fileserver project build

somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
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1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
This build will be used for storing pictures, movies, music, podcasts, etc. Potential streaming on LAN.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
I hate to put a price, for fear of limiting the possibilities of suggestions, but I would suggest a maximum of $700

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No preference

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
None, this will be a fresh build

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I've been looking around various forums, however I'm looking at a energy efficient "storage build", while meeting the suggested minimum storage limit

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
No gaming required

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Within the next 60-90 days


The ultimate goals to be accomplished for this project (footnotes):
--Energy efficient (current electrical rates are $0.13kW/h), so 24/7 operation needs to be very efficient on electricity
--Minimim storage limit is 4 Terabytes (to ensure adequate storage for the next 18 months)
--Current network will be upgraded to Gigabit speeds, so the project build will need to meet this goal
--Quiet if possible, though not a top priority.
--RAID level, at least sufficient enough to allow n+1 redundancy for HDDs. Would RAID 10, be sufficient for this task?

Thank you in advance for your advice
 

somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
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What was the motherboard? I tried to load the link provided, but I think the link redirect is broken...the CPU+RAM combo worked, but the motherboard link didn't...
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
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www.mfenn.com
Sp12's hardware suggestions look good, though you should be able to go cheaper on the mobo, like the M4A77TD-M Evo

What OS do you plan to use? If you use Linux, I would highly recommend using the software RAID. It's freaking bulletproof if you take 30 minutes to read about how to set it up properly.
 
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Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
126
Agree with above first hardware post except mobo link dont work, would recommend the one above poster mentioned.

Also agree linux software raid is the way to go, WHS is good but costs you money and doesn't support linux clients from what i understand. Ubuntu server and software raid is bulletproof and great to run headless, thats what i am doing.
 

Sp12

Senior member
Jun 12, 2010
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http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...e=&srchInDesc=

Comparison of the mobos. Basically, any AM3 with integrated video (880G preferable) and an 850 southbridge. I think that southbridge holds value in that it's a lower process node than the 700 series (lower power) and has Sata3, which helps you keep up for when SSDs are cheap, as they could be added without a performance penalty.
 

fluffmonster

Senior member
Sep 29, 2006
232
8
81
I don't think it makes much sense to put a 95W quad-core cpu in a storage server which is shooting for energy efficiency. A dual-core like this one will be more than adequate, even if OP eventually wants to transcode media to the LAN on the fly.
 

Sp12

Senior member
Jun 12, 2010
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0
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As long as he has CnQ enabled any unused cores will downclock/volt. 95TDP is just the maximum it can draw. The quad is obviously a better value, but the X2 may be sufficient assuming a small amount of connections/transfers.

OP, how many clients will be connected to this server (both total count and maximum simultaneous).
 
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somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
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71
Yes I will probably use some sort of Linux OS (like FreeNAS for example), however I probably won't do any transcoding. I have a bunch of computers on the LAN that are more than powerful enough (i.e. quad core processors) that can handle the transcoding.

That said, I don't necessary need a quad core processor for a fileserver. I was wondering if something like this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103698

...would work? Granted it is a single core processor, but it was the only 45w CPU I could find (I thought all Athlon II CPUs were 45w?). Would that be too limiting? If so, I could go for what fluffmonster recommended.
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
Yes I will probably use some sort of Linux OS (like FreeNAS for example), however I probably won't do any transcoding. I have a bunch of computers on the LAN that are more than powerful enough (i.e. quad core processors) that can handle the transcoding.

That said, I don't necessary need a quad core processor for a fileserver. I was wondering if something like this...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16819103698

...would work? Granted it is a single core processor, but it was the only 45w CPU I could find (I thought all Athlon II CPUs were 45w?). Would that be too limiting? If so, I could go for what fluffmonster recommended.

If you're solely going to be serving files, the Sargas is probably fine. If you decide to use big RAID5 or something it might choke on the parity calculations though. It'll be fine for RAID10 or RAID0+1 because those calculations are much less demanding.
 

