Building a pro-sumer NAS--advice needed!

[Schnibly]

Hi All---

Just found this awesome resource and thought I'd register to ask for advice.

I currently own a ReadyNas NV+ but am approaching 75% capacity (even with 4x1.5TB drives!) and while I still have a while before filling it up I'd like to get to planning my next NAS and enjoy the other benefits besides obvious diskspace growth (ie nas to nas sync/backup etc.).

My original thought after reading the build your own nas article was to look at a Chenbro ES34069 mini-itx chassis.

Here's the link: http://www.chenbro.com/corporatesite/products_detail.php?serno=100

But then I could only find motherboards with 2x SataII so that ended that discussion.

My goals are as follows:

1) Top performance for read and write.
2) Low energy consumption, efficient, low heat output & quiet!
3) Small form factor--don't need another P180 case or its like in an already crowded den
4) Ability to play with various software like FreeNAS, Windows Home server etc.

Thought about buying a NAS but as I love to DIY I thought I'd consider that route this time.

What I have available to salvage:

1) Extra Core 2 Duo E6600 2.4
2) Lots of DDR2 800mhz ram
3) Hard drives
4) Couple of decent power supplies (one may even be earthwatts)
5) PCI-Express dual port Intel Gigabit nic
6) Various High-volume, quiet 120mm fans (scythe etc.)

Based on the limitations with the chenbro, I've been thinking about going micro-atx with the following setup:

Asus P5Q-EM--like the dual PCI-express options to allow for future expansion etc.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813131336

Thermaltake VI5000BNS--like the 4 internal bays plus I could add a 4to3 in the 3-3.5 external drives down the road
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811133066

My biggest challenge is in finding a processor to pair with the Asus or any motherboard for that matter. It seems like there aren't any low power options out there or am I mistaken? Should I look at AMD as a possibility? Going with a Core 2 Duo seems like absolute overkill and completely ineffecient.

Any advice? Thanks in advance for any and all advice/opinions!

 

[00Roush]

If you haven't already take a look at this thread... http://forums.smallnetbuilder.com/showthread.php?t=494 Then this article http://www.silentpcreview.com/article869-page1.html

You still might be able to use that Chenbro case if you wanted. The Intel DG45FC motherboard shown in the linked article should fit that case and offer 4 SATA connections. If you do use that board make sure you look at the feedback on Newegg's site before you buy.

The Asus board and Thermaltake case look like they would work just fine in your application. Add to that the hardware you already have and you should be good to go. If you are looking for lower power usage you could check out the E7200 or something similar just as long as it is a 45nm cpu. This processor should offer low idle power consumption and still provide room to grow if at a later date you wanted to use the computer for more than just a file server.

An AMD system would also work just fine in your application and cost less to purchase. A AMD Athlon X2 4850e 2.5GHz cpu matched to a ASUS M3A78-EM motherboard would have similar power consumption to the E7200 with the Asus P5Q-EM. These AMD parts are currently available at Newegg for a combined cost of $135.98 with free shipping. Not quiet as much computing horsepower but more than enough for an NAS.

00Roush

 

[Schnibly]

Thanks 00Roush!!

Excellent links there that I hadn't come across yet--very helpful and most appreciated!

I've decided to go with the Intel board and the e7200 with the Chenbro chassis. Little more expensive than going the micro-atx route but I really like the chassis, hotswap ability, and the smaller size. Hopefully its quiet and performs well.

Thanks again!

 

[00Roush]

Glad I could help.

Just remember to let us all know how it turns out.

Also you should take a look at the How To Build a Really Fast NAS series on the SmallNetBuilder website. That is if you haven't already.

00Roush