Anticipating the arrival of RAM for my VM server tomorrow I decided I needed some kind of real storage server, so I started working on one. I haven’t touched BSD since I was a kid, so I’m not used to it in general. I wasn’t sure how OpenSolaris would work on my hardware (I hear it’s better on Intel than AMD) so I opted for FreeBSD. Unfortunately I just found out FreeBSD doesn’t have direct iSCSI integration with ZFS, but that’s okay! We can always change OS’s later, especially since the storage array leaves a lot to be desired (RAID-Z1 with 4x1GB 2.5″ 5200RPM drives + 40GB Intel X25V for L2ARC, no separate ZIL).

I’m getting used to the new OS and about to configure iSCSI, which will be handed out via multipath over an Intel 82571EB NIC into two separate VLANs into a dedicated 3550-12T switch. We’ll see how it works, and if it’s fine I’m going to get my HTPC booting over it.

I’m going to look around for a motherboard with more RAM slots, for now I’m stuck with a mATX motherboard, a SAS card that won’t let the system boot, and 2 RAM slots (8GB) with an FX-8320.

Performance tests to come.. after I encounter a dozen issues and hopefully deal with them!