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Help with file server build

M

mightydrake

n00b
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Apr 18, 2011
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7
So Im building a file server for a small business. I could go with something cheap, standard atx case + mobo, but I want to do it right.

I'm used to building home computer / small basic server (just built a small nas, 8xhdd ZFS config), but I never built a rackmount server or anything more business related. So some of this stuff is fairly new to me.

Thinking of getting a small server rack to install the cisco 24 port switch + patch panel and a 2U server case.

Im looking for a 8 or 12 hdd configuration. It will be used to host radiography image file on the network serving about 12 computers. Im not sure whether to use a Raid6, Raid10 or ZFS configuration with the hard drive.

I would use at least 6x WD RE4 drive. If I can avoid hardware raid card that would be good (it's expensive + another point of faillure, I don't want to keep a spare card.)

I've been looking at SuperMicro 2U barebone or Norco cases.
I don't need much cpu processing power. A basic Xeon cpu would be enough.
A redundant power supply would be nice to have.

So Im trying to figure out the hardware side first, then I'll need to find out which os to use. CentOs + KVM, ESXi + BSD/ZFS, but that's another topic.

Any recommendation from someone who knows this stuff better than me ?
 
You don't mention what else the file server is going to be doing? DHCP, file/print sharing, email? I would just get a NAS for the radiography images and then a small 1 or 2U server with RAID 1, but that's me.
 
Why rack-mount? They're loud and pricy. The only advantage is in a datacenter, where floor space is at a premium.
Why home-brew? Big brand boxes are used in business for a reason - They have support. I can understand not wanting to pay the big bucks for a mom-and-pop shop, though.
I see the word Radiography. That brings to mind the word "certification", and the world of hurt that follows if a case goes to court and you are using a home-brew system.
And never, ever, figure out the OS AFTER the hardware. What if your $900 HBA isn't supported by ESXi? The hardware you buy depends on the software you're using. Check compatibility lists, and order from there.
 
It will only be used to store and share image file on LAN. It needs to be fast, reliable and sustain at least 2 hdd faillure.

It won't have any other services running, no dhcp / email / webserver.

I thought of using virtualization so that I could have my raid or zfs array on *nix/bsd, and be able to run a windows 7 professionnal in another vm so that I could install the client management system on it. They use a basic software that needs a windows installation to run. Now it's running on a workstation with a basic windows share.

My idea would be to have the windows instance running on the server put storing those files either in the raid6/10 array, or creating another array in raid1 with 2hdd. The management software contain the most critical data as it's all the clients information / work calendar. So I'll be setting up a rsync backup with an off-site server, encrypting the files before sending them.

Your idea to have a retail product, you're talking about something like a Synology DS1812+ or a Thecus nas ?
 
Last edited:
mightydrake said:
Your idea to have a retail product, you're talking about something like a Synology DS1812+ or a Thecus nas ?
Click to expand...
Actually, I was thinking more Dell, HP, Sun, etc. Not needed in a small environment, but the support is damned nice to have.

I'm not sure if you're aware of it or not, but ESXi requires a minimum of two machines to operate correctly. It needs a NAS to load the guest OS's off, and a workstation to access your guest OS's. You can not sit at the ESXi host and use a guest OS like you can with, say, HyperV. Technically, you're not supposed to have the guest OS's running on a drive located inside the host box, either, from what I recall, but you can get that to work. There's even a how-to on this forum somewhere. "ESXi all-in-one" or something like that.

A cheap little E3, LSI PCIe HBA, 16GB of ECC UDIMMs, quality mobo, and a SuperMicro chassis should run ya about eleven hundred. Then you add 6x3TB drives for another nine hundred, and toss 'em in raidz2. Share with Samba. Two grand, 10-12TB usable space.

By comparison, the HP DL180G6 is running about $1,350 on newegg right now. Add the same $900 in drives, and you've got a $250 price difference, but you've got support, and expandability (14x slots in that 2U). HP's enterprise gear is top notch.
 
I think if you are unsure it's best to just go OEM. When it's for yourself that's one thing. When it's other people's money then you have to put them first no matter how awesome a design is.
 
Thanks for your help.
You have good point, for myself I would have built a server, just like my small home NAS. But for someone else, somewhere that I won't be all day long, I'll look at OEM solution.
Im looking into HP proliant, Dell T320 solution or Lenovo TS430.

I'm also looking at NAS solution from Synology or Thecus. Space is limited, so maybe that's a good alternative + it will be easier to configure and manage.
 
I was going to say the same thing, building a server for yourself is fine, but for a client its better to go with name brand that has onsite support, better for you and better for the client. As for a NAS, I have three of them and the Thecus is my least favourite, but have a look at the reviews, I would recommend Qnap or Synology, good luck.
 
FWIW, I've had very good track record using Fujitsu servers with FreeBSD or whatever you want to use as OS for ZFS. I'm very sure that they're more "compatible" (read uses non homebrew solutions/chipsets) than Dell and HP.
//Danne
 
1. In the examples given, QNAP/Synology/misc NAS address the NAS OS issues for you. Most of them offer GUI operation. Call them if you need support.

2. HP/DELL/SuperMicro/misc-branded OEM and Windows Server address the common scenario for many, certainly with higher costs. They offer higher performance as well, and if you prefer, ECC support on supported models.

3. Self-built Hardware box and Windows Server address OS/Services issue, but attempt to cut the cost on hardware by finding bargains.

4. Self-built hardware box and freely accessible OS/services, cut cost on many fronts, but you will have to answer problem on your own.

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Generally, based on the nature of your description in your posts, maybe 1-2-3, or 2-1-3, in that order
 
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