Cheap SAN/NAS build

Hi guys,

I'm looking to build a data store for around 4 hard drives that will connect to a server running ESXI.

I have been struggling to find something for around the £100 mark so any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

This does not include the hard drives

Thanks

my logic says the hp proliant, pretty sure you could/can get it for around £100 (will need to do a cashback though - still going to the best of my knowledge), other than that you're probably going to struggle for a 4 drive nas/server for £100 give or take

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Anyone?

Thanks

I use an old HP desktop (mini tower) with a single core AMD x3200 and 2Gbytes of RAM. Running NAS4FREE and setup as a NFS/iSCSI SAN storage for my ESX ( I have 3) server farm. Works well as a test environment, it's also used as a media (uPNP) streamer for my TV and PS3 when its not acting as file store for my test LAB.

So to the point an hp Proliant would be great (as stated) or get a second hand Desktop (say a 2Ghz core duo) for about £50 and add some drives. Make sure it has a 1Gbit NIC or the space to add one. I have 4 in mine, 1 for general NIC traffic and 1 for iSCSI/NFS NIC traffic for each of my ESX servers.
If you plan to use ZFS, put as much RAM as possible in the system and maybe a 30Gbyte SSD to act as cache drive.

Forgot mention if you buy second hand, make sure it has enough SATA connections too? My HP has 4 plus two IDE. Saying that, you can boot from USB saving a SATA connection, but make sure the system is capable of booting from USB.
You could also watch the OcUK clearance section, sometimes there are enough components in there to build a descent system (My ESXs servers are made up of predominately clearance items or deal of the day) .