Trying to build a budget nas for home

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smartahsan

smartahsan

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I am new to the server side and I need help to get started. I have decided to make a nas server. I am thinking of using 1 intel xeon x5650 and wd reds but I do not no what other parts I need also I do not know what application to use I have heard about freenas but do not know how to use it and get it up and running. so I need to know the rest of the components and what application to use. Also I will need to save photos of my device and there will be around 6-8 desktops and laptops saving media files like docs and videos to the server.
 
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Building NAS is not that hard, particular with freeNAS. Here are things you need to consider
- LOW POWER system, because it runs 24/7. A system consume less the 20W is enough, use Atom or similar processor. a NAS does not need i3 or high power CPU. All is does it access, control and routing data
- Raid or not RAID?
No RAID - If you are using ZFS from freeNAS the you may consider a higher CPU and more RAM, so it manages the storage pool(s) efficiently
RAID there are many controllers out there range from 2 port to 24 ports with RAID level from 0 to 60.

But my particulare fond of is SPM394 and SPM393
https://www.amazon.com/Port-Multiplier-SATA-hardware-controller/dp/B004JPHAF0/

This is what I used to build a 40TB...
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Anthony_237

Anthony_237

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Firstly, are you planning to use RAID? If so what variation? RAID will be helpful in a NAS as it can help you recover lost data. Also, might I recommend you make sure you have a fast internet solution, as a NAS will constantly need to be on and always requires internet. A fast internet signal will allow for easy access for those desktops. Any other issues I cannot help with, but there are many tutorials on the internet if you are unsure. Follow them carefully
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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1. How much drive space do you plan on needing?
(increase that estimate by 50-100%)

2. RAID of some sort?

3. Do you already have any applicable parts for this?
Possibly a ready made NAS box would serve better. Qnap or Synology, maybe.

4. Don't focus on the Xeon concept as a must have.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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That is only required if you are trying to access it from outside the house.
And internal NAS or house server can be completely offline...just accessible by the systems in the house.

And opening it up to the outside world for access brings a whole host of other issues.

And "RAID", of any type, does not 'help recover lost data'. It can help in the physical loss of a drive, in that maybe no data is lost.
It does nothing for an accidental data deletion..."loss of data".
 
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Anthony_237

Anthony_237

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Wasn't sure whether he was using it outside of his home/workspace or not. Just assumed because of the amount of desktops and laptops he has
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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Just between me and the wife, we have ~15 devices talking directly or indirectly to my NAS box.
All on the internal LAN.
Desktops, laptops, tablet, cameras, etc, etc.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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How many actual users?
For a typical residential situation...anything will work. Does not have to be a Xeon server level CPU and motherboard.

Before my current Qnap NAS box, my house server/HTPC was a low end Win 10 box. Pentium G840 CPU, 8GB RAM, lots of drive space.
 
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Anthony_237

Anthony_237

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I just have 3 gadgets synced to a NAS, but its shared between about 10-15 people, so everyone requires an outside NAS as we live in different areas. Me and 5 others built it, 3 of them monitor it

 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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As said, just about anything will work.
Any recent i3 or above, 8 or 16GB RAM, and sufficient drive space.

Why do I have a dedicated NAS box (Qnap) instead of rebuilding my previous 6 year old box with newer parts?
I could not match the feature set/reliability/power consumption/etc for the price.
 
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USAFRet

USAFRet

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What is the total budget for this?
How much actual drive space will you need? (movies take up a LOT of space)
 
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F

FireWire2

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Building NAS is not that hard, particular with freeNAS. Here are things you need to consider
- LOW POWER system, because it runs 24/7. A system consume less the 20W is enough, use Atom or similar processor. a NAS does not need i3 or high power CPU. All is does it access, control and routing data
- Raid or not RAID?
No RAID - If you are using ZFS from freeNAS the you may consider a higher CPU and more RAM, so it manages the storage pool(s) efficiently
RAID there are many controllers out there range from 2 port to 24 ports with RAID level from 0 to 60.

But my particulare fond of is SPM394 and SPM393
https://www.amazon.com/Port-Multiplier-SATA-hardware-controller/dp/B004JPHAF0/

This is what I used to build a 40TB http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/265641-32-40tb-server-performance-issue

Which only consumes 180W, and it is still now in service, so far 6 HDD had been replaced

 
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smartahsan

smartahsan

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Ok so could you make like a pc part picker list for what parts I would be needing for a atom build.

 
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