3 Drive Budget Box - New unRAID Build

thisisepic0727 · March 12, 2011

This is actually my first post to these forums, despite the numerous times I've been on here to gather information for my own unRAID build. This is my first time building an unRAID box and it's also my first time building any sort of PC/Server. I'm a virgin when it comes to working with hardware. Despite this, I have done what I feel to be adequate research to help me build a unRAID box. So needless to say, if I mess anything up, I'll accept any corrections the community has to offer.

With that being said, I ordered my first parts tonight and I will be ordering additional parts over the next few weeks. I purchased a mobo and a CPU to begin. I've based my build entirely off of Raj's 5-10-15 Drive Budget Box. Is it the wisest thing to do? I don't know, but I know enough to realize that Raj knows what he's talking about, so his prototype list seemed like a good place to start. Thanks Raj for your awesome insight, I hope you don't mind me using your designs to build myself a box.

Here is the list of parts for the Budget Box on Raj's prototype thread. http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=7998.0

I've already purchased the mobo and CPU and I plan on buying the bigger PSU to prepare for the 15 drives the system can eventually handle. For now, I'm going to start with 3 hard drives.

Mobo: BIOSTAR A760G M2+ http://cgi.ebay.com/BIOSTAR-A760G-M2-SOCKET-AM2-AM3-MOTHERBOARD-AMD-CHIPS-/370478094229?pt=Motherboards&hash=item5642371795#ht_2469wt_1139

CPU: AMD Sempron 140 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103698

RAM: Kingston 2GB DDR2 800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134636

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CMPSU-500CX 500W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139018

Case: AZZA Helios 910 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811517007

Hot Swap Drive Bays: Norco SS-500 x 1 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816133030

Hard Drives: WD20EARS x 3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136514

Now I do have a few questions that may be simple. What SATA cables (and how many) will I need to start with 3 drives and will the locking SATA cables fit with the hot swap bays? Will I need additional power cables or splitters for the hot swap drive bays? Anything else that I should know about cables in general when assembling the unRAID server? Also, are there any tips or advice about the hardware I should have before building the server?

And if you guys have any thoughts on the hardware in general or any good or bad experiences that you'd like to share so that I know what I'm up against.

I appreciate everyone's input, thanks for your time!

jeff.lebowski · March 12, 2011

This is actually my first post to these forums, despite the numerous times I've been on here to gather information for my own unRAID build. This is my first time building an unRAID box and it's also my first time building any sort of PC/Server. I'm a virgin when it comes to working with hardware. Despite this, I have done what I feel to be adequate research to help me build a unRAID box. So needless to say, if I mess anything up, I'll accept any corrections the community has to offer.

With that being said, I ordered my first parts tonight and I will be ordering additional parts over the next few weeks. I purchased a mobo and a CPU to begin. I've based my build entirely off of Raj's 5-10-15 Drive Budget Box. Is it the wisest thing to do? I don't know, but I know enough to realize that Raj knows what he's talking about, so his prototype list seemed like a good place to start. Thanks Raj for your awesome insight, I hope you don't mind me using your designs to build myself a box.

Here is the list of parts for the Budget Box on Raj's prototype thread. http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=7998.0

I've already purchased the mobo and CPU and I plan on buying the bigger PSU to prepare for the 15 drives the system can eventually handle. For now, I'm going to start with 3 hard drives.

Mobo: BIOSTAR A760G M2+ http://cgi.ebay.com/BIOSTAR-A760G-M2-SOCKET-AM2-AM3-MOTHERBOARD-AMD-CHIPS-/370478094229?pt=Motherboards&hash=item5642371795#ht_2469wt_1139

CPU: AMD Sempron 140 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103698

RAM: Kingston 2GB DDR2 800 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820134636

PSU: CORSAIR Builder Series CMPSU-500CX 500W http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139018

Case: AZZA Helios 910 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16811517007

Hot Swap Drive Bays: Norco SS-500 x 1 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816133030

Hard Drives: WD20EARS x 3 http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822136514

Now I do have a few questions that may be simple.

Welcome. Looks like a solid build.

What SATA cables (and how many) will I need to start with 3 drives and will the locking SATA cables fit with the hot swap bays?

