My 1st FreNAS build

Operating Systems & Open Source Open Source & Web-Based
1

I've built a few computers before, but mostly for Windows. I don't really count the raspberry pi as a build. I'm planning on setting up FreeNAS with 3 6 TB drives, 1 as redundancy if I understand correctly. Mainly setting up as a Plex Server and file storage. I may have some questions...

Hardware

  • ASRock Q87WS-DL ATX Server Motherboard LGA 1150 Intel Q87 DDR3 1600/1333
  • Intel Core i5-4460 Haswell Quad-Core 3.2GHz LGA 1150 BX80646I54460 Desktop Processor Intel HD Graphics 4600
  • x2 Kingston 8GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3 1333 Server Memory Model KVR1333D3E9S/8G (will buy 2 more sticks in a paycheck or 2)
  • x3 HGST Deskstar NAS H3IKNAS600012872SN (0S03839) 6TB 7200 RPM Up To 128MB Cache SATA 6.0Gb/s 3.5" High-Performance Hard Drive
  • Kingston DataTraveler Generation 4 8GB USB 3.0 Flash Drive Model DTIG4/8GB
  • Old Cooler Master HAF 932 case I'm repurposing
    freenas build.jpg1600x1200 331 KB
1 Like
2

If I am not mistaken, i5s can't use ecc ram and i3s can.

3

You're making me nervous. Intel's FAQ says

"Do IntelĀ® Coreā„¢ i5 Desktop Processors support Error Correction Code (ECC) memory?
The IntelĀ® Coreā„¢ i5 Desktop Processors and IntelĀ® Desktop Boards typically do not support ECC memory. ECC memory is usually for servers and workstations rather than on desktop platforms, mainly due to the price premium of ECC memory and chipset support. Check with your desktop board manufacturer to see if ECC memory is enabled on your board."

4

I don't really know much about this type of thing. I just thought I remembered wendell of quain or someone saying that i3 supports ecc while i5 doesn't. Hopefully someone more knowledgeable can chime in.

5

Some Pentiums and I3's do support ECC, while i5's and i7's don't. If you want a processor with ECC support equivalent to an i7/i5, you'd need to go with Xeon E3.

Intel's consumer grade chipsets also do not support ecc (Z97, H97, H87, etc) so if you got a xeon e3 and ECC ram, the ECC feature will just be disabled. You'd need to get a Xeon, i3 (most), or Pentium (some), and a supported chipset to be able to use ECC.

6

As others have pointed out, i5 CPUs do not support ECC but a lot of i3 CPUs do. Alternatively, you can get an AMD FX processor (all of which support ECC) and a cheap Asus motherboard (Ā£45.56) that does as well.

Does anyone know of an cheap (<Ā£75) board that supports ECC and an i3? I would have loved to make such a build for the power saving benefits, but unfortunately I could never find one.

7

i5's don't support ECC memory, If you can, swap the CPU out for a XEON 1231 v3 or a XEON 1276 v3 (it has built in video, where the 1231 doesn't)

8

This might be relevant to the discussion of parts you're having here: This can currently be had for $300 (TD). Case, and all those parts mentioned included -- seems like a great deal for a starter server! (but it needs more SATA ports!). It seems like a lot of gear for a low price when you subtract he cost of the CPU on its own.

Lenovo ThinkServer TS440 Tower Server (I edited the list a little)

Intel Xeon E3-1225V3 3.2GHz
4GB DDR3 (ECC)
4x Hot-Swap 3.5" bays (another 4 also included but you need to buy a cage).
DVD-Writer (2 optical drive bays which could be converted to 3x HDD bays).
HD Graphics P4600
80 PLUS Gold PSU (server type, with a spot for a redundant PSU).