Building a NAS (network attached storage) sever

[Vigilante]

Gents,

I'm looking to make some sort of NAS server and found some refurb'd HP blade servers for $99 with dual 3.06 GHz Xeons (533 MHz FSB, Circa 2004-2005). If I want to build some sort of NAS with it, would that hardware be up for it (say, with maybe 5tb of storage)? I'd mainly use it to store HD movie rips and use my WD TV to play them.

Thanks!

 

[No Limit]

What is the model of the blade server? Are you wanting to run it using raid? If so what type?

 

[Vigilante]

http://www.pacificgeek.com/product.asp?id=856143

I'd like to use RAID, no idea which type. I've absolutely never used raid before. Granted, I don't even know how I'd be able to fit drives in that thing.

 

[No Limit]

That's a pretty killer deal but unfortuantely it won't be great for storage. It doesn't seem to have SATA and you will only have 2 Ultra ATA ports. So if you disconnect the cd drive at most you can hook up 2 IDE hard drives. It also has no raid controller. You could get a pci-x raid controller, if you got with a crappy quality they aren't too expensive:

http://www.amazon.com/Syba-SATA-PCI-X-Ports-Controller/dp/B002C0Y5X4

But keep in mind you really only have room for 2 drives in this 1U configuration. External USB raid enclosures might be a better alternative but they aren't going to be cheap.

Finally, I don't really know why they call this a blade server since it seems to include a power supply and everything you need to turn it on. Usually a blade server will have the power supply and other components on the actual backplane and just getting the server without a backplane wouldn't work. So be a little weary of that eventhough it looks as if it has everything it needs to turn on. Also keep in mind you will have to come up with your own OS license.

Honestly if your only goal is network attached storage you might be better off going with a dedicated NAS enclosure as opposed to making an entire server for it. It will give you less headaches, make a lot less noise, and not run up your electric bill:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...55009&cm_re=nas_server-_-22-155-009-_-Product

Or if you wanna spend a bit more for a 4 bay NAS:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...19001&cm_re=nas_server-_-22-319-001-_-Product