Storage Solutions Looking for a NAS/custom solution for storing 4-6 HDDS

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Okay, should be assembling this by this week's end. Just waiting on the delivery of the NZXT Lexa S for my main rig so that my old (currently used) Circle cabinet is free to take up the duties of the fileserver.

The only part left is the power supply for the fileserver.

This looks like the easiest option at the moment -
Cooler Master CM 350 Plus 350 Watts PSU | Psu | Flipkart.com ~Rs 1560/-

Is this a good buy for the config below -
Intel Atom GIGABYTE GA-D425TUD
4GB RAM
4/5 HDDs

Nothing else. Is this enough or is there some better branded option?
 
Instead of CM 350W go for this FSP SAGAII 350W-1.7k FSP SAGA II 350 350W Power Supply - SAGA II 350 by: FSP - TechShop.in,It's a more reliable psu.
Sei said:
Okay, should be assembling this by this week's end. Just waiting on the delivery of the NZXT Lexa S for my main rig so that my old (currently used) Circle cabinet is free to take up the duties of the fileserver.

The only part left is the power supply for the fileserver.

This looks like the easiest option at the moment -
Cooler Master CM 350 Plus 350 Watts PSU | Psu | Flipkart.com ~Rs 1560/-
Click to expand...
 
@Sei you will need a beefier SMPS to handle ~4 -->5 hard-drives. A Corsair CX v2430W ~2700/- OR Seasonic S12II 520W ~4500/- is what I suggest, the FSP Saga II 350W / 400W will not cut it for this RIG (they do not have the connectors on them).
 
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Jakob said:
Instead of CM 350W go for this FSP SAGAII 350W-1.7k FSP SAGA II 350 350W Power Supply - SAGA II 350 by: FSP - TechShop.in,It's a more reliable psu.
Click to expand...

That looks like a really good option. I was not too interested in the CM 350W myself since the efficiency is 70%. I know that there is not going to be much load on it, but still.

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ALPHA17 said:
Sei you will need a beefier SMPS to handle ~4 -->5 hard-drives. A Corsair CX v2430W ~2700/- OR Seasonic S12II 520W ~4500/- is what I suggest, the FSP Saga II 350W / 400W will not cut it for this RIG (they do not have the connectors on them).
Click to expand...

Are you sure we are not overdoing it here? It's a barebones rig with an Atom processor. Are you only mentioning the other options because of the connectors? Can't I use 4 pin MOLEX --> SATA converters for that ? This SMPS has 3 SATA plus 3 MOLEX.

PS: Buying a 520W PSU for this defeats the purpose of this rig. Hell, even I am using a VX450 with my GTX 260
 
Sei said:
That looks like a really good option. I was not too interested in the CM 350W myself since the efficiency is 70%. I know that there is not going to be much load on it, but still.

Are you sure we are not overdoing it here? It's a barebones rig with an Atom processor. Are you only mentioning the other options because of the connectors? Can't I use 4 pin MOLEX --> SATA converters for that ? This SMPS has 3 SATA plus 3 MOLEX.
Click to expand...

When you boot up, the time the hard-drive is spinning up the platters on the spindle the power draw is way higher than the average operational power-draw.

Spin-up - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia / I have 7 hard drives (window 7) - Hard-Disks - Storage.

So the Corsair CX v2430W I suggested is keeping in mind that it has the same amount of connectors as the FSP Saga units but just to be safe. You can use molex -->SATA converters to power extra drives. Let other members speak on topic too.

Just my opinion, Cheerio!
 
A better quality power supply is mandated but not definitely a 500 watter! :P

If the FSP supplies are available locally, that would be a decent choice.

Adding another bit here. Another member on the forums (low_bass_maker) had issues powering a system with a VX450 and a bunch of drives. I guess some 6 drives or so. The system refused to power on. I've no clue why! It isn't as if the power supply was inadequate. Might be a one off case.
 
He's concerned about the number HDD's you're putting which might take load on the PSU,If you're going for drives above 4-5 then i'd say go for Corsair CX 430V2-2.4k,If you're sticking to 4 drives then FSP 350W is good enough.Poor power to the hard drives can be fatal and can deduct lifespan of the HDD so do keep that in mind.
Sei said:
Are you sure we are not overdoing it here? It's a barebones rig with an Atom processor. Are you only mentioning the other options because of the connectors? Can't I use 4 pin MOLEX --> SATA converters for that ? This SMPS has 3 SATA plus 3 MOLEX.

PS: Buying a 520W PSU for this defeats the purpose of this rig. Hell, even I am using a VX450 with my GTX 260
Click to expand...
 
Jakob said:
He's concerned about the number HDD's you're putting which might take load on the PSU,If you're going for drives above 4-5 then i'd say go for Corsair CX 430V2-2.4k,If you're sticking to 4 drives then FSP 350W is good enough.Poor power to the hard drives can be fatal and can deduct lifespan of the HDD so do keep that in mind.
Click to expand...

Sigh.. the total cost keeps on increasing.

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ALPHA17 said:
When you boot up, the time the hard-drive is spinning up the platters on the spindle the power draw is way higher than the average operational power-draw.

Spin-up - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia / I have 7 hard drives (window 7) - Hard-Disks - Storage.

So the Corsair CX v2430W I suggested is keeping in mind that it has the same amount of connectors as the FSP Saga units but just to be safe. You can use molex -->SATA converters to power extra drives. Let other members speak on topic too.

