$145 NAS Killer v2.0
The Terminator
Objective
Annihilate the $135 NAS Killer.
Build properties:
- Highly upgradable, with a clear path for upgrades
- Bargain basement prices on all components
- Extreme value, even with the base system
- Support many different possible configurations, and use-cases
Motherboard
Gigabyte GA-7TESM dual socket 1366
Use coupon code "JDM" for $10 off and free shipping!
I thought the Supermicro X8DT6 from the $375 unRAID build was a good deal. This motherboard is a better deal. The seller has it listed for $64.99, but they will accept $45 as a best offer. Similar to the X8DT6, this board has a built in SAS2 controller in the form of a LSI 2008. This allows us to save around $45 from an add-in card. The onboard LSI controller does need to be flashed, just like an external controller. I go over the process in my live-stream build video, but there are many articles online on how to complete the process. The motherboard also has QUAD Gigabit NIC, and a dedicated NIC for IPMI.
How to flash the onboard SAS controller on the GA-7TESM or similar Supermicro motherboards
CPU(s)
Quick Recommendations
- [NAS] I'd pick the (single) E5620, as they are just about the best for the money. NAS' typically do not need a lot of processing power, so this would be more than plenty. It's really easy to add more performance by doubling up and adding another E5620.
- [Virtualization] I'd pick dual L5638, which are the cheapest 6 core / 12 thread processors on the chart. Keep in mind you'll need to get an EPS splitter for your PSU, and you might consider getting more RAM if you're going to be doing a lot of virtualization.
- [General Compute] I'd pick dual X5650 or dual X5667, they offer a good mix of performance and high core count. Realistically none of these options are likely to break the bank, but I think both of these are some of the more realistic options.
- [Gaming / Workstation] I'd go for dual X5667 or X5687 for pure clock speed. You'll see the most performance gains for gaming and workstation type applications with a clock speed boost. I did a little bit of gaming on a quad core 3.6 GHz X3470 and the results were surprising. Xeons aren't just for servers, they're really competent chips overall.
In this chart linked below, you can find core/thread count, base frequency, turbo frequency, passmark, price, and passmark per dollar. The lowest prices were determined by eBay searches, buy it now only, US only, and sorted by lowest price. Prices will vary, so use this chart as a reference only. Clicking on the processors in the chart will take you directly to a properly formatted eBay search.
RAM
8GB is the minimum any build should have.
As a NAS, it should be plenty, and as a regular server, it's a good starting point. Thankfully, this board has plenty of DIMMS available (9 per processor), but keep in mind that if you're only using 1 processor, you only have 9 DIMMS to work with. You can add as many as you want to these 9, 2 4gb sticks is a good starting point. You'll have to double up on CPUs to access the rest, and fill evenly across the CPU's. Realistically, you'll be able to have 144GB with 8GB sticks, or more unrealistically, you'll max out at 288GB.
Chassis
Rosewill 4U server chassis with 15 bays
I recently made a short video overview of this case (not specifically for this guide, so it's a little off-topic). It's a good case, has room for plenty of hard drives and fans, too many for my liking actually. I'd personally recommend reversing the fan wall and using Arctic 120mm PWM fans there only, and removing the front fans. I'd also recommend replacing the rear fans with Arctic 80mm PWM fans. This will allow for plenty of airflow but keep the noise levels at a minimum. The chassis takes a standard ATX power supply, and supports SSI-EEB / E-ATX motherboards, but does not support larger SSI-EEB+ / EE-ATX motherboards. Rails are extra, and are not included with the chassis.
AZZA CSAZ-GT Full Tower
Nothing special or pretty here, just one of the lowest cost cases that will fit this EATX/SSI-EEB motherboard. Most others are around $100. Has 7 native 3.5" bays for plenty of expansion room. If you don't mind a rack chassis, the Rosewill 15 Bay Server Chassis is around $100, at times down to $80 when on sale.
Phanteks Enthoo Pro Full Tower
Nicer case than the Azza, but supports fewer drives. I like this case a lot more, but objectively it's worse value-wise than the Azza.
PSU
EVGA 450 BR, 80+ Bronze 450W PSU
It's cheap, powerful enough, and works. Not much more to say. These have often been going on sale for $9.99 recently after MIR. Next best options are usually around $20 on sale (Corsair CX450W, CX430W, CX500W, etc.) Keep an eye on deal sites for PSU's 400W or above. I wouldn't get anything smaller than 400W personally. If you are going to run dual CPU's, you will need an EPS splitter.
