Question Need advice on hardware/software for custom NAS

[djlenoir]

I am looking to build a custom NAS solution primarily to host my PLEX library. I have about 35TB spread across six WD 8TB Red drives using StableBit DrivePool. It works, but if I lose a drive I lose a lot of data. I am also down to about 10TB of free space, so I would like to start planning the next solution. I was thinking of getting a Synology system, but I feel like I can get more for my money doing it myself.

I do not have a server rack, so I would prefer a tower chassis if a decent one exists that I can stash away in the closet. If there are no good ones, then I can look into a small server cage to rack the chassis. Thinking minimum of 12 bays, but more is better, for SATA drives. I want to create a RAID (not sure which type yet so open to recommendations here as well) and be able to add disks over time (as I can afford them). I figure I can start with four or five 10TB drives, and add more over time.

What OS and software should I run? I know Windows with DrivePool, but I feel like there are better solutions available. Just want something that is reliable and works as a NAS for Windows.

 

[Fallen Kell]

I actually went with towers and just have them on the bottom of my rack. The smaller 300w at the top is for my networking equipment and was rather pricey.

I went the same direction for UPS. I have one of the APC 1500VA lines that I can expand to 3000VA. It has plenty of total power capacity for my existing gear and decent runtime and supports monitoring via USB so I can have my main server properly shutdown in the event of a longer power outage.

Currently it handles my home’s entire internal network and external connectivity (WiFi, cable modem, phone).

 

[Fallen Kell]

Im sorry i should of said one real as in ones you could actually afford and that don't scream louder then a entitled 4yr old..
yes i know its full blown enterprise gear.

Normally people who go 40GBe go direct PC to PC, and not though a switch like you state, this is why i said real.

But Kell your statements are absolutely all correct.

My switch is not that loud (quieter than my 24port gbe switch that I had for the last 10 years, and almost as quiet of my modded supermicro with 120mm fans and no stock fans). There are versions/models of the switch which are extremely loud, but as long as you don’t get one with PoE support and do get one with dual power supplies and dual fan modules and in the rear to front cooling configuration, it can be very quiet (most gaming computers are louder).

Add to the fact that mine is in the basement in an enclosed rack (with front and rear doors with 140mm exhaust fans on the top)

 

[delonm]

I went the same direction for UPS. I have one of the APC 1500VA lines that I can expand to 3000VA. It has plenty of total power capacity for my existing gear and decent runtime and supports monitoring via USB so I can have my main server properly shutdown in the event of a longer power outage.

Currently it handles my home’s entire internal network and external connectivity (WiFi, cable modem, phone).

I did some checking last night after I powered everything up and I am at 45% capacity with 11 minutes of estimated run time with my current 1350VA tower UPS. Given that I don't intend to add any additional gear to the rack anytime soon, I decided the most cost effective course of action is to just buy a couple of replacement batteries ($40 for two) and a rack shelf to get the UPS up off the floor as the rack is in my basement, and call it good. I will check it again once I get more VM's built out. I know my current UPS works with NUT and FreeNAS, so, yeah one less thing to worry about.