[spencer785]

Hi there I was wondering if you guys could recommend me a good setup for a 6+ HD NAS file server for my media. I already have the hard drives so please dont include those. Im in Canada so if possible Canadian websites would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[BigO]

I cant really say specifically but if its just going to be a NAS then just about any board with 6 sata ports and a low power CPU should work pretty good. Maybe like 2-6gb mem depending on what OS and stuff you choose. For OS you can do something like FreeNas or UnRaid depending on your needs. A nice 400-500 watt PSU will do you well specially if your going with a low power CPU and some on board or low power vid card. Try to get a single rail PSU since thats best for these kind of set ups. Then just get a nice case that can hold all your stuff.

Just remember if your going to buy all new stuff, you might want to think about future changes and make sure to get something that you can add to later on.

[eskro]

if your going to use unRAID, here's a good setup for you...

(Extends up to 14 Hard Disk Drives)
[CPU] AMD Sempron 2.7GHz AM3 45W Single-Core ($37 + $0)
[RAM] Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR3 1066Mhz ($13 + $10)
[MOBO] MSI 760GM-P33 AM3 MicroATX ($60 + $12)
[PSU] CORSAIR CX430 430W ATX12V ($45 + $4 - $20 MIR)
[CASE] Antec VSK-2000 ($44 + $0)

[thethirdnut]

Once you pick your parts pricebat.ca is great for comparison shopping; ncix.com will pricematch as well.

[eskro]

http://www.shopbot.ca
http://www.pricebat.ca
http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper
http://www.ebay.ca

[bjp2006]

if your going to use unRAID, here's a good setup for you...

(Extends up to 14 Hard Disk Drives)
[CPU] AMD Sempron 2.7GHz AM3 45W Single-Core ($37 + $0)
[RAM] Kingston 1GB 240-Pin DDR3 1066Mhz ($13 + $10)
[MOBO] MSI 760GM-P33 AM3 MicroATX ($60 + $12)
[PSU] CORSAIR CX430 430W ATX12V ($45 + $4 - $20 MIR)
[CASE] Antec VSK-2000 ($44 + $0)

I am looking to create my own NAS storage as well. I have never built a complete computer but want to learn as it is much cheaper than going with something pre-built. I have basic computer knowledge and have done the easy things like swapping hard drives/ram/optical drives. Is this a project that I could undertake as my first "real" build? And if so is there a step-by-step instructions that I could use? Otherwise I'm sure I can google it. I just want to build a NAS server that will be expandable in the future (currently have 4 hard drives). Sorry for hijacking this thread, but it seemed relevant. Thanks.

[eskro]

hello bjp2006, not sure which RAID your gonna use but,
if your going the unRAID way,
i suggest you register their forum and list the parts you wanna buy in a new thread...
thats to assure the compatibility with unRAID....
unRAID Support Forum

Video: Building a New PC Tutorial and Walkthrough

hope this helps

[bjp2006]

thank you for that information. I was actually just considering using your recommended parts. Is that overkill? I want to be able to add drives in the near future without having to build a new server for awhile (I'm tired of running out of space.) It seems within my price-range.

As far as Raid software, what do you all recommend? I am just looking to mirror drives.... Besides what's on the list already (and the hard drives, obviously) what other things will I be needing both hardware-wise and software-wise?

Sorry for all the questions. Thanks in advance.

[eskro]

no its not overkill.... but as motherboard,
many suggest getting the tested and approved BIOSTAR 760G M2+ for an unRAID server....

And unRAID is very good for media storage...
many in here use it
altho not totally free, if you have 4 drives or more, you'll need to pay a license fee,,,
http://www.lime-technology.com/products/...ation-keys