8 Bay ITX Server

[pyropetepete]

8 Bay ITX Server- UPDATED SEE POST 44

Needed a new server. Don't want to upgrade it much over time so going all out on it now. It's going to remote access, host, DL, Stream and be abused etc etc

U-NAS NSC-800
Asus P8H77-I
16GB 1600MHZ
i5 2400 (this might change to a 3rd Gen)
300W Flex ATX 80 PLUS
Western Digital Red 3TB 64MB X8
Samsung 840 Pro Series 256GB X2
Windows 7 Pro X64
LSI/IBM M1015
Akasa K25 Compact Cooler
Akasa Viper PWM Fan - 120mm X2

Most of these parts I have already from a past server built or have I acquired via time as we all do. The Asus P8H77-I I've used on my R2 build. It's never let me down. 2 SATA3 (6GB/s) will run the RAID0 for the SSD. This then allows the option in time pending cost of SSD's to expand via 4 more and add them system.

The front USB on the case might be upgraded to USB 3.0 which is handy for when i drop in a USB stick, caddy or dock. The mobo has a USB 3.0 header and cables are cheap enough on eBay.

SSD's to run in RAID0
RAID 5 on the 3TB's
CPU might change to a 3rd gen just so 1600MHZ can run.
LSI/M1015 has the last FW on there.
Maybe a small fan on the LSI/IBM M1015
Stock case fans to be upgraded.

I've bought the case from GO GOOGLE IT AS I'M NOT ALLOWED TO SHARE SUCH AMAZING INFO ON A FORUMS THESE DAYS


I already have the 4 bay versions. The 8 bay with extra sled for 2.5'' drive delivered was $232.96/£152.54 via PayPal.

Updated with pics of case now it has arrived and some parts here http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showpost.php?p=24333277&postcount=44

Attached are some photos of the case as the website is a little slow.

I will update this once more items arrive and the case is delivered.

Pyropetepete

 

[pyropetepete]

Isn't RAIDed SSDs overkill and a bit superfluous for this? Just curious as to what your thinking is.

Yep, more than likely so. But then so is 24TB, i5 and 16GB. However I got the bits so why not! RAID 0 for larger files, ePeene etc etc

http://bancomicsans.com/main/

Never knew all that, thanks.

Remember you also have a 20 connection limit on MS Desktop OS's. Might want to look at Linux

Yep, it'll only be logging in and that will be 5 machines at once max.

 

[pyropetepete]

Now I like the look of this!

Question is the SAS/SATA backplane sata 6 ready?

I'm looking at a intel DH77DF board using a intel 240gb msata ssd and a intel RS2SG244 raid card as my new media box. But can't decide on a case and psu! Looked at the fractal node case that holds 6 drives. But this case sounds better! more space for drives.

I'm not sure if it is or not. I can mail and ask them for you? Really will depend how many drive you want or need. My R3 has 16 2TB's in. I needed something smaller and btter and this is it.

Seriously, quit with the Comic Sans. Unless your a school teacher there's no excuse.

Meh

 

[pyropetepete]

Right now 10TB will do it. But eventually 8x 4TB's would be nice!

Google 121047250178 That's the 4 bay but it only comes with a 100W PSU. Upgrade is a must!

If i went with 4TB drives i could have 32TB. Soon as i get the case (8 bay) i will post photos. If your local to me your welcome to come see it and have a brew.

 

[pyropetepete]

Will be watching this with interest as I currently run a HP Microserver that's becoming a little overwhelmed with what I'm trying to do.

It's well worth making the move, lot more custom options on the setup.

I was running a fractal array case previously. 5x 2TB drives. Raid 5. Ultra small ultra small power setup. Previous spec below. Sadly was forced to sell it as needed cash quickly. But i'm getting near needing a new one. Looking at the 4TB Seagate drives for a new build.

5x 2Tb Seagate drives
64gb Crucial C300 ssd SATA 6
8gb kingston hyperx 1600mhz
Scythe Shuriken Rev.B Quiet Low Profile CPU Cooler
Intel DH67CF/B3 mitx board
Fractal Design Array R2 Mini-ITX NAS Case, Black, with 300W SFX PSU
Intel I5 2500T 2.3 - 3.3ghz cpu retail LOW POWER 45W
Lian Li 5 port raid 5 controller PCI-E
Logitech diNovo Edge keyboard

Nice man, do it, make the move and invesment. I did the same selling old rig off to fun the move. Never looked back.

