Hello all,
I've been quietly reading and learning about unRAID. I've never run a Linux based machine. Here are my current setup, plan, needs and proposed new build.
I currently have a WHS 2003 running FlexRAID with 1 x 1TB WD Black WD1001FALS (system drive), 1 x 2TB Samung HD203WI Parity, 8 x 2TB Samsung HD203WI and 5 x 2TB WD WD20EFRX Red's. Total: 24.56TB with 3.41TB Free. Everything is fine with this machine and drives except for the fact that it was built in 2010, is running WHS 2003 and just makes me nervous.
Other specs: Antec 1200 case | MB GIGABYTE GA-MA785GT-UD3H REV 2.0 | PSU CORSAIR|CMPSU-650TX 650W | CPU AMD|ATH II X2 240 AM3 2.8G | MEM 2X1GB|G.SK F3-12800CL9D-2GBNQ | Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 8-Ports SAS RAID Controller - PCI Express x4 - 300MBps .
This server is mainly used to store large 1080p (some 720p) movies, 720p TV Shows, and family pictures. It also uses the built-in WHS Windows backup to backup 3 machines.
Plan:
To build a new separate unRAID server with all new hardware. Transfer all data off of the old WHS build onto the new unRAID server. After the new setup has been in use for a week or so, install unRAID on the old server and use it has a backup to the new unRAID server.
Needs:
NAS
Plex:
I just discovered Plex so I definitely want to run Plex Server. Before everything was streamed directly to my HTPC (2010, too) running Kodi. Plugging a Roku into my TVs will save space and energy (just discovered these, too! Obviously, my setup has been working fine for me that I hadn't been researching new technology). Plex will be streaming original quality to 2-3 local users, and transcoding files for 2-3 remote users. The max viewers at the same time would be 2 local and 2 remote users, but highly unlikely, more like 1 local and 1 remote.
Backup:
I'd like the new unRAID server or old backup server to backup my local machines HDD's to the either server. Not too worried about local machines data, but nice to have.
Filesharing:
I saw you can install ownCLOUD or Dropbox. This would be nice to have.
Torrents:
I mainly download things from torrents and seed everything back 18 hours a day (active seeding torrents capped at 10). The torrent client is on my PC not the WHS.
I'm sure I'll find other uses once I see what plugins and Dockers are available but those are my main concerns. No need for VM's or gaming.
Proposed new build:
Case: Fractal R5 Backout
PSU: SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold (SS-650KM Active PFC F3)
MB: SUPERMICRO MBD-X11SSM-F-O Micro ATX Server Motherboard LGA 1151 Intel C236 (Saw this on other threads)
CPU: Intel Xeon E3-1240 v5 SkyLake 3.5 GHz 8MB L3 Cache LGA 1151 80W BX80662E31240V5 Server Processor
RAM: 2 x Kingston ValueRAM 8GB 288-Pin DDR4 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR4 2133 (PC4 17000) Server Memory Model KVR21E15D8/8
HDD'S:
Cache: Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E250B/AM) or the 500GB, haven't decided. I definitely don't download 500GB a day but I like to future proof a little if my needs change.
Storage: 5 x Seagate Archive HDD 8TB SATA 6GBps 128MB Cache SATA Hard Drive (ST8000AS0002) - 1 Parity, 4 Storage
Questions:
I mainly need advice on the MB, CPU, RAM and HDDs. I like that PSU because it has 10 SATA power connectors.
All my movies and tv shows just sit there. Occasionally a better quality version of a movie or show will be released and I'll delete the old version off of the server and download the newest one. Files range from 3GB-30GBish
I chose the Seagate 8TB Archives drives based on price, my use and the extensive testing that's been done by user danioj and others. Do people still think these are the best bang for the buck + reliability? I plan on only running 8TB drives in the new server to keep it running at it's fastest. Any thoughts on drive choice and size?
Is that enough CPU? Could I get away with less? Suggest more?
16GB of RAM I'd think is sufficient, yes?
If I get to adding 11 drives total (MB has 8 SATA ports, Case holds 10 storage drives+SSD)... would this card work with unRAID: IO Crest 4 Port SATA III PCI-e 2.0 x1 Controller Card Marvell Non-Raid with Low Profile Bracket SI-PEX40064 ? Just to add 4 more SATA ports to the whole setup.
Is it possible to have a single HDD outside the array with the one parity? Say a 2TB HDD by itself to just have my daily desktop back ups copied to? Or do ll drives need to be added to the array to be accessed over the network as a share?
I think that's it.....
Thank you in advance for any help or suggestions!