Help me Build a Super Low Cost 4TB NAS :)

eskro · 2011-01-19 23:51

here's my 6TB NAS build (expandable up to 10 Hard Disk Drives):
................................................................................
[CPU] AMD Sempron 2.7GHz AM3 45W Single-Core ($37 + $0)
[RAM] Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR3 1066Mhz ($13 + $10)
[MOBO] Foxconn M61PMP-K AM3 MicroATX ($47 + $0)
[PSU] CORSAIR CX430 430W ATX12V ($45 + $4 - $20 MIR)
[CASE] Antec VSK-2000 ($44 + $0)
[HDD] 3 x Seagate 2TB 5900 rpm SATAII 32MB ($240 + $0)
[TOTAL] $442 CAD (o.O) !!

poofyhairguy · 2011-01-19 23:54

One suggestion before the parts: dual channel RAM is not needed for a NAS. In fact, one stick is better as it uses less power.

eskro · 2011-01-20 00:06

not that im stuck but,
better go with AMD SEMPRON single-core + MOBO? ($84)
or
Going with a cheap mobo/cpu INTEL ATOM dual-core combo? --> http://fwd4.me/u7n ($80 + $5)
??

oops nevermind Tongue

that intel ATOM combo comes on a miniITX form factor and not enough SATA ports....

maxinc · 2011-01-20 00:15

Think at this stage if you are going to use the NAS for anything other than storage. Like Poofy mentioned, if you plan to do sab, torrents etc you may want a powerful cpu, otherwise, the cheapest you can find.

bmcclure937 · 2011-01-20 00:16

My suggestion in planning... make sure you have an upgrade plan. You want your case to accomodate possible upgrades as well as your mobo. You can always buy a SATA controller if needed, but make sure your mobo also has adequate SATA connections.

jvdb · 2011-01-20 00:16

eskro Wrote:not that im stuck but,
better go with AMD SEMPRON single-core + MOBO? ($84)
or
Going with a cheap mobo/cpu INTEL ATOM dual-core combo? --> http://fwd4.me/u7n ($80 + $5)
??

If you're going for the intel atom board, at least get the new one with the D525:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6813121442

Keep in mind both those boards only have 2 SATA ports, you will need something like this if you want more hard drives:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6816132026

I have been curious about these, but I have no experience with them:

http://www.intel.com/products/server/sto.../index.htm

maxinc · 2011-01-20 00:21

Never use PCI SATA controllers. PCI has limited bus speed and will make your system dead slow once you connect enough drives. Get something with at least one PCI-E 4x slot which can accommodate an additional 8 SATA ports. PCI-E 1x controllers would only give you 2 extra ports.

poofyhairguy · 2011-01-20 00:21

I say AMD. My NASes are Intel, but that is only because they are built out of leftover hackintosh parts.

poofyhairguy · 2011-01-20 00:23

That Foxconn has only four sata ports. Try to look for one with six and you will spend less on sata controllers. Look at ATX too, ATX fits in most good NAS cases.

eskro · 2011-01-20 00:23

Ok so, would these 2 be good?

[CPU] AMD Sempron 2.7GHz AM3 45W Single-Core ($37 + $0)
[MOBO] Foxconn M61PMP-K AM3 NVIDIA MicroATX ($47 + $0)

and also, tell me if im right,
that Foxconn mother has 4 sata ports,
so it takes only 4 sata drives correct?

maxinc Senior Member Posts: 299 Joined: Oct 2010 Reputation: 0 Location: London, UK	2011-01-20 00:15 Post: #4 Think at this stage if you are going to use the NAS for anything other than storage. Like Poofy mentioned, if you plan to do sab, torrents etc you may want a powerful cpu, otherwise, the cheapest you can find.
	find quote

maxinc Senior Member Posts: 299 Joined: Oct 2010 Reputation: 0 Location: London, UK	2011-01-20 00:21 Post: #7 Never use PCI SATA controllers. PCI has limited bus speed and will make your system dead slow once you connect enough drives. Get something with at least one PCI-E 4x slot which can accommodate an additional 8 SATA ports. PCI-E 1x controllers would only give you 2 extra ports.
	find quote

eskro Posting Freak Posts: 8,236 Joined: Nov 2010 Reputation: 156	2011-01-20 00:23 Post: #10 Ok so, would these 2 be good? [CPU] AMD Sempron 2.7GHz AM3 45W Single-Core ($37 + $0) [MOBO] Foxconn M61PMP-K AM3 NVIDIA MicroATX ($47 + $0) and also, tell me if im right, that Foxconn mother has 4 sata ports, so it takes only 4 sata drives correct? My G7 HTPC // eSkRo's HTPC Guide // Poofy's HTPC Guide // unRAID Guide // SSD Optimization thx :)
	find quote