Love the little case and love the storage space! Would love something like this maybe if I can repurpose an old AMD rig I have at home over summer!

Summer is here, do it now man!

This looks like an awesome case but unfortunately its not really available in the UK. Do you know how much customs and import duties are going to cost?

Please update us once you get this. I am very keen to get one of these if all goes well.

Thanks

Can only update this once it's landed but it's being sent via Fedex and so far nothing shows for duties. It's coming from China.

It does look like a nice case, would also be interested on the cost after VAT etc.

Same as above dude, will et you all know here.

OcUK should stock those cases

Can only but ask. I want 10% for making them known!

Indeed, I'd certernly buy one

ooo very snazzy!

I second that motion

Thanks lads, we will have to watch this space.

Sorry for lack of updates, been busy and letting this fester a little. She's on her way. Friday 24th is the given ETA.

Started to sort some of the parts last night that i have here currently ready. I need to make a list to check it all off.

I might also swing by Ikea and look at doing a Lack rack as seen here http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?t=18495550

VDSL, Mikrotik Router Board, 24 port gig switch, WIFI, NAS, PI, etc

Cheers

 

[pyropetepete]

Ningbo
Shanghi
Dubai
France
Uk

Epic trip! Not bad! Lees than 5 days. Have yet to open her, am saving my self.

Photo's due soon

 

[pyropetepete]

Cool, Look forward to seeing the pics once you open it up. Please could you update us with the import duties and taxes that were incurred.

Thanks

Nothing has come forward yet. Last item i had off Fedex was marked as $450 USD and never got anything and that was 13 months ago. This wa smakred as $150 USD and said it was a NAS case. We shall see.

I too am looking forward to some pics of the backplane. Id like to see what connection type is needed. That will make my choice between this and the node 304.

It uses SFF8087 as it comes with cables so you will need to use a RAID card. It also inc the small PCI-E cable to link mobo to raid card.

 

[pyropetepete]

Awesome, I may have to order myself the 4-bay version of this

Sort your trust out bud

Awesome little case that, will be watching the build

Cheers Coolamasta.

Have been thinking and the 1st thing i will do is measure the max height for the CPU cooler as i want to upgrade what i have currently

 

[pyropetepete]

Ah may I suggest you take a look at the http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=HS-027-SY&groupid=701&catid=2330&subcat=2334

I had that in my previous build. Silent, worked great!

Chatting with ye from U-Nas he says i have 46mm for a cpu cooler. I'm going too check this my self then go from there. Had an Scythe Kozuti Low Profile CPU Cooler, SCKZT-1000 on my last server (i7 3770K) and was silent.

 

[pyropetepete]

Small update..

PSU has been ordered FSP400-701UH --- 85PLUS 1u 400 Watt £80 delivered. Looks to be the best 1u PSU I can find.

Also Ye has sent the missing 2nd OS tray for the case, it's currently in France already as they sent it Tuesday. Fair play to them for fast work.

Last 2 Western Digital Red 3TB have also been ordered.

May also have a steel on a IBM M1000 Key for the raid card for advanced features.

I will hopefully now tonight get some photos of the case and bits I have so far sorry it's been manic.

 

[pyropetepete]

Ooooh.. If you are hoping its going to be quiet, I don't like your chances. If they are the same FSP

400w psu that we use then they are pretty noisey..

To be honest the FSP 270W I got in the 4 bay I can hear. All thanks to the 40mm fans. I might change them. The Aska Vipers are

loud too when system kicks in load wise.

PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS

SORRY THEY ARE IPHONE AND LIGHTING IS BAD

The clear plastic sheet goes behind the mobo to insulate it from the case.

Here is my 4 bay version currently

Once again sorry photos are crap, I'm too tired to make any effort. You can see some of the parts. I got a nice 4 pin pwm cable splitter which is going to be good and make things easy.

Night

 

[pyropetepete]

Hmm I like it. It would have saved me nearly £30 on the SFF leads I bought. Though mine are a nice red colour

Just need to hope that psu is nearly silent.

I have just got a fanless psu. . . so that may sway me to the node 304 chassis.

What would have been really kewl is if the case was 2cm taller with a pci-e riser and split it to 2 ports so you could add a 2x or 4x gig port cart on there and team it. 2gbit throughput would be nice.

