Server Build?

[Schmarvin]

So, I have a temp server now as I acquire new hardware.
I'm looking to build a more permanent solution. Which would include some of what I already have.

Right now, I have 5 drives, with a spare set aside.

1st Drive:  64GB SSD - Runs Windows Server 2008; I don't like 2012 R2 for some reason. Just personal preference.

2nd/3rd Drives:  Raid(1) 320GB Drives - Used as a swap for caching my files temporarily, or as a semi-permanent hold til I archive

4th/5th Drives  Raid(1) 1TB Drives - Used as my archiving drives for permanent storage. I have all of my data on this array.

 

My spare drive is a 320GB drive in case one of my swap drives die. Will eventually get another 1TB drive as a spare.

 

 

All of this is in a mid-tower case running with the following hardware:

Core2Duo 2.53GHz

8GB DDR2 Memory

ASUS Motherboard (not sure of the model)

AMD Radeon card (not sure of the model either, just needed basic graphics capability)

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Now, I'd like a tower style server. But I've also toyed with the idea of a NAS.

Problem with a NAS is all drives have to be the same capacity. I don't have all equal drives.

I kind of like the setup I have. I also would like the ability to expand storage down the line.

 

So, I have two ideas, but would like more opinions about both or either:

 

1st idea: NAS

Synology DiskStation, capable of expansion

 

2nd idea: Tower

Either a tower(full tower) or a rackmount thrown under a desk.

With this, I'd like at least 6-8 3.5" bays.

 

 

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What are you comments or opinions about my ideas?

Note; This is my home server and I use it for multiple projects and tasks.

[nothingspecial]

For the tower option, seriously consider the Fractal Define R4 case. Loads of space, and soundproofed.

[Schmarvin]

For the tower option, seriously consider the Fractal Define R4 case. Loads of space, and soundproofed.

 

Honestly, sound isn't a problem. It will be in a closet. So not a noise problem.

[Silmano]

You don't need equal capacity HDDs for a NAS (at least with Synology), those NAS have their own RAID system that will let you add different capacity HDDs. They're pretty good but they also cost a lot and their downside is that they got a fixed amount of bays (unlike a PC case in which you may be able to add more).

 

As for the PC Tower, you could either swap your actual server to a new tower or build a new one. If you decide to build a new one, a good solution could be:

• CPU: Intel Core i3 (any of the 'T' versions to run cooler and consume less).
• Motherboard: Any 1150 socket one that has enough SATA to fit your needs.
• RAM: 8Gb RAM DDR3 (you will need to buy RAM as DDR2 won't be compatible).

You shouldn't need a GPU since you have the one in the CPU as basic graphics.

[Schmarvin]

You don't need equal capacity HDDs for a NAS (at least with Synology), those NAS have their own RAID system that will let you add different capacity HDDs. They're pretty good but they also cost a lot and their downside is that they got a fixed amount of bays (unlike a PC case in which you may be able to add more).

 

As for the PC Tower, you could either swap your actual server to a new tower or build a new one. If you decide to build a new one, a good solution could be:

• CPU: Intel Core i3 (any of the 'T' versions to run cooler and consume less).
• Motherboard: Any 1150 socket one that has enough SATA to fit your needs.
• RAM: 8Gb RAM DDR3 (you will need to buy RAM as DDR2 won't be compatible).

You shouldn't need a GPU since you have the one in the CPU as basic graphics.

 

So, should I go with something like a Synology NAS? Maybe make it an expandable archive storage for the server I have now?

[brob]

Have you considered something like FreeNAS?

 

If the box is going to be in a closet you might want to look at something like the Fractal Design Arc Mini or Midi R2. Great cooling and 6/8 hdd + 2 ssd bays.

[Silmano]

So, should I go with something like a Synology NAS? Maybe make it an expandable archive storage for the server I have now?

 

You could check both solutions. Synology has great products, but a 4-bay NAS is quite pricey (at least the decent ones) and it usually presents a new model quite often. I have a DS411 that I bought less than two years ago and now Synology is selling the DS414 (3 revisions ahead of mine). The good thing is that despite they have newer models, the newer software works with older models too.

 

As for the server build, it might cost a little more initially, but it have much better specifications and with the right software you can do almost the same. Also a custom server will let you add more HDD or upgrade components as needed.

[Schmarvin]

Have you considered something like FreeNAS?

 

If the box is going to be in a closet you might want to look at something like the Fractal Design Arc Mini or Midi R2. Great cooling and 6/8 hdd + 2 ssd bays.

 

FreeNAS isn't my thing. Its pricey and not what I'm looking for. I do like the suggestions for a case.

 

You could check both solutions. Synology has great products, but a 4-bay NAS is quite pricey (at least the decent ones) and it usually presents a new model quite often. I have a DS411 that I bought less than two years ago and now Synology is selling the DS414 (3 revisions ahead of mine). The good thing is that despite they have newer models, the newer software works with older models too.

 

As for the server build, it might cost a little more initially, but it have much better specifications and with the right software you can do almost the same. Also a custom server will let you add more HDD or upgrade components as needed.

 

Yes, I've seen 4-bay NAS systems starting about $500. The software is nice to setup and easy for different raid arrays.

If I do go with the server, would it be better to go with a tower server or a rackmount?

 

For my clients I usually build rackmounts as they are easier for hotswap bays in case a drive dies. And they usually have more than one server anyway.

[Silmano]

If I do go with the server, would it be better to go with a tower server or a rackmount?

 

I would recomend the tower option and I think seeing some towers with hot-swap options, but still you can mount a good number of HDDs without the need to get a rack.

[Schmarvin]

I would recomend the tower option and I think seeing some towers with hot-swap options, but still you can mount a good number of HDDs without the need to get a rack.

 

Alright, sounds like a plan. I'll stick with the tower option. I may be able to custom-make a hard-drive cage if I need more drive space.