I’m at a total loss on how to upgrade my existing build. I just upgraded my drives and would like to possibly upgrade my case to a Fractal Node 804 so I can fit two additional drives for a boot pool. I’m due to upgrade the MOBO, and PSU.
Any suggestions?
Fractal Node 304
1X ASRock C2750D4I Mini ITX Server Motherboard FCBGA1283 DDR3 1600 / 1333
2 x Crucial 16GB (4 x 8GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM ECC Unbuffered DDR3L 1600 (PC3L 12800) Server Memory Model …
6X WD Red 2TB NAS Hard Disk Drive - 5400 RPM Class SATA 6Gb/s 64MB Cache 3.5 Inch - WD20EFRX
I used CHATGPT to get a suggestion and here’s what it came back with.
Here’s an upgrade path to a Fractal Design Node 802 that supports 6x 3.5” NAS drives, two SSDs, and utilizes ECC RAM. This setup prioritizes reliability, compatibility, and performance for a NAS environment:
Recommended Components:
Motherboard (with ECC Support):
• ASRock Rack E3C256D4U
• Form Factor: Micro-ATX (fits Node 802).
• CPU Socket: LGA 1200 (requires compatible CPU below).
• ECC Support: Fully supports unbuffered ECC with compatible CPUs.
• Ports: Plenty of SATA ports and expansion slots for future growth.
Processor (with ECC Support):
• Intel Xeon E-2314 (4 cores, ECC support, efficient for NAS).
• Note: Alternatively, a compatible Intel 12th/13th-gen Core i3/i5 CPU can work, but ECC support depends on motherboard.
ECC RAM:
• Crucial 32GB DDR4-3200 ECC (2x16GB)
• Faster and more power-efficient than DDR3, with ample capacity for NAS workloads.
Power Supply:
• Seasonic Focus GX-550 (550W, Fully Modular, 80+ Gold)
• Reliable, efficient, and sufficient power for 6 HDDs, 2 SSDs, and motherboard/CPU.
Fractal Node 802:
• Supports Micro-ATX or Mini-ITX and provides excellent airflow and space for 6x HDDs and 2x SSDs.
• Tip: Use vibration-dampening drive mounts for quieter operation.
Optional Additions:
• HBA/RAID Controller:
If more SATA ports are needed, consider a card like the LSI 9211-8i (supports up to 8 drives).
• M.2 SSD Cache Drives:
If using a modern motherboard, you could add a small NVMe SSD for caching or as a boot drive.
Upgrade Path:
1. Swap to the Fractal Node 802 for additional space and cooling.
2. Install the ASRock Rack motherboard and compatible ECC-supported CPU.
3. Transfer the 6x Seagate IronWolf HDDs and SSDs.
4. Add a 550W PSU for better efficiency and modularity.
Let me know if you need guidance on OS compatibility (e.g., TrueNAS, Unraid).
I don’t mind starting a new build if I have to. I would like for it to be small in size, capable of holding 6 drives for my main pool and 2 ssd for my boot pool.
A fractal node 804 would be my preference to keep things compact.
My usage for the nas is to host my home media for the family on my plex server and run syncthing for a few other devices.
I was considering too before find something cheaper.
Just be sure to grab the RAM for viable price, the germany seller where i bought mine Is relatively cheap (~120€ for 2x16gb).
If you want more RAM you should consider a platform that supports REG type
Why “need”? Home users hardly need mirrorred boot (which may also just not work if the BIOS is not smart enough to fall back on the other device…)
Boot is best done with small and cheap NVMe M.2 drives to save SATA ports. If the x8 PCIe slot supports bifurcation, you could put two M.2 on an adapter card there.
What are you booting from, by the way?
The 804 is not that compact, and is much noisier than the Node 304 due to the mesh top.
Unless you want to expand to 8-10 HDDs, I would call the move a downgrade rather than an upgrade.
I’m booting off usb sticks at the moment. That was my original plan, to move off the usb drives and use ssds instead but when I switched to two ssd’s I’s appeared as if my PSU was not stong enough and some of my pool drives were not recognized. Once I sent back to USB, they were able to be locates. I don’t know what’s going on now but I cannot upgrade due to a process still around after sigkill error. I’m running into a few issues and feel that maybe it’s time for new hardware.
The power supply is a Seasonic SSR-360GP 360 watt. Maybe moving to a stronger modular PSU with less unnecessary wires will free up more space. That was also another issue lol. Not enough sata power connectors. The list keeps adding up. Any suggestions for a power supply while I figure out a new build? Maybe a new PSU with the two SSDs will do the trick. The MOBO is still purring over eight years use.
Alright, here’s my plan. I ordered a new SFX power supply with 6 SATA and two periferal port connectors. I’ll attach a perif to 2 sata power supply adapter and give that another try. Hopefully I can save up for the next upgrade.
I’ll report in once I get everything put back together.
Not that can hurt (except your budget xD) but your disks, according to the spec, drow 8w each (5w in idle), still considering other parts IMHO Is nothing that can somehow impact a good Gold PSU.
