Powering several HDDs

Discussion in 'UDOO X86' started by onek, Jun 27, 2016.

  1. onek

    onek New Member

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    Hello folks,

    I want to set up a server with the x86. Right now I've got 5 HDDs - 4*3,5" and 1*2,5".

    How do I supply power to the disks? Right now I plan to use a picoPSU and a 12v PSU:

    https://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0...7-1d6e-42de-9c12-dadc030ae13c&pf_rd_i=desktop

    https://www.amazon.de/PicoPSU-150-X...g_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=HXPET1JVVG3YY7626P7N

    Another option would be to buy a case like the U-NAS 400:

    http://www.u-nas.com/xcart/product.php?productid=17610 (I like the case very much but it is kinda expensive.)

    Is somebody planning to do something similiar? What are your thoughts on this, is there an easier option wich I am not seeing?

    Thanks,
    OneK
     
  2. FirstGenGeek

    FirstGenGeek Member

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    The Pico-PSU requires a standard 24-wire ATX connector on the motherboard, which the UDOO X86 does not have. Technically you could use a USB or NAS (Ethernet) HDD cluster, but I don't think the I/O performance will be at a level usually needed for a server.

    Personally, I would use a standard ATX/ITX or UDOO Quad motherboard for a server that has on-board SATA drive support and expandable memory.
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2016
  3. onek

    onek New Member

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    In what way does the Pico-PSU require a 24wire ATC connector? It just provides one. As I see it, I just won't use it but only the molex and SATA connectors.
    Right now I am using a miniATX board for my applications. But it is overpowered for a media server and consumes way too much power (50Watts idling) which is why I want to swap it with the UDOO x86.
     
  4. FirstGenGeek

    FirstGenGeek Member

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    You didn't mention that your objective was to reduce system idle power consumption from 50 watts. If you are only using the Pico-PSU for its 5V and 12v device outputs why not just use 2 regulated power supplies; or something like this (https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-5-25-INCH-Converter-Activity-USB-DSC9/dp/B00DQJME7Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467033768&sr=8-1&keywords=sabrent+to+sata/ide )? And if you use NAS, what is the total power consumed by all the main-to-DC power supplies?

    Anyway my major point was that I would be surprised if even the X86 Ultra CPU can provide an acceptable performance level, and it's gigabit Ethernet to a gigabit supported NAS is probably the fastest data transfer path you will achieve. And if you use the UDOO Ethernet port to connect to your home network, then you are stuck with USB 3 connected disk.

    UPDATE: You may want to research the M.2 interface capabilities of the X86 in this thread (http://www.udoo.org/forum/threads/sata-raid-10-on-x86-board.4386/ ). There may be a third-party multi-drive device available that directly connect to the M.2.
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2016
  5. onek

    onek New Member

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    Hi, bit of a late reply - thanks for your input.

    I don't use a NAS, right now it is an ATX-MB with five disks attached. I'd like to set it up with the UDOO the same way.
    You certainly are right about the performance (right now I am getting about 100MB/s when copying large files (on encrypted disks)), and I most certrainly will not have these I/Os with the USB3 connection.

    Thing is, I actually don't need that speed at all. With the USB3 ports I guess I'll get about 30MB/s having 2x ( 3.5" HDDs (one Backup, one data store) connected to one port with a USB HUB) and OS SSD connected to SATA, which will be fine.

    The https://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-5-25-INCH-Converter-Activity-USB-DSC9/dp/B00DQJME7Y/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1467033768&sr=8-1&keywords=sabrent+to+sata/ide is a good idea but then I'll have four power supplies for the disks and one for the UDOO which makes five.

    Can you think of anything else?
     
  6. FirstGenGeek

    FirstGenGeek Member

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    [QUOTE="onek, post: 20120, member: 38721"
    Can you think of anything else?[/QUOTE]
    A year ago I replaced my MS WHS server with an intelligent NAS unit by Synology (https://www.synology.com/en-us/ ). By intelligent, I mean the Synology devices are actually mini-servers that have their own open-source OS, set of drivers, and apps that support various RAID levels, AV file format conversion, AV file network transfers, data backups, etc. They also automatically power-down to standby mode to save energy.

    There are various models that can meet your needs and budget, and likely can use your existing SATA drives. I'm sure there are other companies that offer this type of product. If you look at the software these devices come with, I think you will agree it just isn't worth trying to assemble a system on your own.
     
  7. onek

    onek New Member

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    I decided against buying a NAS a few years ago. To name only a few: too expensive, too inflexible, proprietary software, no ways to upgrade.

    Anyways, that is not the thread topic.

    Ontopic, I'd be glad if anyone has some ideas or additions.
     
  8. FirstGenGeek

    FirstGenGeek Member

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    Your assumptions about cost, proprietary software, inflexibility...are not correct if you took the time to look at the product I mentioned. And you mentioned NAS in your first entry in this thread, so I think I was on topic.

    A computer, any computer, in theory can do anything. The question really is should it be used for a specific application.

    Good luck!
     

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