NAS - storage device for projects (3DS MAX, Autocad projects)

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headburner

headburner

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Sep 28, 2017
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Hi,
My brother asked me where they could save their projects. I suggested a NAS storage. It's about Autocad, 3DS Max projects. Now, there are 7 computers in their office, printer and a plotter.
I made a Workgroup (Windows 10 on all computers). Beside router, there is a switch D-Link DGS-1100 24port and AP Ubiquiti UniFi AP AC LR.

For the NAS, I thought to take a Synology or QNAP. But on other hand, why not to make own NAS? I read about that, to make own "build" and to use linux or FreeNAS (or even Windows Server) to make own storage. Is that a good idea?
There is a problem, because I don't know which components to buy and what is the best OS for that device. I know that I need low power consumption components, but do I need more than 8GB RAM, more that 4 cores CPU, etc.

Other thing... They are also switching their web page, their web application for project management and their web application for digital signage to own server. They need a new Linux server for that.

Basically, how I see this, they need two servers. One for NAS storage and other for hosting their web page and web applications.

So they need a hardware suggestion for servers that will do this job with no problems... They are buying in EU (Germany, etc.).
Thanks in advance
 
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bjornl
My favorite over-all server from Dell is the r740xd (and the older r730xd / r 720xd). The XD version comes with more drive bays. Sort of like a server with a NAS/DAS/SAN built-in. It really simplifies things.

For a server which will not get hammered (backup server,, occasional file server, etc) I suggest the version of the 'xd' with 3.5" bays. This will take NL-SAS (Near-Line) which is basically SATA disks with a SAS interface card. They split the difference between the long life of a SAS disk and the shorter one of a SATA disk.

For servers which will be hammered (web server, SQL server, exchange server), I recommend a 'XD' with the smaller 2.5" drive bays. These take real SAS disks. They key to performance it to have a...
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bjornl

bjornl

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Mar 16, 2016
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A server is going to give you much more control and better options to configure it. A NAS is going to have a simpler interface and so take less work to manage.

Do you want "easy" or more control?

For a basic file server, you don't need much. 8gb makes is nicer to manage, but you can do it with less (not recommended). A multi-core CPU helps if you are going to have more than 1-2 threads at once. A 4-core would be plenty. A reliable NAS rated disk is a good idea. Depending on how you're suing it, I might be tempted to go with a dual-core (for lower heat).

However, I don't recommend this for a business. If they aren't technical enough to know what they need, they are going to need support. Have them get something from Dell. It is not worth risking a business with the same sort of stuff we might accept for a home-hobby environment.
 
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headburner

headburner

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Sep 28, 2017
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I want more control, that is why I don't see Synology or QNAP for the solution. He's my bro, so I'll help him as much as possible about this, give them support... Professional Dell servers are quite expensive. But if this is a better solution, I'll suggest it to him to buy Dell server
 
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bjornl

bjornl

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I understand about brothers (and family). I've got familiy over-seas as well. I do what I can to help, of course. But for a business, I would not want them chained to a person (even me) who is far away and has other responsibilities.

Among servers, Dell is actually very cheap. Far less then a HP made with the same parts.

I am sure there is a local consultant who for a fairly trivial fee would be available and local to your brother. When I helped run an IT department in 12 countries and 14 offices, we always had a local consultant as well as flying in as needed. When time is critical, a local person (even if he is not as skilled as you) can be a real life saver.
 
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headburner

headburner

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Sep 28, 2017
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510


Thank you for your advice and everything. What device would you recommend from Dell?
 
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bjornl

bjornl

Honorable
Mar 16, 2016
2,962
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10,965
My favorite over-all server from Dell is the r740xd (and the older r730xd / r 720xd). The XD version comes with more drive bays. Sort of like a server with a NAS/DAS/SAN built-in. It really simplifies things.

For a server which will not get hammered (backup server,, occasional file server, etc) I suggest the version of the 'xd' with 3.5" bays. This will take NL-SAS (Near-Line) which is basically SATA disks with a SAS interface card. They split the difference between the long life of a SAS disk and the shorter one of a SATA disk.

For servers which will be hammered (web server, SQL server, exchange server), I recommend a 'XD' with the smaller 2.5" drive bays. These take real SAS disks. They key to performance it to have a higher number of disks. So if you know you won't need more than say 2 TB ever. Then you get 12 x 300gb 10k or 15k SAS disks. You set it up as raid 6 + 2 hot spares. So the simple way to think about it = 8 disks for data, 2 for parity and 2 in reserve (mounted). Your formatted capacity will be just over 2tb. When using 2.5" drives, you can use up to 24. When you are using the chassis with 3.5 you can only use 12, but there are much larger disks available and the cost per GB is much lower.
 
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