7 replies to this topic

[Shmithers]

I'm trying to throw together a home server, let me know if I made any mistakes or let me know some better choices for parts!

PSU: Seasonic X760
MOBO: Supermicro X9SCM
RAM: Kingston KVR1333D3E9S/4GHB
CPU: Intel Core i3 2100
SSD: Intel 320 Series GEN3 40GB
CASE: Norco RPC-4220
CABLES: Norco C-SFF8087-D SFF-8087 to SFF8087 Internal Multilane SAS Cable
CARDS: Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 Marvell 6480 8 Channel SAS/SATA RAID PCI-E Card
HDDS: Western Digital WD20EARS Caviar Green 2TB
OS: Windows Server 2008 R2

All software RAID 6

Thoughts or suggestions?

Edited by Shmithers, 20 November 2011 - 08:24 PM.

[oldSkool]

What's the purpose of this server?
Simple NAS / File server? Gaming server? Web / Application server?...

[Shmithers]

What's the purpose of this server?
Simple NAS / File server? Gaming server? Web / Application server?...

Pure fileserver

[7h3 n00b m4573r]

How many drives and cards are you looking at?

[oldSkool]

Pure fileserver

Err... I know that building file servers is fun - and it maybe a cost point here but wouldn't a NAS be more energy effecient and more cost effective [unless you want the full 8 drives in it, then your solution is better...]?

[depends on the number of drives you're planning on putting in -- do you plan on filling it with 8x 2TB sata's?]

PS - Oh, and you do realise that RAID does not equate to a backup solution, yes?

Edited by oldSkool, 23 November 2011 - 08:08 AM.

[7h3 n00b m4573r]

Err... I know that building file servers is fun - and it maybe a cost point here but wouldn't a NAS be more energy effecient and more cost effective [unless you want the full 8 drives in it, then your solution is better...]?

[depends on the number of drives you're planning on putting in -- do you plan on filling it with 8x 2TB sata's?]

PS - Oh, and you do realise that RAID does not equate to a backup solution, yes?

Considering the case and mobo chosed by the OP I'm guessing this is going to be a massive file server.
The mobo has a stack of PCIe slots for RAID cards and the case has 20 drive bays.
At that kind of drive count a NAS is usually way too expensive for private use.

[Shmithers]

Yep, we are starting with 8 drives but planning on 20 once drive prices go back down. Yes, I know RAID isn't a backup. I always back up important files twice (3 copies)

[7h3 n00b m4573r]

Yep, we are starting with 8 drives but planning on 20 once drive prices go back down. Yes, I know RAID isn't a backup. I always back up important files twice (3 copies)

A word of advice when expanding, don't put all your drives in one RAID volume. 8 drives in a RAID6 volume is fine but 20 is a bit much IMO, better to split into multiple RAID volumes (2 sets of 10 drives maybe).