I didn't use locking cables. Maybe someone else has experience with them. Since you're ordering cables already, and three sata cables or a couple dozen cables from monoprice is probably not a huge jump in shipping costs, you might consider ordering all of your cables plus a few extra at the start. While you're at it, order power cable adapters too: single sata male to double molex male are likely what you'll eventually need for the power supply's current sata power connectors. Modern power supplies have enough sata power cables for most situations, but not enough molex when that's what we need to power drive cages. Sucks. You can use the power supply's current sata power cables for the 3 drive build, then when you start adding cages, convert those to double molex male with the adapters. Also get some of the single molex female to double molex male power adapters.

Will I need additional power cables or splitters for the hot swap drive bays?

See above.

Anything else that I should know about cables in general when assembling the unRAID server?

You might need a 4 pin or 20 pin extender cable if you want to run those particular cables more out of the way. Make liberal use of cable ties and whatever else to route cables out of the way. Airflow, airflow, airflow.

Also, are there any tips or advice about the hardware I should have before building the server?

I made the mistake of ordering a drive cage at first when it wasn't required. Your case has enough internal 3.5" bays to get started with three drives. Once you are ready and order the pro license, then get the cage(s). Maybe find a USB header bracket thing. If you remove the bracket, it's just a standard USB female port with a mobo header plug on the other end. You can use it to plug in your USB drive internally. Something to think about. Start some kind of record keeping for the disks in use and their associated serial numbers. If you have a disk fail, knowing it's exact location will make things easy to pull it out and replace it. Make use of the Inventory section of MyMain. Add in serial numbers, purchase date, price, etc. It's nice to have that info at a glance.

And if you guys have any thoughts on the hardware in general or any good or bad experiences that you'd like to share so that I know what I'm up against.

Your build has the same basic components as mine. Mobo, case, and cage are different. I've been plenty pleased with the Sempron 140 and 2gb of RAM.

I appreciate everyone's input, thanks for your time!

thisisepic0727 · March 12, 2011

Jeff - Thanks for the quick feedback! I appreciate you answering my questions, you brought up a lot of great points.

Since you're ordering cables already, and three sata cables or a couple dozen cables from monoprice is probably not a huge jump in shipping costs, you might consider ordering all of your cables plus a few extra at the start.

This is a great idea, in fact, I'm leaning towards ordering all 15 cables now (yeah a little extreme, but I'd rather order now and than not have to worry about ordering them one by one in the future).

Also, I know the difference between SATA I and SATA II, but I guess I'm confused as to which cable I'll need. Obviously SATA II, right? However, I can't seem to find any without a locking latch on monoprice. Are there any other retailers (outside of newegg or amazon) that I could check?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10226

While you're at it, order power cable adapters too: single sata male to double molex male are likely what you'll eventually need for the power supply's current sata power connectors

I'm not sure if this is the part or not, can somebody confirm this for me. Also, does anyone know of alternative websites for this adapter?

http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-15-Pin-Female-Splitter-308977/dp/B002LBROAA/ref=pd_sim_misc_4

Also, I think I saw this converter on one of the posts in these forums, but I'm not sure where. Has anyone had any experience with this and would it work for what I'm trying to do?

http://www.amazon.com/Molex-Supply-Connector-Adapter-Changes/dp/B001V9S088/ref=sr_1_5?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1291661591&sr=1-5

Also get some of the single molex female to double molex male power adapters.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this what I would need? The ports on the back of the Norco hot swap bays look like male ends, so would I need this to power them?

http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10245&cs_id=1024501&p_id=1313&seq=1&format=2

Maybe find a USB header bracket thing.

Is this what I need to get, or is there an easier way to achieve the same results?

http://www.amazon.com/2-Port-USB-Expansion-Bracket-Header/dp/B000PEITJ0

I know I'm asking for a lot of help identifying and confirming parts, but like I said, this is my first build and I'm unfamiliar with things like cables and power cords.

Once again, thanks Jeff for your assistance, you've been a huge help already. I'll take into account all of the advice and tips you gave me in regards to the inventory, cable ties and everything else. Also, thanks to anyone else who may take the time to answer a few of my questions.

jeff.lebowski · March 12, 2011

Jeff - Thanks for the quick feedback! I appreciate you answering my questions, you brought up a lot of great points.

This is a great idea, in fact, I'm leaning towards ordering all 15 cables now (yeah a little extreme, but I'd rather order now and than not have to worry about ordering them one by one in the future).

Well, uNRAID is extreme, so there ya go!