You can use a PCI-e splitter as was thinking of using my 4 port gig card.

Looks good matey. Unfortunately quiet and 1u don't really come into the same phrase. The closest we have is a custom FSP Unit and that is the loudest item in our product under full load. I will say though that they seem to work a lot better and are a lot quieter if the cold air from outside is pulled through the psu rather than expelled. If you can, try and reverse the fans

Is there any dampening on the HDDs? I have a Proliant Microserver and, although its a great bit of kit, when its populated with 7200Rpm disks there are a lot of vibrations and when using the drives it can get annoying.

Nothing on the HDD's. The case is soild and they lock in tight and well. PSU has arrived and tested it revs up then goes silent seams ok.

Thanks so much for this forum. I was pondering this buy for some time but having confirmation from you has pushed me over the edge and I ordered one today. I am hoping I don't get any tax or import duty surprises.

Thanks again for this forum and all the info.

Did you got for a 4 bay or 8? I'm going to list my 4 bay on auction with PSU to cover this upgrade.

PSU has arrived and so has my last 2 drives



I need to pull the 4 bay apart now. I'm off to a wedding tonight and unsure of what the weekend will be like so wait and see. Really wanting to measure the space for CPU Cooling more than anything.

Also the missing 2nd SSD/2.5'' OS tray arrived today from China. Fedex again

Cheers

 

[pyropetepete]

Where would you install a 4 port card though? No slot on the case

File, saw blade, dremel i would mount it under the raid card. I'd make a bracket to stack them. Managed switch for the link nice

Are you selling the 4 bay in the MM by any chance ?

What are the name/model of these cases ?

Don't had MM access but i have sent you some info via trust

I've found the answer to my network speed limit issue, GA-H77N-WIFI. Dual links on board Too bad ocuk don't stock it

Don't need the Z77 version, this isn't for overclocking.

LOL

I like the case...

Me too

 

[pyropetepete]

Hmm that heatsink height limit is an issue. I intend to use this kind of setup as a htpc. With the node 304 i could use a hydra h60, maybe. I'll keep watching and see how this goes!

The CPU cooler height is an issues but then again it's not 100% ment for the likes of an I series really. I have been toying with the idea of leaving the IO plate off for the mobo and fitting a H100i externally on the back or making something custom up.

 

[pyropetepete]

Got on with it at last

 

[pyropetepete]

Nice to be able to afford 8x £90 drives. Why those drives btw? I always think 5900rpm drives are better for a nas, less heat.

Try a grand!

Reason was not having to upgrade again anytime soon. I've always used WD and they work. I got 2 vippers so heat is not an issue

 

[pyropetepete]

Gutted, raid card does not work with 3TB drives

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/showthread.php?p=24372831#post24372831

 

[pyropetepete]

Let us know what RAID card you end up choosing, it is payday today so I have ordered one of the 8bay U-NAS cases to start a similar project though Im undecided over whether to go for a MS solution or FreeNAS at the moment.
My problem is that I have 5 existing drives between 2TB and 4TB in size that I intend to repurpose for this so Im going to have to use some sort of drive pooling or JBOD solution

edit

Im sure I saw some post on Anandtech looking at the new WD drive for NAS and if I remember rightly it seems that the red series aren't meant to be used for NAS units over 6 bays?

edit 2

found it - quote

One of the most interesting launches from Western Digital last year was the WD Red line of hard drives from the client storage division. It was intended for low to mid-range NAS units (and WD wanted to make sure that it wasn't used for units with more than 5 bays). Today, the Datacenter Storage Business Unit is launching the WD Se line intended for high end NAS units and, more importantly, datacenters looking for scalable storage (i.e, reliable storage which doesn't cost an arm and a leg for scenarios where capacity, rather than performance, is of primary importance).

http://www.anandtech.com/show/6986/...s-wd-se-for-datacenters-and-highend-nas-units

Will have a proper read of this once home but thank you

Card have sorted just

Just bought this after reviews said it works with 4TB. Was £147 delivered for saturday morning. Highpoint RocketRAID RR2720SGL

 

[pyropetepete]

It's a very pretty case containing a commendable density of hard drives. That's also quite a nasty single point of failure if the power supply or motherboard goes bad. I think I'd have got a second four bay box instead. 20gbytes of data is a lot to lose all in one go and a real pain to backup.

Actually, how are you going to back this up?

Nightly image backup

He will be using RAID 5 for redundancy.

