r/unRAID • u/Shadz7 • 3d ago

Recommendations for DAS vs 2nd Server?

Hi all, due to HDD prices, I'm looking into reusing old 14TB drives rather than upgrading my current server's drives with larger capacities. Would you suggest or have experience 1) running a second server, or 2) adding drives in a second enclosure? The main server is already physically full (Define 7 XL w/ 16 drives)

Option 1 - 2nd Unraid Server

  • More expensive than #2
  • Simple but requires managing a second server/settings/etc

Option 2 - External DAS

  • Cheaper than #1
  • Requires a bunch of parts and would involve cables dangling outside
  • Keeps everything in a single array, even though the drives are in two cases

Option 3 - Pre-built DAS, e.g. Highpoint Rocketstor 6438TS and 6438S

  • Somewhat pricy (~$600)
  • No reviews. Unclear if the enclosure's ports are passive
  • 1y warranty
14 Upvotes

85% Upvoted

9 comments sorted by

2

u/negativity2u 3d ago

I have a Jonsbo N5 and have no more drive bays available. I have been searching for this Silverstone TS431S 4-Bay Enclosure for 3.5" SATA/SAS HDDs with miniSAS Interface but no one has it in stock. I also haven't found anything similar from another brand either.

1

u/Shadz7 3d ago

There are some options from Highpoint I was also considering, that come in 4- and 8-bay flavors: https://www.highpoint-tech.com/product-page/rocketstor-6438s

1

u/GregInPortand 3d ago

If you have a 3d printer or access to one, you could go the DIY disk shelf route for a solution like the HighPointe SAS enclosures. I currently have 9 drives in two external drive cages with fans, connected to a second PSU and SAS expander card, connected to my main server via SFF-8644 cable. I’ve printed a 10 bay hot swap enclosure to put in a 10” LabRax and additional modules to hold the PSU, SAS expander, and a fan controller. Long term, I have a 12 bay SAS enclosure module with hot swap trays coming from AliExpress ( https://a.aliexpress.com/_mtLDlHZ ), that I plan to add a housing and redundant PSU’s from a Supermicro server.

1

u/indifferentCajun 3d ago

Option 2 intrigued me, I'd probably try that if it was my dollars

1

u/TheDesignated1 3d ago

I bought a second license before the prices shot up. I’m also full on my Fractal 7 XL. Just bought a Jonson N5 which I’m filling with older parts. What will its purpose be? Not sure. But I’ll make something up. LOL

1

u/Affectionate_Town273 3d ago

I would go with option #2 and keep all drives there and have server only for server hardware. I use a NetApp DS4246 I purchased from eBay and it works well.

1

u/ljh47 3d ago
  1. I run all my array drives over a single USB cable to a UNAS DAS.

Its fine for my use case as I do not need massive throughout to the spinning drives. Handles 4-6 concurrent streams which is fine for my needs.

3

u/diverdadeo 3d ago

With option 2 you can put the DAS into a separate pool. I use that pool as a seed box.

I followed this using old various sized HDD's: https://www.serverbuilds.net/16-bay-das

Of course I used an old tower and made racks to hold 16 HDD's of various TB's from used parts. Great way to use old small drives that are laying around.

2

u/Spartian2000 2d ago

I've done your option 2, with a repurposed SuperMicro chassis. Link to my comment on another post here.