NAS Advice

chrisvb · 17 Jun 2011 at 15:54

I'd like to get a NAS as my dell server uses too much power (sc 1425).

I'm looking at the qnaps and synologys and the hp ml110 or microservers as an alternative. Which is best £350 max excluding drives. I'll also probably want 2x 2tb drives in raid 1 any suggestions? Am I best going for a 4bay for future-proofing?

Edit: building is a posibility

blueacid · 17 Jun 2011 at 18:46

Depends - if you JUST want it to be a dumb box that holds files then you've the pick of the lot. If you ask it to also be a download client, DNS server, whatever then I'd advise looking at the Microserver cashback deal.

The microserver can be whittled down to about 30watts (give or take), which will add approx £35/year to your electric bill if it's on 24/7.

chrisvb · 17 Jun 2011 at 19:04

What should I run on the microserver if I got that?

mraerosmith1981 · 17 Jun 2011 at 19:10

microserver, and as too what to run , xp, win7, linux what are you comfortable with and what do u have??

chrisvb · 17 Jun 2011 at 19:11

Free would be good so probably Linux. Are there any good tutorials setting up a fileserver with say ubuntu?

Can I have an iTunes server on Linux?

mraerosmith1981 · 17 Jun 2011 at 20:24

its an old article but a good 1

http://www.smallnetbuilder.com/nas/...-build-a-really-fast-nas-part-4-ubuntu-server

DIABLO · 17 Jun 2011 at 21:05

Freenas as a operating system is good if you just want a NAS. It will run from a USB stick on the internal USB header on the microserver mobo which is a bonus.

chrisvb · 19 Jun 2011 at 08:07

Alright will try both of those on my sc1425 and make up my mind

3dcandy · 19 Jun 2011 at 11:14

yup 1u servers aren't the best. I have a Poweredge 1850 and a m-itx dual atom 330 system to choose from. The dually atom is on 24/7 and uses about 20 watts top, the 1850 however is about 250 watts...

I run Ubuntu on both (my choice) though I could have chosen freenas or something similiar. I personally use ubuntu with a gui as the servers are occasionally needed to replace other pc's and the others in my house have no clue!

Scream · 19 Jun 2011 at 22:42

I hear a lot of good things about Qnap and especially Synology Nas drives but what are the disadvantages of a HP Microserver making a Synology Nas for example, a better purchase?

DIABLO · 19 Jun 2011 at 23:29

The only disadvantages i can think of really is thats it's bigger then a NAS and thats it not as plug and play like a NAS and possibly a tiny bit more power hungry.

The Asgard · 20 Jun 2011 at 06:40

I have a QNAP, ReadyNas NVX and just recently bought a HP microserver. It's no contest mate get the microserver. With the £100 cashback it's a no brainer. I have 5 samsung F4 2TB running WHS 1, 4 gigs of RAM. It idles at 45 watts. Swap out the fan and it's pretty much silent. I can't recommend it enough.

Scream · 20 Jun 2011 at 14:54

Is there any particular RAM to get for the microserver, RAM to avoid due to compatible issues etc?

chrisvb · 20 Jun 2011 at 16:42

The Asgard said:
I have a QNAP, ReadyNas NVX and just recently bought a HP microserver. It's no contest mate get the microserver. With the £100 cashback it's a no brainer. I have 5 samsung F4 2TB running WHS 1, 4 gigs of RAM. It idles at 45 watts. Swap out the fan and it's pretty much silent. I can't recommend it enough.

thanks this has helped me make my mind up, what fans should i replace them with?

DIABLO · 20 Jun 2011 at 18:24

I honestly would'nt worry about it, unless you're very picky about the amount of sound the fan ain't going to bother you.