Also, I know the difference between SATA I and SATA II, but I guess I'm confused as to which cable I'll need. Obviously SATA II, right? However, I can't seem to find any without a locking latch on monoprice. Are there any other retailers (outside of newegg or amazon) that I could check?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/subdepartment.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10226

I believe that SATA II is capable of 300MB/s, but since you won't be seeing anything over 75MB/s at most, SATA I and its 150MB/s should be fine. Looks like monoprice is labeling SATA III because they have locking latches. Alrighty...

Just avoid L connectors. I think they have very specific uses (like vertically oriented disks), and in all the machines I've built, L connectors have never worked.

I'm not sure if this is the part or not, can somebody confirm this for me. Also, does anyone know of alternative websites for this adapter?
http://www.amazon.com/Manhattan-15-Pin-Female-Splitter-308977/dp/B002LBROAA/ref=pd_sim_misc_4

Correct adapter. I bought mine here because monoprice did not have the 4 pin extender. Keep checking monoprice for the extender if you're going to do that. Ordering just one item from retailers seems to be a bad idea.

Also, I think I saw this converter on one of the posts in these forums, but I'm not sure where. Has anyone had any experience with this and would it work for what I'm trying to do?

Also the correct adapter, but seriously overpriced. A "SATA 15-Pin Male to Dual 4-Pin Molex Female Y Splitter" does the same thing for less $$, and also adds a few inches to the cable. The power connections at the bottom cage might be okay for an adapter like that, but at the top of the case, it's a longer run for them to make. Extra cable length allows for better routing.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but is this what I would need? The ports on the back of the Norco hot swap bays look like male ends, so would I need this to power them?
http://www.monoprice.com/products/product.asp?c_id=102&cp_id=10245&cs_id=1024501&p_id=1313&seq=1&format=2

This is what I was saying about power supplies mostly shipping with SATA power connectors. You will need some of these too. Just count however many molex plugs are on the power supply and get that many plus five extra. You may need to split the power a second time somewhere down the road. The main splitter you need is "SATA 15-Pin Male to Dual 4-Pin Molex Female Y Splitter".

Is this what I need to get, or is there an easier way to achieve the same results?
http://www.amazon.com/2-Port-USB-Expansion-Bracket-Header/dp/B000PEITJ0

Also, the correct item. Just remove the metal bracket and you're set. I had one of these lying around. Maybe one of your old motherboards shipped with one. Doublecheck your boxes.

I know I'm asking for a lot of help identifying and confirming parts, but like I said, this is my first build and I'm unfamiliar with things like cables and power cords.

Once again, thanks Jeff for your assistance, you've been a huge help already. I'll take into account all of the advice and tips you gave me in regards to the inventory, cable ties and everything else. Also, thanks to anyone else who may take the time to answer a few of my questions.

Good luck.

thisisepic0727 · March 12, 2011

Well, uNRAID is extreme, so there ya go!

Once again, Jeff, I cannot thank you enough for your help. You have seriously answered all of my questions about cables and powe supplies. I feel like I actually have enough information now to build this thing with a reasonable level of confidence.

I believe that SATA II is capable of 300MB/s, but since you won't be seeing anything over 75MB/s at most, SATA I and its 150MB/s should be fine. Looks like monoprice is labeling SATA III because they have locking latches. Alrighty...

Just avoid L connectors. I think they have very specific uses (like vertically oriented disks), and in all the machines I've built, L connectors have never worked.

That answers that question perfectly. Thanks!

Correct adapter. I bought mine here because monoprice did not have the 4 pin extender. Keep checking monoprice for the extender if you're going to do that. Ordering just one item from retailers seems to be a bad idea. Monoprice version of the sata to molex adapter.

That's exactly what I was looking for, I just didn't realize it when I saw it. Thanks for pulling those links, I feel like an idiot for missing the monoprice adapter.

Also the correct adapter, but seriously overpriced. A "SATA 15-Pin Male to Dual 4-Pin Molex Female Y Splitter" does the same thing for less $$, and also adds a few inches to the cable. The power connections at the bottom cage might be okay for an adapter like that, but at the top of the case, it's a longer run for them to make. Extra cable length allows for better routing.

I like your thinking. This is one of those things that, for me at least, I won't be able to judge the length of the cables I need till I have my PSU and case and I can determine how I want to route my cables. I've seen some pretty slick cable management on this forum and I want to do my best to copy that so I have a nice clean box.

