This summary of the video was created by an AI. It might contain some inaccuracies.
00:00:00 – 00:30:10
The video details the construction and setup of a power-efficient Network Attached Storage (NAS) system using high-quality enterprise-grade components. Presenter Jeff Garling walks through selecting and assembling hardware using a 45 Drives HL5 chassis and an ASRock Rack ARM server motherboard, featuring a powerful 32-core Ampere Ultra CPU. Key components include 64GB of RAM, a mix of Seagate Exos and Samsung SSDs for storage, and a Noctua cooler for effective thermal management. Significant connectivity options include multiple PCI Express slots, dual 10-gigabit Ethernet ports, and notable IPMI features.
The assembly process highlights the advantages of the server motherboard over consumer models, including better RAM channels and networking without expansion cards. Installation procedures, including CPU cooling, RAM placement, and storage setup, are explained in detail, emphasizing a structured and user-friendly approach with minimal tools required.
Troubleshooting is addressed, with issues like a faulty power button and problematic RAM stick resolved efficiently. The presenter outlines a reliable and redundant ZFS storage setup for the hard drives. The installation of Rocky Linux on the server is covered, and initial system tests show an idle power consumption of 158 watts with all drives active.
The presenter wraps up by preparing the system for racking, handling IPMI setup, and mentioning future content focused on performance tests and further configuration. This comprehensive guide underscores the meticulous planning and execution required to build a high-performance NAS system suitable for enterprise applications.
00:00:00
In this part of the video, the presenter discusses building a power-efficient NAS using the 45 Drives HL5 chassis and a new ASRock Rack ARM server motherboard. The chosen motherboard, Ultra D8 UD-1 L2T, features an Ampere Ultra CPU with 32 cores and a 2U cooler. The motherboard is equipped with significant connectivity and memory options, including four PCI Express slots, eight DDR4 RAM slots, slim SAS connectors, and multiple Gigabit Ethernet jacks. The presenter plans to install 64GB of RAM, start with 6 Seagate Exos 20TB drives and 4 Samsung 8TB SSDs for storage, and use the power supply included in the HL5 chassis. Although the setup is expensive, it is promoted for its enterprise-grade quality. The video is sponsored, but the presenter emphasizes their unbiased approach to demonstrating the assembly and testing of the components.
00:05:00
In this part of the video, the presenter talks about the advanced features of a server motherboard compared to a consumer motherboard, such as full x16 PCI Express slots, eight channels for faster RAM, dual 10-gigabit ports, and an additional 1-gigabit port, providing extensive networking capabilities without the need for an expansion card. The motherboard includes an Aspeed chip for IPMI and a VGA controller, but notably lacks HDMI, which could require a VGA to HDMI adapter. There are five six-pin fan headers (compatible with four-pin fans) and standard front panel connectors. They proceed to install an M.2 drive into by4 slots directly connected to the CPU, as there is no South Bridge involved.
The presenter then preps the CPU cooler installation with prototype coolers from Noctua, discussing thermal paste application and the cooler’s optimal orientation for airflow. The RAM installation follows, emphasizing the importance of referring to the motherboard manual to fill the slots correctly and using identical RAM chips. They also touch on the ease of the cooler installation due to the design preventing overtightening and suitability for the CPU. The segment highlights the cooler’s capability being more than sufficient for this build.
00:10:00
In this part of the video, the focus is on assembling and preparing a computer system for use. The presenter starts by plugging CPU fan headers into the motherboard and discusses converting an ATX 24-pin connector to a 4-pin connector. They proceed to open the system case, show the RM 750e power supply, and identify various labeled connectors like HD Mini SAS for the drive bays which are toolless.
The presenter ensures standoffs are correctly placed to fit the motherboard, which turns out to be a standard ATX form factor fitting perfectly. They also manage cable connections, including a PCI Express power to CPU power adapter and a PCI Express HBA card. After addressing some minor issues, like a header coming off the motherboard, they aim to power on the system for the first time.
The segment ends with the presenter plugging in the power cables, pressing the power button, and confirming that the system lights up with no smoke, indicating a successful initial power-on.
00:15:00
In this segment, the speaker troubleshoots a non-functioning system power button by replacing it with another power switch, which resolves the issue. They hypothesize that a misalignment in connections, likely on the assembly line, caused the initial problem. After fixing the power switch, the speaker notes the system’s noise level, suggesting it is too loud for a desk setup but manageable with adjustments like PWM-controlled fans. They proceed to demonstrate installing hard drives, emphasizing the ease of using the 45 Drive setup, which requires no trays or screws. The plan includes using six hard drives in a ZFS configuration for redundant storage, alongside proper backup strategies. Additionally, they discuss using 3D-printed adapters for 2.5-inch drives and preparing a USB flash drive with Rocky Linux for system installation.
00:20:00
In this part of the video, the user discusses their setup and troubleshooting process for a server. They highlight using a Logitech K400 keyboard with a built-in trackpad for debugging purposes and share an anecdote about using USB flash drives in an experiment involving pigeons. The user sets up a monitor via a VGA connection to check the server’s power usage and functionality. Initially, the server’s motherboard seems fine, but there are memory issues with one RAM stick showing as installed and failed. After replacing the faulty RAM, the server shows 64 GB of functional memory. The user proceeds to install Rocky Linux on the server, noting this is their first time doing a barebones installation of this specific Linux distribution. They confirm that all hard drives and SSDs are recognized before starting the installation. Following the installation, the user mentions that further setup will be done later using SSH and other tools, as the current setup is not optimal for configuration.
00:25:00
In this part of the video, the presenter ensures the system boots into Rocky Linux and mentions that Ventoy’s ARM 64 support is experimental, so they won’t use it. They forget to measure the idle power consumption initially but do so after rebooting the system, noting it idles at 158 Watts with all drives running. The presenter then prepares to rack the system using rack rails, describing some challenges and solutions while installing them. They comment on the weight and awkwardness of handling the system due to protruding rails. The presenter also sets up IPMI and configures a network interface on the server running Rocky Linux, noting that additional setup is needed for full functionality. They mention a follow-up video for further setup.
00:30:00
In this part of the video, the presenter, Jeff Garling, mentions conducting performance tests on network storage and plans to provide a final verdict on the machine being reviewed. He reminds viewers to subscribe for more content.