Just my opinion, Cheerio!
Click to expand...

I did not know that. Thank you for sharing.
 
While we are on a custom storage solution, why not one of these: Newegg.com - VANTEC NexStar HX4 NST-640SU3-BK Aluminum / Plastic 3.5" Black USB3.0 & eSATA Quad Bay HDD Enclosure
Cheap, supports 4 HDDs, eSATA (will probably need a port multiplier eSATA card), and USB3.0/2.0. So long as you only want to serve files, you should be able to plug directly into a PC, or alternately, into one of those routers that offer a USB port and support for torrents etc. Power draw should be minimal while doing everything thats needed.

I am looking for an option to centralize my data too, and this seems like a good affordable option. In fact, you might be able to plug one of these into a Dockstar/Raspberry-Pi and do fancier stuff with minimal power draw.

Pros? Cons?
 
techie_007 said:
While we are on a custom storage solution, why not one of these: Newegg.com - VANTEC NexStar HX4 NST-640SU3-BK Aluminum / Plastic 3.5" Black USB3.0 & eSATA Quad Bay HDD Enclosure
Cheap, supports 4 HDDs, eSATA (will probably need a port multiplier eSATA card), and USB3.0/2.0. So long as you only want to serve files, you should be able to plug directly into a PC, or alternately, into one of those routers that offer a USB port and support for torrents etc. Power draw should be minimal while doing everything thats needed.

I am looking for an option to centralize my data too, and this seems like a good affordable option. In fact, you might be able to plug one of these into a Dockstar/Raspberry-Pi and do fancier stuff with minimal power draw.

Pros? Cons?
Click to expand...

I thought of these things too earlier - I had even bought a Seagate Dockstar too for a similar purpose.

The thing is that it is a "jugaad" end of the day. And that's what it will be. :P

I am going to install Windows 7 64 bit on my Atom rig because I need the flexibility to do what I would need. It would be a fileserver, torrent downloader, will serve media over wi-fi and many other things which I have thought of. And, I also might hook it up with a monitor later for my mom/sis to do casual browsing and the like.

But, to each his own. :)
 
@techie-007

I had the same thght as u like 3 years back. But I too went with a proper file server. Once u centralize ur data, u will be wanting more. Better think a bit ahead.
 
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Sei: I think its a use-case specific thing then. Did you try using the dockstar? How was the experience? I have one too, but media streaming is barely handled. 720p will probably kill it :P The raspberry Pi seems to e able to do 1080p h264 with xbmc pretty well.

EDIT:
Also, if you could hook up that 4-bay box to, say, a dockstar, what would be different from trying an atom setup? Just trying to see what all you are planning to do with it, and if there's something I too would need that the dockstar wont handle ;)



m-jeri: The thing is, I want to keep things as compact as possible with minimal power consumption, and for that this seems pretty good, no? Its all about what you intend to do with the system in the end. So what more do you use a file-server for then? Trying to create a list of things I could do with a similar setup. :)
 
^^^

Honestly... power.. was never one of my concerns.. u need to sacrifice some place. :(

I use the file server pretty much always when i was home. I used to have a web server which allowed to me access the files anywhere(for that photos..resume's..etc).. torrents..PS3 Media server...3 LCD's were fed(Wired, 1 downstairs and 2 upstairs).. Once the main LCD downstairs had a HiMedia/WD HD Media Player with it..that also was fed with this.. Also, it was my print server too.. One of the laptops were my dad's(wireless) and he wants a print or scan once in a while.. so I had a MFD connected to this all the time..

Also My home had 1 PC(wired) and 2 laptops(wired/wireless) constantly... And there were times when 4(wireless) more will be added(belonging to my 2 elder bros and sis in laws)... They all had guest accounts...
And also not to mention friends who come over to copy stuff.. They will just plug in to one of the ports in router.. so that heavy copying can be done

Separate local 1KV UPS.. gave 1.5 hour backup...power cuts were not that brutal often.. but sometimes.. it does.. I cut the buzzer/beeper in it.. :)

Simpler times.. :(... Now I am here.. the file server is off... :D
 
I have the first generation of WD Green drives and they are rated to 10 watts. Whereas I do not believe you will have a power problem with the Coolermaster, it's a pretty shitty PSU and for that reason alone I would get something else, they may take something when they go out. I'm searching for a 300W supply with stable, clean performance for the exact same reason. For now I am using an ancient VX450 and though it has no problem it's efficiency at low loads isn't that hot (down to 75%). The CM will be closer to 60% at those loads (remember your rig will be drawing about 20W most of the day and you'll be simply throwing away a lot of power efficiency.

I do know the Gigabyte PSUs are (or were) 80+ certified and decent performers at garbage prices. Don't see them much on e-tail so not sure about their fate.
 
So, should I go in for the CX430 V2? I have been thinking over it and I'm ready to spend that much extra.. so damn confusing. :\
 
Sei said:
So, should I go in for the CX430 V2? I have been thinking over it and I'm ready to spend that much extra.. so damn confusing. :\
Click to expand...

As the famous phrase goes, Better be safe than sorry.

If I were you, (I will be in a few months) I would get a better and more efficient PSU instead of getting something that would just do the job.
Taking into account you are going to install 4-6 disk in this machine, you should go for the Corsair PSU.
 
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