EVGA 850 BQ 80+ Bronze 850W semi-modular PSU
This model is sometimes on sale due to EVGA's B-stock promotion, so I thought I'd mention it here. This PSU has dual EPS connectors, so no need to purchase an additional EPS splitter if you are running dual CPUs.
CPU Coolers
Arctic Freezer 12 CPU Cooler
This motherboard comes with 2 passive heatsinks. For tower cases, these are not usable. They are meant for server chassis with lots of airflow (such as the Rosewill chassis). Otherwise, there's not much to say here. It's compatible, it's quiet, and it works. We won't be overclocking, so there's not much to worry about so long as it works.
Other parts
Arctic 120mm PWM PST 5 Pack
You probably won't use all of these fans, but it's cheaper to buy 5 packs than it is to buy singles. It's also nice to have spares on hand just in case. These are PWM fans and have PWM Sharing Technology, which is nice (you can daisy chain the fans together for convenience). They are quiet and move a good amount of air. I use them in all of my builds.
2 Pack 8087 breakout cables for SAS controller
You'll need these to take advantage of the onboard LSI. This will allow you to connect an additional 8 HDDs or SSDs. This motherboard also has 6 SATA ports (SATA2/3Gbps). This speed is fine for HDD's. If you want to add a SSD and have it run full speed, you'll need at least 1 of the 8087 breakouts (SAS2/6Gbps)
HP SAS Expander
This is the easiest way to support 24 drives with this motherboard. Plug in two male-male 8087 cables from the SAS expander to the onboard SAS, the plug all of your SAS breakout cables into the SAS expander. No additional software needed.
SATA power splitter
Most PSU's only have a certain number of SATA power connections. If you need more, use these 4x power splitters. They split a single SATA power connection off of the PSU to 4x. They also help tremendously with cable management when HDD's are stacked on top of each other.
Gelid Solutions GC-Extreme Thermal Paste
This is about the best thermal paste you can get besides liquid metal. Not much more to say.
Summary & builds
So, that's nice and all... but what do I get?
Assuming you're going for the NAS KILLER v2.0 build:
- Single Xeon E5620, with 4 cores / 8 threads at up to 2.6 GHz
- Quad Gigabit NIC
- IPMI for remote server management, with dedicated IPMI NIC
- 8GB DDR3 ECC RAM (with a ton of expansion)
- 3 PCI-E expansion, 1 PCI expansion
- Built in LSI 2008 SAS w/ IT mode
- 14 SATA (6 onboard, 8 from SAS)
- 7 Native 3.5" drive bays
This NAS killer completely destroys last year's model! It's hard to imagine that prices have dropped this much, and that we can now get dual Xeon with SAS2 for around the same price.
Sample builds
| Core Components - NAS Killer v2.0 (click for link) | |
|---|---|
| AZZA CSAZ-GT Full Tower | $59.39 |
| Gigabyte GA-7TESM | $45.00 |
| 1 x Intel Xeon E5620 | $3.19 |
| 4GB DDR3 ECC REG 1333 (2x) | $8.99 x 2 = $17.98 |
| Arctic Freezer 12 CPU Cooler | $19.48 |
| EVGA 450W PSU | $19.99 |
| TOTAL | $145.55 |
| Rackmount NAS - unRAID build v2.0 (click for link) | |
|---|---|
| Rosewill 4U Chassis | $105.00 |
| Gigabyte GA-7TESM | $45.00 |
| 2 x Passive Heatsinks | Included* |
| 2 x Intel Xeon L5640 | $36.00 |
| 4GB DDR3 ECC REG 1333 (x6) | $8.99 x 6 = $53.94 |
| EVGA 450W PSU | $19.99 |
| 5 x Arctic 120mm PWM fans | $25.00 |
| 5 x Arctic 80mm PWM fans | $20.00 |
| 2 x 8087 SAS cable | $12.89 |
| TOTAL | $317.82 |
| Add-Ons & Extras for the Core Build (click for link) | |
|---|---|
| 5 x Arctic 120mm PWM fans | $25.00 |
| 2 x 8087 SAS cable | $12.89 |
| EPS splitter | $7.99 |
| SATA power splitter | $5.49 |
| Gelid Solutions GC-Extreme Thermal Paste | $12.73 |