Sp12

Senior member
Jun 12, 2010
799
0
76
I would avoid buying any singlecores nowadays, especially one without hyperthreading. Too many incoming connections+raid work might choke it. If you're really worried about TDP you could try undervolting a dually.

Have you considered also using this computer as a router/firewall/local proxy as well : P? Not 100% serious, but I did that once with an old computer and it was fun.
 

somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
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@Sp12: I had contemplated some sort of "combination" build such as what you have recommended above, but I'm already in a mini-project (can't have too many projects :p) with an older box for a firewall/router, though sadly it hasn't gone very well.

How would I be able to get a fileserver to multitask as a router/firewall as well? I was under the impression that (short of turning everything into Virtual Machines) you couldn't have a fileserver and a router/firewall be the same box?


Also I should add to a previous comment from above, that there maybe a maximum of 3-4 computers connected at the same time with this fileserver. I plan on making segregated accounts so items like pictures are more manageable with computer-illiterate people.
 
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heyheybooboo

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2007
6,278
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0
If you're solely going to be serving files, the Sargas is probably fine...

Pretty much this.

There is a Sempy140/Asus 785g mATX combo which looks pretty sweet (I believe it's the M4A785TD-M). I'm testing the -V version for an HTPC upgrade and it's been bullet-proof so far (and sleeps at 2w).




--
 

mfenn

Elite Member
Jan 17, 2010
22,400
5
71
www.mfenn.com
@Sp12: I had contemplated some sort of "combination" build such as what you have recommended above, but I'm already in a mini-project (can't have too many projects :p) with an older box for a firewall/router, though sadly it hasn't gone very well.

How would I be able to get a fileserver to multitask as a router/firewall as well? I was under the impression that (short of turning everything into Virtual Machines) you couldn't have a fileserver and a router/firewall be the same box?


Also I should add to a previous comment from above, that there maybe a maximum of 3-4 computers connected at the same time with this fileserver. I plan on making segregated accounts so items like pictures are more manageable with computer-illiterate people.

A router/firewall plus fileserver can easily be on the same box if you're willing to "roll your own" so to speak from a generic Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora. You just make sure that the Samba daemon is only listening on the private interface and that the firewall rules allow it. I'm not aware of any "ready-made" firewall/router distribution that also does fileserver duties though.
 

somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
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@mfenn: ah okay, that makes it a little clearer now. I was thinking, for a moment there, "when did they make an OS do all of that?" haha.

I'll keep poking around and see what I can find. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.
 

Rifter

Lifer
Oct 9, 1999
11,522
751
126
A router/firewall plus fileserver can easily be on the same box if you're willing to "roll your own" so to speak from a generic Linux distribution like Ubuntu or Fedora. You just make sure that the Samba daemon is only listening on the private interface and that the firewall rules allow it. I'm not aware of any "ready-made" firewall/router distribution that also does fileserver duties though.

This x 1000

Im running a ubuntu box that acts as a file/print server as well as a transparent firewall/router also handles backups of all boot drives on all comps on my network. Oh and does media sharing/transcoding to my PS3, which is soon the be replaced by a htpc.
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
11,586
0
0
If it's a pure fileserver, you can't beat the new Intel boards with D510 processors for about $80.

http://www.newegg.com/Store/BrandSub...-CPU-VGA-Combo

The motherboard/CPU/video system draws less than 20 Watts. The one disadvantage is that these boards only have two SATA connectors. You'd need to add a PCI or PCI-E card with additional SATA ports if you need more disks.
 
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boomhower

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2007
7,228
19
81
I know it's not a homebuilt but here is what I did:

Acer H340 Easystore
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...21013&Tpk=h340
Wd 2TB Green x2
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-344-_-Product

Less than $600 with 5TB of storage. Both can be had cheaper if you shop around. The reason I like the Acer over competing models is that it has an expansion slot so you can add more E-SATA ports. It's a light power user with the atom and streams Blu Rays just fine. Maybe I'm just getting old but I like simplicity. I have mine set-up with the included 1TB, two 1.5TB Seagates, and a 2TB WD and couldn't be happier with the set-up.
 

