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jangjong · (This post was last modified: 2012-06-16, 03:16 by jangjong.)

Hi Guys!

I'm here again to share some pics lol. It hasn't been long since I got a new htpc: http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid=132688

As my title says, I did not plan to do this build at all.. if I planned it, I would've gotten a mb with 6 sata... but when I saw this deal: http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/75060/ne...h61h2m21.0 I just couldn't pass it. I really wanted to get in this deal but I had no good reason to get one since I just got myself a htpc lol. but then I thought to myself. 'Oh.. unraid seems cool...', and then before I realized it, it was purchased...

Anyway, after I made the purchase, i decided to keep the cost for building the unraid server very minimal and here is what I came up with:

New Parts:
Motherboard: ECS H61H2-M2(1.0) ($44.99 - $30.00) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813135288
CPU: G530 ($37.09) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6819116409
RAM: Samsung 2GB DDR3 1333 ($12.71) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820147065
Case: Zalman Z9 ($37.09 - $10.00) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6811235026

Total: $131.88 - $30.00 (MB) - $10.00 (Case) = $91.88

I actually bought only the MB from newegg.. Everything else, I bought them from Microcenter. I feel so lucky to have a microcenter around lol

Here are old parts that I used:

Old Parts:
PSU: Raidmax Hybrid 2 RX-530SS 530W - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817152028
HDD: 1x500GB (WD), 2x1TB (Samsung)

I am a bit worried about the PSU though. I know that product is till available at newegg.. but I purchased mine in 2007.. lol I realized it after I built the system, so I think it should be good for now, but will have to start looking for some good psu deals.

Here's the picture of all parts I used (except for 2 x 1tb hdd's)

After I put in the ram and the cpu:

Case:

Everything in except for the 2x1tb

Running

I was looking for one of the cheapest case possible and I saw Zalman Z9 was on sale at Microcenter.. I did my research and reviews seemed to be really good, but I don't know if I am just used to higher quality cases but i did not like the build quality of the case itself. Too plasticy, and material seems to be to thin/cheap. however, i think it will server a good purpose as a server case for now lol

I haven't set any array yet, so I don't have any screenshots of unraid. I've put 3 hdd's and been running pre_clear over night. i'll have to set up the array when I get back.. and do more testing. if I like unraid, I am planning on purchasing one of these bad boys : http://www.superbiiz.com/detail.php?name...dd-on-Card so i can add more HDD's. I'm thinking even with that card, it will be under $300 for 12 HDD unraid server.. what you guys think?

--------------

I have upgraded some parts!
Take a look:
http://forum.xbmc.org/showthread.php?tid...pid1128324

GortWillSaveUs · (This post was last modified: 2012-06-05, 16:04 by GortWillSaveUs.)

I like it! Looks pretty cool.
It also seems that you're doing what I did,...try the 3-Disc version of unRaid, put it through its paces, prove that it can do what they say it will do,..and then upgrade.

It also looks like you have plenty of room to run the extra SATA cables. Very nice.

Question: Why didn't you get a MOBO with 6 SATA ports?

jangjong · (This post was last modified: 2012-06-05, 16:06 by jangjong.)

(2012-06-05, 16:02)GortWillSaveUs Wrote: I like it! Looks pretty cool.
It also seems that you're doing what I did,...try the 3-Disc version of unRaid, put it through its paces, prove that it can do what they say it will do,..and then upgrade.

It also looks like you have plenty of room to run the extra SATA cables. Very nice.
Question: Why didn't you get a MOBO with 6 SATA ports?

This mobo was $15 after rebate.. lol that was the only reason why I got this MOBO. If I actually planned on building an unraid server, I would've gone with 6 SATA ports..

GortWillSaveUs · 2012-06-05, 16:59

(2012-06-05, 16:05)jangjong Wrote:
(2012-06-05, 16:02)GortWillSaveUs Wrote: I like it! Looks pretty cool.
It also seems that you're doing what I did,...try the 3-Disc version of unRaid, put it through its paces, prove that it can do what they say it will do,..and then upgrade.

It also looks like you have plenty of room to run the extra SATA cables. Very nice.
Question: Why didn't you get a MOBO with 6 SATA ports?

This mobo was $15 after rebate.. lol that was the only reason why I got this MOBO. If I actually planned on building an unraid server, I would've gone with 6 SATA ports..

Sorry,..just reread your first post and saw why you brought this mobo.
Guess I went straight to the pictures. Rofl

**Beer40oz** · 2012-06-05, 18:51

Alright! Enjoy...

