I'm going to be building a new server soon. The only reasons I really want to build it myself is that it needs to be super quiet and most of the ones you grab off the shelf are REALLY LOUD. I need lots of storage with redundancy, not just a few terabytes. It's fun to build them too. The current server is dangerously below spec for application and needs to be replaced with a decent machine very shortly.
Currently on the list:
Motherboard: Need suggestions! Considering a 2011 socket for the extra memory capabilities. Have not considered AMD based boards.
Processor: Intel Xeon based processor/1150/2011 socket (for ECC capabilities)
Memory: 32GB of ECC memory that is known to be compatible specifically with board of choice.
Storage: Six 4TB Western Digital RED drives in RAIDZ2 (roughly 15TB of usable storage) / Considered green drives and tweaking the firmware, but I think I'll play it safe and fork the extra cash
Cooling: Noctua fans and heatsink with rack mounted fans to move the hot air to the 4 extractors at the top of the rack. I want to keep all the disks within 30 - 35 degrees under load.
Chassis: Yet to be decided. Need a 4U unit that will facilitate a 170mm tall CPU heatsink/fan assembly. Might be over-kill, but I wasn't kidding when I said it needed to be quiet. Rack mounting abilities are a bonus. I was looking at this. EDIT: On second thought, it's not really big enough. Need a suggestion for this too.
The server will be running FreeNAS (small business deployment) serving largish files utilized by design applications and printers. It will also store images for workstations and various other files.
- Not sure if I want to go down the redundant power supply track plus UPS or just a UPS and deal with a downed power supply if/when it pops.
- I've been told Supermicro boards are the way to go, but have only found them on fishpond.co.nz and have heard they are not the best to deal with
- ECC is an absolute MUST HAVE. I've been told Supermicro HCL memory is the way to go with Supermicro boards, but doubt I'll be able to find it.
- Apart from Supermicro and ASUS, I can't seem to find any other boards within the $800.00 range.
- Is it worth going for a 2011 socket board?
Any suggestions welcome. I want to do this properly. I'm open to packages that are readily assembled so long as they are known to be quiet, have a two or more disk tolerance with more than 8TB of usable storage.
Cheers!