F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Updated PC setup for Truenas

Updated PC setup for Truenas

Updated PC setup for Truenas

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Crimson_Ender
Member
149
05-10-2021, 06:07 AM
#1
Hello, I'm searching for a new PC/server setup for Truenas. Typical requirements are: 1) ZFS for data storage, 2) Docker deployments at scale, 3) VMs deployment (preferably separate ESXi server occasionally). Current options under consideration include: 1) MSI Z590 M Pro with 6 SATA (updated), 2) Intel i7 11700K, 3) 64 GB RAM, 4) IronWolf 4TB x6, 5) 250GB M.2 OS drive for compact storage, with more drives aiding replacement and expansion. I'm considering 6x4TB vs 4x6TB. Net storage suggests parity—about 5 disks in first setup versus 3 in the second. Looking for alternatives to the gaming edge motherboard, a slightly cheaper yet better option. Updated note: motherboard upgraded from gaming edge to M Pro.
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Crimson_Ender
05-10-2021, 06:07 AM #1

Hello, I'm searching for a new PC/server setup for Truenas. Typical requirements are: 1) ZFS for data storage, 2) Docker deployments at scale, 3) VMs deployment (preferably separate ESXi server occasionally). Current options under consideration include: 1) MSI Z590 M Pro with 6 SATA (updated), 2) Intel i7 11700K, 3) 64 GB RAM, 4) IronWolf 4TB x6, 5) 250GB M.2 OS drive for compact storage, with more drives aiding replacement and expansion. I'm considering 6x4TB vs 4x6TB. Net storage suggests parity—about 5 disks in first setup versus 3 in the second. Looking for alternatives to the gaming edge motherboard, a slightly cheaper yet better option. Updated note: motherboard upgraded from gaming edge to M Pro.

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GewoonRomano
Member
195
05-10-2021, 06:27 AM
#2
I wouldn't purchase a gaming motherboard for this. A "K" processor isn't suitable since you won't be overclocking it. Boards with dual NICs are okay for this setup, but adding features like LEDs and WiFi doesn't justify the cost.
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GewoonRomano
05-10-2021, 06:27 AM #2

I wouldn't purchase a gaming motherboard for this. A "K" processor isn't suitable since you won't be overclocking it. Boards with dual NICs are okay for this setup, but adding features like LEDs and WiFi doesn't justify the cost.

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levoyageur92
Posting Freak
807
05-11-2021, 12:08 AM
#3
Thanks for this tip on MB. It makes sense, but this was one of the MB that I found with 6 SATA. WIFI and LEDs are non essentials. I can drop the K as well in the processor. I didn't see much price difference, so why not.. What is your suggestion on MB and CPU for this kind of requirements..? EDIT : Alternative to GAMING EDGE : Z590M PRO https://www.microcenter.com/product/6346...otherboard Is this a good one..?
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levoyageur92
05-11-2021, 12:08 AM #3

Thanks for this tip on MB. It makes sense, but this was one of the MB that I found with 6 SATA. WIFI and LEDs are non essentials. I can drop the K as well in the processor. I didn't see much price difference, so why not.. What is your suggestion on MB and CPU for this kind of requirements..? EDIT : Alternative to GAMING EDGE : Z590M PRO https://www.microcenter.com/product/6346...otherboard Is this a good one..?

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Viizion_PvPz
Senior Member
670
05-12-2021, 02:45 PM
#4
You can always incorporate an LSI HBA card to increase the number of SATA ports. This typically adds eight more at once. In this article I highlight a few choices, though it probably won’t significantly alter your choice. I tend to prefer higher-quality options, even if the difference isn’t huge. Just considering it as another possibility. Exercise caution when picking your M.2 OS drive, as using a SATA-based one might deactivate one of your SATA ports for your hard drives. Since you’re planning to fully assemble a board, this could be another reason to explore an add-on card.
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Viizion_PvPz
05-12-2021, 02:45 PM #4

You can always incorporate an LSI HBA card to increase the number of SATA ports. This typically adds eight more at once. In this article I highlight a few choices, though it probably won’t significantly alter your choice. I tend to prefer higher-quality options, even if the difference isn’t huge. Just considering it as another possibility. Exercise caution when picking your M.2 OS drive, as using a SATA-based one might deactivate one of your SATA ports for your hard drives. Since you’re planning to fully assemble a board, this could be another reason to explore an add-on card.

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mincr4fters
Member
75
05-12-2021, 03:41 PM
#5
Thanks for the advice on the M.2 Z590 motherboard with an 11th gen CPU—it saves space and doesn’t interfere with other ports. Phew, that’s a relief with the Z590 and 11th gen Intel. About the HBA, I planned to skip any extra cards, but it turns out saving money will cover the cost. Also, six SATA ports are enough for my needs now.
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mincr4fters
05-12-2021, 03:41 PM #5

Thanks for the advice on the M.2 Z590 motherboard with an 11th gen CPU—it saves space and doesn’t interfere with other ports. Phew, that’s a relief with the Z590 and 11th gen Intel. About the HBA, I planned to skip any extra cards, but it turns out saving money will cover the cost. Also, six SATA ports are enough for my needs now.