RebateMonger

Elite Member
Dec 24, 2005
11,586
0
0
I know it's not a homebuilt but here is what I did:

Acer H340 Easystore
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...21013&Tpk=h340
Yeah, those are good deals as backup/file/media servers. You can't build anything comparable on your own for that price, especially if the small size and easy expandability means anything.

Acer does seem to have some customer service issues. But the basic unit and features are fine and the retail price is significantly lower than the comparable HP units.
 

VirtualLarry

No Lifer
Aug 25, 2001
56,570
10,200
126

Davidh373

Platinum Member
Jun 20, 2009
2,428
0
71
1. What YOUR PC will be used for. That means what types of tasks you'll be performing.
This build will be used for storing pictures, movies, music, podcasts, etc. Potential streaming on LAN.

2. What YOUR budget is. A price range is acceptable as long as it's not more than a 20% spread
I hate to put a price, for fear of limiting the possibilities of suggestions, but I would suggest a maximum of $700

3. What country YOU will be buying YOUR parts from.
USA

4. IF YOU have a brand preference. That means, are you an Intel-Fanboy, AMD-Fanboy, ATI-Fanboy, nVidia-Fanboy, Seagate-Fanboy, WD-Fanboy, etc.
No preference

5. If YOU intend on using any of YOUR current parts, and if so, what those parts are.
None, this will be a fresh build

6. IF YOU have searched and/or read similar threads.
I've been looking around various forums, however I'm looking at a energy efficient "storage build", while meeting the suggested minimum storage limit

7. IF YOU plan on overclocking or run the system at default speeds.
Default speeds

8. What resolution YOU plan on gaming with.
No gaming required

9. WHEN do you plan to build it?
Within the next 60-90 days


The ultimate goals to be accomplished for this project (footnotes):
--Energy efficient (current electrical rates are $0.13kW/h), so 24/7 operation needs to be very efficient on electricity
--Minimim storage limit is 4 Terabytes (to ensure adequate storage for the next 18 months)
--Current network will be upgraded to Gigabit speeds, so the project build will need to meet this goal
--Quiet if possible, though not a top priority.
--RAID level, at least sufficient enough to allow n+1 redundancy for HDDs. Would RAID 10, be sufficient for this task?

Thank you in advance for your advice

Ok, i've been missing this party, but it seems like everyone is overshooting what you need. If it's a home storage server it's likely to be on all day, which means you don't want a CPU like the X4 pulling 90w all the time.

Newegg still has the Celeron Conroe chip for $40. That is the lowest wattage processor on there @ 35W.

Here's a build I put together earlier. It's meant to be rather energy efficient.


-Home Server Build-

MSI LGA 775 - $44.99 + $4.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-234-_-Product

Intel Celeron Conroe 1.8Ghz - $40.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...039&Tpk=conroe

Corsair XMS2 DDR2 800 2GB - $49.99 + $2.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-201-_-Product

Apex Black Steel - $29.99 + $2.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-102-_-Product

Seasonic 300W 80+ - $49.99 + $8.26
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-089-_-Product

ASUS CD/DVD - 16.99 + $6.98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-202-_-Product

Caviar Green 2TB - $119.99
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-514-_-Product

Total: $379.14


EDIT: Sorry, I missed that you wanted 4TB. Just tack on another green drive and a sata cable and you'll be set.

You may also want to go and get this case instead.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...-116-_-Product

(seems to have better cooling.)
 
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somethingsketchy

Golden Member
Nov 25, 2008
1,019
0
71
@Davidh373: Thanks for the suggestions. I'll take a look at it tomorrow when I have 5 minutes to take a further look