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Joined: Dec 2010
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I personally use FreeNAS (but am currently considering different options as I plan some upgrades for the New Year). FreeNAS can accomplish everything I want, but using the embedded version running from a USB makes it slightly more challenging to install additional packages to handle SABnzbd, Couch Potato, and Sick Beard...
The major reason I love FreeNAS is that it serves its purpose, and does it well. I can choose from a variety of options to serve my content in my environment. It works very nicely as media server. I am running 3x1TB disks in a RAIDZ (ZFS RAID5) configuration with another 1TB standalone disk. [planning to increase storage soon]. Using this setup, the RAIDZ protects against a single disk failure and I can rebuild the zpool upon replacing a failed disk.
My FreeNAS uses a single-core AMD CPU and the Antec 300 case. This setup offers great airflow and room for disks. I stuck with a modular CPU to keep cable clutter to a minimum. If I had to do it again I would probably go with an ION configuration, but those were relatively new at the time and I could more easily afford the setup with my single core AMD. FreeNAS does not need a beefy CPU and I am running a headless box connected to my nerwork via GigE. I configure all services through the WebGUI and do not have to mess with VPN or attaching a display to make changes.
Works like a charm! May consider trying UnRAID or Ubuntu as a server... but am not sure my plans. I may upgrade my storage to 4x2TB disks and change the platform at the same time. Backing up my data on the FreeNAS/converting my RAIDZ (ZFS) to the new platforms would seem to be the most difficult step in the process. Ubuntu can support the RAIDZ using FUSE but I am not sure how I would move to UnRAID.
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Joined: Jan 2011
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I decided to go with a dual system based on reviews from SmallNetBuilder and SilentPCReview.
Here is the system I decided on:
Intel i3-540
Scythe SCSMZ-2000 CPU Cooler
Zotac H55ITX-C-E mobo
G.Skill Ripjaws 2x2GB DDR3 F3-10666CL8D-4GBBRM
Asus ENGT430/DI/1GD3(LP) GPU
WD Scorpio Black WD3200BEKT 280GB 2.5"
4 x WD AV-GP WD20EVDS 2TB
SeaSonic SS-560KM PSU
Zalman Fan Mate 2
Lian Li PC-Q08B case
Micro-ITX case with 6 x 3.5" bays
Mobo has 6 SATA connections
2.5" drive for OS (Ubuntu server 10.10)
PSU is larger than necessary but smallest I could find that was both modular and had 6+ SATA connections
6TB of storage (RAID5) expandable to 8
3D viewing via the GT 430 GPU
There are a lot of good reviews on running Ubuntu server 10.10 for NAS and it runs XBMC and Sabnzbd without issue.
This system is larger (14" x 9" x 11") than a standalone HTPC but very space friendly.
The concerns raised about running a dual system seem to be that it is hard to get a quiet setup that is also energy efficient (i.e. low heat generation). Unfortunately, I can't answer those yet. The Zalman and Kil-a-watt don't arrive until Thursday. Once I have the case closed up I'll report back on both items but I am very optimistic based on reviews on the components from the websites above.
I decided on the dual system to minimize the number of computers in my apartment. This was also a more cost efficient setup. I'll update the thread once I have the other info.
-Kendall
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I have been using that mobo for about 3 months and its worked great for me (Win 7/torrent/server). I will be switching to unraid when I get some 2TB drives. I think your choices look fine.