr 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.
January 5, 201115 yr Author Thanks for the quick response. Once I finally get everything in Ill post a build log
January 7, 201115 yr 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!
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