Building first NAS server.

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silentsnake09

Gawd
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Jul 14, 2003
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I want to build my first NAS server mostly to stream media to xbmc in my different rooms. I haven't built a PC since 2002 so I am way far behind on what good. Here is what I am thinking so far.

OS: FreeNAS or Linux maybe?
Case: Antec Three Hundred
HDD's: WD Caviar Black
Mobo: ASUS P7H55-M PRO LGA 1156 Intel H55 HDMI Micro ATX Intel Motherboard
CPU: Intel Core i3-540 Clarkdale 3.06GHz LGA 1156 73W Dual-Core Desktop Processor BX80616I3540
PSU: CORSAIR Enthusiast Series CMPSU-650TX 650W ATX12V / EPS12V SLI Ready CrossFire Ready 80 PLUS Certified
RAM: G.SKILL Ripjaws Series 4GB (2 x 2GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) Desktop Memory Model F3-12800CL9D-4GBRL

Can someone tell me if I am going in the right direction?
 
I recommend this case instead:
$60 - Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 ATX Case

You don't such a high performance drive for a NAS. You'll be fine with this 2TB drive:
$80 - Samsung Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

CPU + mobo wise, those two parts are actually out of date. You want to look at the Core i3 2100 and a Asus or MSI H67 motherboard.

RAM wise, I don't recommend a 2x2GB set as that may limit your RAM upgrade ability later on. Not to mention that there's little to no difference between DDR3 1333 and DDR3 1600 RAM in real world performance. So I recommend a single 4GB stick:
$40 - G.Skill Ripjaw Series F3-10666CL9S-4GBRL 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM

How many hard drives are you planning on expanding to? If less than 12, you'll be fine with this PSU actually:
$59 - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W PSU
 
FreeNAS offers ZFS as well, albeit a bit more outdated than a Solaris option would have. FreeNAS would most likely be easier however. Either choice would be great.
 
Danny Bui said:
I recommend this case instead:
$60 - Cooler Master HAF 912 RC-912-KKN1 ATX Case

You don't such a high performance drive for a NAS. You'll be fine with this 2TB drive:
$80 - Samsung Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM SATA 3.0Gb/s Hard Drive

CPU + mobo wise, those two parts are actually out of date. You want to look at the Core i3 2100 and a Asus or MSI H67 motherboard.

RAM wise, I don't recommend a 2x2GB set as that may limit your RAM upgrade ability later on. Not to mention that there's little to no difference between DDR3 1333 and DDR3 1600 RAM in real world performance. So I recommend a single 4GB stick:
$40 - G.Skill Ripjaw Series F3-10666CL9S-4GBRL 4GB DDR3 1333 RAM

How many hard drives are you planning on expanding to? If less than 12, you'll be fine with this PSU actually:
$59 - Antec NEO ECO 520C 520W PSU
Click to expand...

Thanks for the suggestions. I changed my newegg cart. I need a RAID card also?
 
silentsnake09 said:
Thanks for the suggestions. I changed my newegg cart. I need a RAID card also?
Click to expand...

If you're using FreeNAS or linux, you really don't need a RAID card at all unless you're looking for really high performance. Both of those options have rather solid software RAIDs that provide decent enough performance.
 
does it make any sense to install Windows 7 on this and use it as my HTPC also? Right now I am using a apple TV2 and it is pretty limited. So basically use it to share media to my other PC's and XBMC devices and my HTPC for the living room.
 
silentsnake09 said:
does it make any sense to install Windows 7 on this and use it as my HTPC also? Right now I am using a apple TV2 and it is pretty limited. So basically use it to share media to my other PC's and XBMC devices and my HTPC for the living room.
Click to expand...

Generally it's not recommended to combine your file server and HTPC into one machine judging from this thread here:
http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1419906
 
I've just setup a NAS for my home network and went for FreeNAS 8.0. New web interface is slick and very fast. Took me a while to work out how to set it all up (datasets, iSCSI config, etc) but now I have it seems good. Worth a look if you want my honest opinion!
 
The G6x0 and G8x0 will be powerful enough. If you live near a Fry's or Microcenter they have the Core i3-2100 for under $100. You can run FreeNAS on basically any supported hardware.
 
Dude my nas has a under clocked E7200. File serving don't need allot power. Hell most small pre made Nas have A Arm cpu.
 
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