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[BUILD LOG] NASgul NAS Media Server

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Blaylock

"That Backfired" Senior Member
Joined
Jun 5, 2013
Location
Go Blue!
NASgul

This build log will highlight the steps taken to build my RAID5 NAS Media Server. There was a discussion thread located here if you'd like to read more about how this came about. The components for this build will comprise of old and new parts since the server side does not need the most modern pieces to function well.

First I would like to introduce the Case that will be used for this build. This is an old Apevia case. It has served me very well over the years but is due for some modernizing. She's showing her age with the old AMD Athlon 64 X2 Sticker there. That is NOT the CPU that will be going into this build LOL.
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The temperature gauge and front USB/Firewire ports no longer work. The Gauge needed some re-soldering on the Molex connector and the USB/Firewire required a complete gutting. I'll be replacing the Firewire port with a USB3.0 port. This will provide enough front ports for a keyboard, mouse, and external USB3.0 Drive (Flash or SSD).
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Another aspect that must be addressed for this case to work is airflow. Let's be realistic, 2x 80mm front fans just isn't going to cut it for a semi-modern rig. So to remedy this I needed to open her up to fit a 140mm Phanteks fan. After marking out the 140mm fan layout I used a punch to mark the hole locations and to keep the drill from walking away from where I want it. I then clamped a small block of wood under the steel to make a cleaner hole. I used a 13/64" drill bit.
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Next up is the Dremel, my favorite for these types of jobs.
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Much, much better. In addition I've Dremeled out the front panel openings to maximize the intake.
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Finally I've stripped all the panels down and sanded all the painted panels with rough sandpaper to prep for paint. That completes today's update and the introduction to NASgul! Stay tuned for paint and fitment.

Re-edit: Had to update this again and re-attach all the images, at least the ones I still have.
 
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Just a quick update.

The old Apevia X Discovery has received two coats of gloss black and needs to cure for a few days.


*Attachments lost somewhere in the sands of time* (le sigh)


I've done a bench of all the components and installed Windows 7, updated the Adaptec ASR-5805 drivers, and the raid5 array is built and awaiting it's first installment of data.

That's all for now. In a few days I should be able to start the assembly.
 
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Paint & Assembly Update

The paint has had time to dry so here are some pics of the case after paint and some during assembly. It's up and running but not yet complete. My plan of using the Firewire port for a USB3.0 has been destroyed. The USB3.0 extention that I bought will interfere with the 140mm front intake fan. So I have a back-up plan, but will require some additional modding. More on that in future updates.
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I really really like how the paint turned out! Now for the assembly pics. Please keep in mind there is NO space in the back of this case for cable management. I'm pretty pleased with the way the cables are for now, but I still need to run cables for the front panel. Otherwise, this is how it will sit.
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I used a Velcro cable tie to attach the battery to the RAID Controller and a pair of zip ties to affix an old 60mmX15mm fan I had lying around.
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Front Panel Update

Ok folks I'm back with a short update regarding the front panel. First I'd like to thank Knoober for pointing out the single channel mistake. I'm not sure what happened there, likely just in a hurry and not double checking myself.

As I mentioned in a previous post I planned on modifying the front Firewire port to be used for a USB3.0 port. Since this old board doesn't have a front USB 3.0 jack the plan is to use an extension and simply run it through a PCI slot at the rear of the case and plug it into the rear USB3.0. Where this server will be sitting will make it nearly impossible to reach the back of the case so this is a must have for me. The extension cable that I purchased will protrude to much from the firewire port and would interfere with the front 140mm fan, so instead I modded a 3.5 memory card reader and updated it to USB 3.0 from USB 2.0. It has a slight bit of a "redneck" solution to it, but I'm OK with the results. (Duct tape was not used)
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Since this rig will generally not have a mouse or keyboard plugged into it I wanted 2x front USB2.0. The case's old front ports were damaged beyond repair so I made a new one using a rear PCI port USB connector. Soldered them to the original 2 port shield and fabricated a mounting bracket. I painted it black to make it match the case so I'm not sure how well you can see it.
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That's it for today. The next update should be the completed, operational NAS!!!!!
 
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That last post is alot like watching someone step up and do a complete ballet after pointing out their shoe is untied. What kind of clod tells a pro that their shoe is untied? me thats who :)

Looks like its going to be nice, and I am really enjoying the thread :)
 
Final Update - Build Complete

Well, it's time to put this one to bed. It's been a fun and educational build for me. NASgul is up and running and keeping great temps. While transfering 160GB of music on to her last night I never saw a single temp go over 35C. This includes CPU, Raid Controller, and hard drives. I have the CPU fan turned all the way down. HWMonitor is reading 1300RPM but I'm thinking that maybe off. NASgul now sits tucked away in the dedicated desk cubbie hole. There is no keyboard, mouse or monitor hooked up to her. I do still need to install team viewer just so I can monitor the activity and/or for file transfers. Maybe tonight I'll post up a pic but for now, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed!
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P.S. Sorry about the potato pic of the temp gauge. I might replace that one. That was all me.
 
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^ long as its not home home version it has to be professional or ultimate iirc.

edit: not^
 
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why a 955 quad core? For a home storage box a dual core can be overkill, I know being a registered rodeo clown requires overkill on everything, and my storage box is a good example, but a little A6 dual core would do the job just fine.
 
My only on hand options were the 955 or sempron 140. While the 140 would suffice I wanted to be sure it wasn't underkill.
 
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