1st thing 1st
I think this thread is in the right sub-forum, if its not I apologise.
*waves frantically at Linus and Luke*
Hello there guys, this is my first post. I'm a long time fan of LMG, and I have used the forums a few times to find help and advice. But this time I just can't find what I need, I think my Google-Fu is not strong enough.
HISTORY
I will start here.
Until recently I, like every respectable geek, had 2 main PCs. The gaming rig and the server.
Rig 1 - Day 2 day, Gaming, etc
Windows 10
SSD - Windows
SSD - Games
HDD - #Stuffdrive
Rig 2 - Media + Backup Server
LIAN LI PCB70B
Ubuntu
9 HDDs
1 - 500Gb - Ubuntu install and main downloads/sort + dump folders
8 - BtrFS - 1-3Tb - Backups, Media, Music, everything
This way I had full network access to my entire library, all of my backups, and everything. Backups are run from within Windows and stored on the server.
I use Kodi for the media centre on both PCs. BtrFS was NOT setup in a pool (im just not that good) but i used it primarily for the built in compression, and long term data storage benefits.
My plan is to eventually upgrade the server to an UnRaid box and fully utilise its abilities.
Recently my life situation changed. I am living with friends and having 2 PCs running is out of the question.
THE PLAN
Consolidate both PCs in to the Lian Li Tower case from my server.
There is more room, for all the HDD's, and cooling for everything.
Plus it has a hefty 1200w PSU.
Run the rig as if it were still the main Windows gaming rig.
Virtualise my entire Ubuntu server inside VirtualBox.
This way all of my full setup will still be accessible.
Everything over "the network", and the least amount of configuration (Inside the Ubuntu server at least)
Run my PC as normal, but when I want to use the server, I just run the VBox VM, and crack on as normal. Or have it auto-boot with Windows.
THE PROBLEM
HOW DO I DO THIS?
All the drives from the server (ex Ubuntu) are formatted in BtrFS, Windows doesn't work with updated, fun, decent, future looking File Formats such as BtrFS.
So I think that as i'm not going to be accessing any of these drives from Windows itself, I should be able to use some form of hardware pass-through for the server drives, directly into the VM.
I've been trying my hand at Google-Fu combined with my own knowledge, I know I should be able to do it, with either the "Serial Ports" feature or through CMD using "VBoxManage" but I don't know how. I could play around with this, but last time I did such a thing, I wiped the encryption headers from a 3Tb drive. (Don't do trial and error without sleep people!)
THE ASK
Can anyone out there help me with this?
I know it should be doable.
I know what I want + need
Re-build my rig into my Lian Li case
Connect ALL drives
Not a problem I have enough SATA ports on my Mobo + HBA card.
Build Ubuntu server in VBox. With the help of a dd img backup. (This I already have a guide for)
Connect all server drives to the VBox server.
Profit
Wouldn't this make a great video for luke?