This is what I was saying about power supplies mostly shipping with SATA power connectors. You will need some of these too. Just count however many molex plugs are on the power supply and get that many plus five extra. You may need to split the power a second time somewhere down the road. The main splitter you need is "SATA 15-Pin Male to Dual 4-Pin Molex Female Y Splitter".

Okay, I was confused about this at first, but I see what you are saying now. I'll make sure I stock up on these when I do my cable order.

Also, the correct item. Just remove the metal bracket and you're set. I had one of these lying around. Maybe one of your old motherboards shipped with one. Doublecheck your boxes.

I'll keep my eyes open for one and I think my brother has some old motherboards lying around in his basement somewhere, I'll just see if I can confiscate one from him.

I'm not sure I have any more questions at this time. Now I just have to play the waiting game till I purchase all of the parts and I can finally build my unRAID server. If it was up to me, I would have bought all of the parts at once and went straight to work building the server. But something tells me that my wife wouldn't be too thrilled with that decision especially since we are planning on buying a house in the next few months. It's easier to convince her the server is a good idea if I buy the parts one or two at a time.

Jeff, I've said this many time, thanks again for your help. You alone have proved that the unRAID community is full of really great and helpful people. I'll make sure I'm back on this forum if I ever need help with anything and I'll definitely be back to post my build and pics in the UCD thread.

Thanks!

jeff.lebowski · March 12, 2011

Glad to help. I'm new to unRAID myself, but have some general knowledge.

I was able to take delivery of the main components at the end of a week and get the build partway done (cables sitting there, but not connected) over the weekend. Then I was able to better assess what cables/extenders/accessories were needed and get them ordered Sunday night. If you can do this, it's a good thing. Going slow is usually a great thing.

Don't forget to snap lots of photos. Good luck.

thisisepic0727 · March 12, 2011

I plan on taking my time through the whole process. And I think I'll be in the same boat as you were where I have to assess the cables and accessories after I have all of my parts. But I think with what we've talked about, I'll be able to have a general idea of the SATA cables and the power adapters I'll need ahead of time. At that point, I can build off of that depending if I need extensions or other parts to properly build my server.

Thanks again for your help!

jeff.lebowski · March 13, 2011

Don't buy the monoprice link from above for sata to molex adapter. Sorry about that.

thisisepic0727 · March 13, 2011

Don't buy the monoprice link from above for sata to molex adapter. Sorry about that.

Not a problem, I'll just get it from this website. Thanks for clearing that up.

thisisepic0727 · March 15, 2011

Not that anybody really cares, but I ordered my motherboard on Friday from a seller on eBay and I received it this afternoon. I saw somewhere in the forums that people were concerned about the shipping methods by this seller, but I must say that I didn't have any issue with the package the motherboard was shipped in. The motherboard arrived in good condition and while I have not tested it, my guess is that it will work just fine.

I should be receiving my cpu sometime tomorrow.

I'll be ordering the psu and the case sometime this week or next. I changed my psu from the 500W to the 600W because it was capable of more amps. The price really wasn't much of a difference either. My reasoning is that if the psu is still good in a few years, maybe I can transfer it to a bigger build, who knows.

thisisepic0727 · March 17, 2011

I've purchased my case from Amazon yesterday and I should be receiving it tomorrow.

Does anybody have any experience with this case? If so, would you mind sharing any thoughts you have on it? Does it fit hot swap racks well? Does it have good air flow? Do I need to make any customizations to this case?

Thanks!

thisisepic0727 · March 23, 2011

Ok, so became a little anxious and I ordered the rest of the parts for the build last night (minus the cables).

Here is what I purchased:

I'll order cables (SATA I and power cables/splitters) next week after I have time to look everything over and determine what I need.

Once again, does anyone have any experience with these parts and could provide input or feedback?

mbryanr · March 23, 2011

I've purchased my case from Amazon yesterday and I should be receiving it tomorrow.

Does anybody have any experience with this case? If so, would you mind sharing any thoughts you have on it? Does it fit hot swap racks well? Does it have good air flow? Do I need to make any customizations to this case?

Thanks!

Good airflow, looks good, solid case, great price, not using hot swap racks. I put a custom DEMCIflex filter on the large intake fan, and replaced the top fan (common for it to vibrate).

3 Drive Budget Box - New unRAID Build

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