# TrueNAS CORE server build Following [Guide to ₿itcoin & Lightning️ on FreeNAS / TrueNAS from @set586](https://github.com/seth586/guides/blob/master/FreeNAS/bitcoin/README.md) [FreeNAS became TrueNAS CORE](https://www.ixsystems.com/blog/freenas-truenas-unification/) [TrueNAS CORE Docs](https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/) [CORE Hardware Guide](https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/introduction/corehardwareguide/) ## Hardware Chose an affordable HP ProLiant ML310e Gen8 v2 microserver [User Guide](https://content.etilize.com/User-Manual/1028053012.pdf) up to 32 GB ECC RAM 120GB SSD to boot 6 x 1 TB SSD for storage ### Redundant disks TrueNAS uses ZFS. Recommended type: RAID-Z2 (Double parity with variable stripe width) [ZFS / RAIDZ Capacity Calculator](https://wintelguy.com/zfs-calc.pl) You can’t add drives to a volume once its setup, however you can replace drives with larger drives. 6 drives in RAIDZ2 (more than 50% of additive capacity) 4 drives in RAIDZ2 (less than 50% of additive capacity) #### Drive connectors: * 1 can boot from USB (SSD with a USB to SATA adapter) * 2 x onboard SATA * 4 x onboard SATA controller -> hotplug cage * \+ optional SAS card / HBA (2x4 SATA connector=8) max 6 without SATA card (+ USB) max 14 (+ USB) #### Physical drives * 4 or 8 in hotplug cage * 6\*2 2.5" or (2\*2 2.5"+ 2\*1 3.5") in 5.25 Optical Bay Drive Slot Case Adapter max 20 2.5" or 12 2.5" + 2 3.5" #### Actual: * 4 onboard SATA -> 4 2.5" adapter in LFF hotplug cage * 2 onboard SATA * 2 from SATA card -> 4 2.5" * 2 from SATA card -> 2 3.5" 10 disks #### Mirrored boot drives: Could benefit from a RAID card: https://www.truenas.com/community/threads/to-boot-with-usb-or-ssd-or-nvme.83594/post-620199 RAID 1 configurations can tolerate one drive failure. If one physical drive in a RAID 1 configuration fails, the RAID volume is still intact as a degraded RAID 1. #### Harware notes B120i is just software RAID [B120i User guide](http://docshare04.docshare.tips/files/31252/312525081.pdf) Use the onboard SAS adapter (4 SATA connections) or choose a reputable HBA: https://www.servethehome.com/buyers-guides/top-hardware-components-freenas-nas-servers/top-picks-freenas-hbas/ In BIOS setup System Options, SATA Controller Options, Embedded SATA Configuration, Enable SATA AHCI support The embedded storage controller supports SATA drive installation only. For SAS drive installation, install a Smart Array card and a Mini-SAS cable option kit. Optional Smart Array controllers support both SATA and SAS drives. Beware! The two system fans are custom, and cannot be replaced with standard ones. A dead fan will prevent your system from even booting! So as you get it, better take a couple spares on the ebay/aliexpress ecc TEST: * does the onboard SATA controller work together with the B120i? * can the B120i be used to boot? #### Hardware debug [POST debug flowchart](https://i.stack.imgur.com/5NtIt.png) from https://serverfault.com/questions/465883/hp-proliant-dl360-g7-hangs-at-power-and-thermal-calibration-screen [HP ProLiant Servers Troubleshooting Guide](http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00257512.pdf) ### Redundant power #### UPS [APC UPS config](https://www.cyberciti.biz/faq/how-to-install-apc-ups-on-freenas-server/) #### Dual power supply Can be connected to 2 UPS-es, the second backed by a large battery or generator ### Redundant network E.g broadband + 4G * router level (1 NIC) * dual router (2 NICs) The router + modem needs to be connected to the UPS as well. ## Setting up TrueNAS [Encryption](https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/storage/pools/storageencryption/) Keys for data-at-rest are managed on the local TrueNAS system. DebianVM: set VNC to 800x600: https://www.truenas.com/community/threads/debian-vm-display-is-not-clear-with-vnc.88501/post-613065 fix boot: https://www.truenas.com/community/threads/howto-how-to-boot-linux-vms-using-uefi.54039/ Fix GUI desktop: https://www.truenas.com/community/threads/debian-vm-with-gui.90808/post-629025