Mick1152 · 2012-06-05, 22:46

Wow awesome price! I went over budget on my two HTPC's and haven't been able to build my unRaid server yet... this is the type of price I need right now! I'll have to pay more attention to the sales and buy the parts when things are on sale. Great work!

poofyhairguy · (This post was last modified: 2012-06-06, 00:32 by poofyhairguy.)

Looks good. I like the case. Get a Cooler Master 4 in 3 and you will be set for drives.

I agree with the worry about the PSU. Get a nice single rail PSU (I recommend the Antec Neo Eco 400w for that build) and you will be set.

jangjong · 2012-06-06, 19:33

(2012-06-06, 00:32)poofyhairguy Wrote: Looks good. I like the case. Get a Cooler Master 4 in 3 and you will be set for drives.

I agree with the worry about the PSU. Get a nice single rail PSU (I recommend the Antec Neo Eco 400w for that build) and you will be set.

Yea, aside from the build quality, the case is really nice.

And that's the PSU that I am looking at too.. just waiting for it to go on sale so I can keep the cost under $150 overall lol

**Beer40oz** · 2012-06-06, 20:35

Antec Neo Eco's are awesome...

JustinAiken · 2012-06-06, 20:54

You can always get a cheap sata pci card with 2 ports later...

jangjong · 2012-06-06, 21:24

(2012-06-06, 20:54)clock2113 Wrote: You can always get a cheap sata pci card with 2 ports later...

That's the plan for now! Going to get two of these soon:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/produc...1&format=2

This should let me plug in 8 HDD total..

And I will have to think more about AOC-SASLP-MV8... cause if i get it, i have to plug it in to PCIe x16 and not sure if it will all work well with PCIe x16

**Beer40oz** · 2012-06-06, 21:32

I got two of them cards from monoprice... makes my server hold 10 Hd's

Yes the MV8 should be just fine on the PCIe x 16..... I was going to do that but I rather use the x16 with one of the monoprice cards...

Silicon Image SIL3132

I don't need crazy storage...

jangjong · 2012-06-06, 21:34

(2012-06-06, 21:32)Beer40oz Wrote: I got two of them cards from monoprice... makes my server hold 10 Hd's

Yes the MV8 should be just fine on the PCIe x 16..... I was going to do that but I rather use the x16 with one of the monoprice cards...

Silicon Image SIL3132

I don't need crazy storage...

Yea you're right. I think I should be okay with 8 HDD server for now. i'll worry about MV8 later haha

**Beer40oz** · 2012-06-06, 21:36

Well yes.... you have not even started... JAJA 8 is a lot .....

you checked out my Server build? I just updated.... like I said Im only on my 4th HD.... lol and I do watch vids..... Smile

jangjong · 2012-06-16, 03:15

Update!

I finally ordered some more parts to make my build complete.

Here's what I got:

PSU: CX430 V2 ($39.99 - $20.00 = $19.99) - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6817139026
SATA Cards: 2 x Monoprice SATA II ($27.01) - http://www.monoprice.com/products/produc...1&format=2
USB Cable: HDE 2 Port USB Rear Panel ($2.45) - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002IWE...01_s00_i00
RAM: (Open Box) Samsung 2GB DDR3-1333 ($10.56) - http://www.microcenter.com/single_produc...id=0352938

Original Cost: $131.88 - $30.00 (MB) - $10.00 (Case) = $91.88

New Parts Cost: $80.01 - $20.00 (PSU) = $60.01

Final: $211.89 - $60.00 (Rebate) = $151.89

Yea. CX430 is not Neo Eco.. and i know some people here do not recommend this PSU. but it was one of the most used PSU over at unRaid forum.. and keep it mind that my original idea was to keep the cost down as much as possible.. for $19.99, I could not resist.

I did not need all 2 SATA cards, but it was just better deal to get it that way if you consider the volume price and shipping, and if I'm planning on getting them in the future, I may well as get them now so i got 2 of them.

I did not like how USB drive has to stick out in the back. I wanted to hide it in the case so i don't have to worry about it.. you're probably wondering why i got the rear panel one. The reason why i got that is because i can unscrew one of them and leave one in the case, yet still use the extra one.. It may not make sense as much but I will post a picture soon.

RAM.. I thought 2GB was enough for the first week.. but I started adding plug-ins (SubSonic , SimpleFeature, Transmission, Plex Media Server), i needed more. I hate getting a different ram when i'm just adding them.. and they just had this open box available so i had to get that.

I got every one of those i mentioned above today except for the ram. I am picking up the ram tomorrow. Everything is good so far, I will post updated pics when i add this ram this weekend.

I am glad that I was able to keep the final cost close to $150. I actually used my Discover reward points to get the USB cable, so technically, I spent $149.44. Right under $150, the way i like it..

Here's the picture that I took after I put in the PSU and the USB Cable.