Yep

There will still be a single point of failure if the raid card goes but as long as the data is fine then there shouldn't be a problem.

Hense the nightly backup of an image

On the backup question. Raid 5 can not be considered as "backup" however for the amount of data involved it may have to do. Personally I keep my ultra important life ends without these files on various cloud area's. The only real way to backup a 20TB array would be with another 20Tb array or a very nice tape solution!

I'm not bumb enough to use the cloud for anything personal. Seen too many hacks and done them my self. Would post a photo or your kid on facebook but load that on the cloud...

Looks like this could be an interesting read unfortunately I rage quit thread at the top of page 2. That font.

Ah well

Use of Comic Sans should be a bannable offence.

Nah it's good man

Hi pyropetepete,

Quick question, does the RAID controller come with the case? I got mine delivered on Monday but no controller. i have emailed them but had no response. I just wanted to confirm if yours came with the controller.

On the upside, there were no import charges for me either.

Thanks

No raid card with the case. It's not shown in the pic or listed so it's kinda clear. Also my posts would show this as well. Give it a few weeks. I just had Fedex ask for £30. I told them to go fish

looks good subscribed for further updates

Yeah sorry dude i been flat out last few weeks

Get yourself an IBM M5014 or M5015 Raid controller from eBay (which is just a re-branded LSI 9260-8i), they can be had for a good price with a cache battery (BBU)

I am using one with 4 x 3TB WD Red's and getting amazing speeds in a Raid-5, see below pic -

I got the Rocketraid but will have a look

I am not pyropetepete but I can answer the question

@ ReaperZN

No the raid controller. A good raid card is a couple of hundred quid. There are cheaper ones but checking some auction sites can find a good card cheap.

@ coolamasta

Nice speeds there. I like the sound the of the WD Reds but my gut still says go with 5900rpm for less heat and noise.

Controler can be had from £50 + depends what you want out of it.

Ah reds are fine

Nice pics, couldn't read the thread due to the font.

Contemplated forcing Firefox/Stylish to override the font settings for the forum but decided I couldn't be bothered.

Pics speak more than words

There isn't a lot in heat/noise/power consumption difference in it, so little you prob wouldn't notice, Red's are the best solution for any Raid set up IMO, mainly because they are designed for Raid and have longer warranty

Exactly what this man just said!

Why did you replace the fans to viper fans?

Better air flow, i like them and trust them. Seen lots of Geild at work die in hours.

I used the 2Tb Seagate LP's in my last build. Could still hear the ticking. 100mbit net link so Hard drives worked a bit hard

Can't hear the drives but can hear the PSU 40mm fan X2 giving some beans. Might need too address this. SFX PSU perhaps

hey pyropetepete did you ever get a new raid card sorted out? May have a Intel RS2SG244 available if that's any good for your build?

Yeah i did man. Sorry i been so busy and not posted a thing, my bad.

So i got the Highpoint RocketRAID RR2720SGL @ £147 as had it delivered for a Saturday. Dropped it in, windows, drivers, flashed to lastest BIOS sorted. RAID 5 and works a treat.









I've only got 1.7TB on there currently as doing some test's. But as highlight someone said the PSU is loud. Now the case top is on it is loud. I can hear it and i'm fussy. So i might look at the PSU going to SFX if it can fit. I'll be happyer with it. I also need 2 2pin extension cables as the ones on the case do not fit as too short to reach raid cards led headers. Having hard time to find them. I might also play with the RAID and will do some benching on it. Different raid arrys R0, R1, R10 etc

I'm also building the 4 bay up. not sure if i will keep it or perhaps flog it but using old kit to get it up.

 

[pyropetepete]

Nice pics. Shame I couldn't read the text.

Ah well

I recon you could replace that 40mm fan
Noctua do a 40mm one which should be silent

Perhaps but it's a beats of a PSU so best to leave alone

I keep the family photo archive on a skydrive. A few scans of documents I need. Nothing that would cause me problems if stolen. Just to important to me to lose, personal thing.

I would be interested to see some temps from this setup. At the moment I am leaning towards a node 304 case instead. Mainly for looks! I plan to sit it in my living room.

This currently downloading @ 7.9Mb and uploading around 17.6Mb, as well as being used remotely at work, hosting 3 websites, streaming SKY TV to a 60'' TV and the sun will be on it due to where it is in the front room hehehe