Making a USB2.0 HDD array/NAS

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RanceJustice

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Hey guys... I could use a little advice on building myself some networked storage. My poor external drive is making the "going die" sound so I'm left with only my Raptors. I thought I'd take this oppertunity to build myself a nice, expandable NAS. Here is what I'm looking for

1. Nice looking and relatively small. I'd rather not use a full tower low spec PC, if I don't have to.
2. Space for at least 5 hard drives. Aluminum case and sufficient cooling preferable.
3. SATA 2.0+ RAID possible, maybe RAID 5? I'm not too familiar with practical RAID beyond RAID 1 and RAID 0. Could use a little advice here.
4. The ability to either use it as a NAS through a LAN port, possibly wireless (though not necessary) or connect it to another PC through USB2.0. Firewire and/or eSATA wouldn't be a bad idea either. I just want to have a backup if for instance if the network is insecure or screwy, and I just want one PC to connect to it, like my external hard drive is now.
5. Universal operating system compatibility. I don't want to rely on something that's windows only, and that I won't easily be able to access or secure my files if I get a Mac or Linux box.
6. Quiet as possible.

Now how shall I go about doing this? I don't really want to spend an absolute ton of money on one of those pre-built enclosures (many close to $1000, without drives) but if anyone knows a good deal I'd be willing to consider it.

The other thing I was thinking was using www.freenas.org (or similar, if you can suggest) and building my own box.

Any ideas?
 
Anyone? Any ideas?

I've been looking at the NAS enclosures on Newegg that run for about 500-600, and I really think I can build it cheaper myself..

Can anyone suggest a nice little aluminum enclosure at least?
 
Xaeos said:
I just want to have a backup if for instance if the network is insecure or screwy, and I just want one PC to connect to it, like my external hard drive is now.
Click to expand...

I'm confused as to what you are looking for network attached storage or direct attached storage?
 
Hey, thanks for the links. I'm really not at all familiar with those kind of SATA cards. A standard RAID card maybe. I'm a little hesitant to invest in something like that if I'm going to be using a Linux/BSD operating system to run my NAS, since hardware compatibility and linux sometimes don't go hand in hand.

Say, I just realized I have an old Antec Aria SFF laying around, half modded (Including two fans on the side panels and a fan controller) It would save some money to use it. Will its 300w PS support 5 HDDs, a RAID card, and a mini-ITX motherboard/proc? Think I'd physically be able to get 5 HDDs in there under the original setup, or would I have to completely remove the front? Thanks.
 
Hmm ... anyone know if the LaCie Ethernet Disk Mini V2 (or similar devices) will support a port multiplier? IOW, crack one of these open and connect a port multiplier to the sata connector ... to just a thought.

The LaCie Ethernet Disk does does have a USB 2.0 connector on the back ... so with a powered USB Hub you should be able to add additional USB disks.
 
Xaeos said:
Will its 300w PS support 5 HDDs, a RAID card, and a mini-ITX motherboard/proc?
Click to expand...

I would think so ... Mashie's Udat uses a 200W PS.

Xaeos said:
Think I'd physically be able to get 5 HDDs in there under the original setup, or would I have to completely remove the front? Thanks.
Click to expand...
Moving from 4 to 5 drives is going to increase the cost of the SATA controller.
 
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