Sorry guys, I know you all hate these types of threads. I think I have just done so much research Ive blown my own mind. I have the storage drives already, and will slowly buy the additional hardware over the next few months. No real rush, will buy when on sale.
Background- I currently have 8 x 2tb Hitachis Id like to throw in a storage solution. This box will be primarily storage. In fact, its safe to say that it will only be used for serving. Reliability/ up time is not mission critical (home use), however still a factor.
OS- I have a Server 08 R2 license in which I am more than comfortable setting up and using. Nix is less likely, however with the Supermicro boars everyone likes, I do like the thumb drive option of not using a SATA port for a hdd.
Hardware Reqs:
Storage- The 8x2tbs it is overkill (RIGHT NOW) space wise, but I would like to have plenty of room to grow (meaning current level of empty space as well as ability to add more drives) so I have not picked a RAID level yet. Redundancy is the main factor. Also, using onboard RAID is not an issue (in fact probably ideal) since the CPU will be limited to storage purposes.
Motherboard- Im perfectly fine with the Supermicro F series boards everyone likes; though right now Id need the ability for 8 storage drives with probably another 2 drives for the OS. Id also like room for growth. Again, onboard RAID is ok here.
RAID- Unsure which level at this point, onboard is fine, expandability is necessary.
RAM- an amount for storage, I assume the min Server 08 R2 x64 needs.
CPU low power, x64, with overhead for RAID.
PSU Again, min amount, efficient, ability to handle a few more drives in the future.
Chassis more than likely a rack mount, though not dead set at all. I do not need hot swappable bay, or the expense of them. All internal hdd mounts are perfectly fine assuming there is good noise dampening, and airflow. Since the purpose of this machine is serving, Id like to protect my hdds, but I dont really want to have the FAA stop by my house for thinking jets are taking off from my house. Sound dampening is a factor; cost is also; as well as having room to grow.
Accessories- Expander? SAS cables? Which ones? A little confused in this area.
Main Goals:
Background- I currently have 8 x 2tb Hitachis Id like to throw in a storage solution. This box will be primarily storage. In fact, its safe to say that it will only be used for serving. Reliability/ up time is not mission critical (home use), however still a factor.
OS- I have a Server 08 R2 license in which I am more than comfortable setting up and using. Nix is less likely, however with the Supermicro boars everyone likes, I do like the thumb drive option of not using a SATA port for a hdd.
Hardware Reqs:
Storage- The 8x2tbs it is overkill (RIGHT NOW) space wise, but I would like to have plenty of room to grow (meaning current level of empty space as well as ability to add more drives) so I have not picked a RAID level yet. Redundancy is the main factor. Also, using onboard RAID is not an issue (in fact probably ideal) since the CPU will be limited to storage purposes.
Motherboard- Im perfectly fine with the Supermicro F series boards everyone likes; though right now Id need the ability for 8 storage drives with probably another 2 drives for the OS. Id also like room for growth. Again, onboard RAID is ok here.
RAID- Unsure which level at this point, onboard is fine, expandability is necessary.
RAM- an amount for storage, I assume the min Server 08 R2 x64 needs.
CPU low power, x64, with overhead for RAID.
PSU Again, min amount, efficient, ability to handle a few more drives in the future.
Chassis more than likely a rack mount, though not dead set at all. I do not need hot swappable bay, or the expense of them. All internal hdd mounts are perfectly fine assuming there is good noise dampening, and airflow. Since the purpose of this machine is serving, Id like to protect my hdds, but I dont really want to have the FAA stop by my house for thinking jets are taking off from my house. Sound dampening is a factor; cost is also; as well as having room to grow.
Accessories- Expander? SAS cables? Which ones? A little confused in this area.
Main Goals:
- Meet current needs as well as room for expanded storage
- Low/ Efficient Power
- Control sound
- Overall costs - as it is for a home, funds are in fact limited. Nothing over the top.