this post was submitted on 14 Nov 2023
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Data Hoarder

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Hey All,

Surprise surprise, my 48TB array that should never run out of storage has run out of storage.

Because I'm running a ZFS array on TrueNAS Core, theres no real easy way for me to upgrade the hard disks themselves, so I'm looking to create a second pool.

Unfortunately, I only have 1U of space remaining in my rack (which is a half size network utility cabinet) and so my options seem pretty limited.

I think what I would ideally need is:

  • 1 U, Half rack size
  • At least 4 3.5" bays
  • SAS connected (this is how my current drives are connected and throwing another external SAS controller in my NAS would be the easiest way (I think) to add this capacity)

The only solution I've been able to find that satisfies these requirements is this device from iStarUSA but I can't find it for sale anywhere

I've also seen some QNAP (TR-004U), Synology (RX418) and ReadyNAS (RR2304), but they seem custom built to work with their proprietary NAS systems and it is unclear if I can use them with my home built TrueNAS Core solution.

Does anyone have any suggestions for products that might meet my needs?

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 10 months ago

You could get a case like these

https://www.newegg.com/black-supermicro-cse-512l-200b/p/N82E16811152222

https://www.newegg.com/istarusa-d118itx-30/p/N82E16811165293

But it may be difficult to securely mount the hard drives. You might need to 3D print some brackets to align with the motherboard mounting holes. Then if you have an SFF-8088 SAS port on the back of your main box use a cable like this or a variant of it and thread it through a hole in the new case.

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-SAS-SFF-8088-SFF-8482-Power-Cable/dp/B08NGJ7F5K/?th=1

Honestly you are really limited with 1U and not a full length rack. In the long run it would probably be cheaper to replace the rack if your storage is going to continue to grow.