Rackmounts are loud. It's a given. If you have a rack, it's probably in your garage or something. Or you're very, very single.
The pedestal-style servers tend to not be as loud, and are often sold in workstation configurations as well.
After reading through most of this thread I gotta ask, what about the noise? Wouldn't most all of these used servers from Ebay be way louder than what could be built?
Rackmounts are loud. It's a given. If you have a rack, it's probably in your garage or something. Or you're very, very single.
The pedestal-style servers tend to not be as loud, and are often sold in workstation configurations as well.
True for name brand servers but with the newer low power CPUs you can build some very quiet white box rack mount servers.
In your build log I see you are using an iStar 16-bay 4u chassis.
What are your thoughts on that so far, assuming you have poked around in it?
I've been wary of considering one of their chassis, mostly having shopped around for used Supermicro chassis or perhaps a Chenbro chassis.
I'm curious about the potential for a hot-swap redundant CPU, but I see you're just going with standard non-redundant ATX PSUs. I'm just not I want to entrust my storage system to a single PSU - but... perhaps I am overthinking it? Would power lost due to a failed PSU simply mean data that was only recently written to it is lost, and not the whole zpool?
But what are you thoughts on having chosen a consumer-model ATX PSU as opposed to something rated for server duties? I don't know that I'd want to subject that type of PSU to 24/7 load.
As for the PSU, the chassis I got does support redundant PSUs (the backplane allows you to plug both into it).
Got ya, thanks!
When you say backplane, are you referring to a PSU backplane or to the SAS/SATA backplane? I don't see any evidence of the former so I assume you must mean the latter?
What good would it do accepting two power inputs if the software RAID controller (the OS powered by the motherboard/CPU) craps out? A motherboard is only going to accept one PSU connection...
With mini-redundant PSU's like this one there is only one 24-pin MoBo PSU connection that both PSU's use so even if one dies the power to the board does not. I realize the wording of my last post may have confused you as I mentioned plugging "both" into the backplane. Poor choice of words on my part.
Ah OK, yeah that's how I understood redundant models to work.
I'm just wondering if getting a model like that, an "integrated" unit, if those will be less reliable (especially from a brand like iStar... do they use good OEMs for their PSUs?), than, say, something from Supermicro where you use a distinct backplane and can use a number of different PSU models.
I'm just trying to figure out the most affordable but also most reliable solution for which it is hopefully easy to acquire replacement modules.
I'm not going to sit here and tell you that iStarUSA components are higher quality then SuperMicro because that's jut not true. Would I use iStarUSA cases in an enterprise environement? No. AndiIf you have the space for full depth chassis' there are tons of good used SuperMicro cases you can get for very good prices so they are a great option.
I decided to go with iStarUSA for two main reasons. One was the space issue and the second was noise. SuperMicro cases are built to be run in server rooms and datacenters and thus noise is really not a consideration when they are built. My rack sits in an open door office just off my living room so I needed units that wouldn't sound like jet engines (PSU's included). I've also had experience with a few different iStarUSA cases and while the build quality is not at the level of SuperMicro it's more than sufficient for a home network.
I'm not too overly concerned about the quality of the chassis so long as it holds together, but I am interested in how well the backplane would hold up over time. Every component can die, and I'm just now sure how much any brand is worth over another, especially when buying used. I just figure Supermicro has got to be great because people nearly foam at the mouth whenever they get the chance to spew their love for the brand. Which for all the good I've heard, I'm nearly convinced I need to go that route.
I'm not too concerned about depth, in my next place I'll be able to put it somewhere and the overall rack will take up my space in general, so it being tad bit deeper won't be a big concern.
I am right with you on the noise though. I'm trying to kind of couple what I have planned in regards to a home network (w/ A/V equipment in the rack and wifi remote control), with what I am looking for in my next rental place (leaning towards a townhouse rental but the right apartment could work too). There's a good chance the rack will end up in the same room as what will be a home office, but I'm hoping for some closet space. If a townhome, ideally I'd have sufficient closet space either on the first floor to be close to the TV, or in the basement if I can find an affordable place with a good basement.
No purchasing will be done until I get to the new place, so I may be in need of a short-depth just to keep my sanity if I want to stuff it in a closet. If I get a basement with utility room, I won't care about sound level.
In regards to noise - I've been wondering, can you replace the stock Supermicro fans with some Noctua fans or other aftermarket? I know they are different, in what I think are quick-swap holders or trays, but I don't know what options exist for replacement outside of OEM. That and some voltage regulators or other RPM limiting route (BIOS or controller) could potentially help make a comfortable sound level but maintain efficient cooling.