Any benefits of dual cpu setup for NAS?

TrueNAS General
1

This is basically a backup and media server with the occasional usage as a network compile through distcc. I’ll probably also setup a local Arch Linux and Gentoo package cache. I’m sure I’ll find other storage based usages.

The only reason I’m thinking dual cpu might be beneficial is from having my storage divided between different cpus to maximize throughput. Should I be dividing my HDDs, and future SDDs between the PCIe lane paths available? Should I have the HDDs all on one cpu and the SDDs on the other?

Would I gain any potential gains as my network scales up to up to 100 computers being backed up on this machine?

The one thing I’m trying to achieve is as fast as possible restoration of backups to target machines. It would also be nice to be able to clone the various distros I install near instantly to new machines.

2

Dual CPU is beneficial if you

  • maxed out the RAM and/or
  • maxed out the PCIe lanes and/or
  • maxed out the cores

Of a single CPU system.

3

Alright, so it makes sense if I plan on expanding the system over the years.

I can only install one cpu at first, right?

4

Best check your motherboard manual how to populate RAM and which PCI slots are active when running on 1 CPU.

5

Also depends on what hardware you’re actually comparing/what your budget for this NAS is

6

Comparing between H13SSH and H14DSH. I’m trying to keep the max budget at $20k to $30k. I’m fine with splurging as I plan on running this machine for 10 to 20 years.

7

At 100+ computers this seems a bit bigger than the average homelab setup. Open to a DM if you want to see if we can find an iXsystems-supplied piece of TrueNAS hardware for you :slight_smile:

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