Nightingale

So I've still been looking into it and it appears to do all the same things as DSM. Quoted from a Microsoft staff member: I use Xpenology because I can use my own server parts and build a reliable machine that has dual parity and can utilize multiple differing drive sizes. As @flyride has said, Windows Server is expensive, but on the other hand, Xpenology isn't really legit either and there are "copies" of WS 2016 commonly available. Not to mention, WS supports VPN per application as well as hyperthreading for when you might need it; "Plex Transcoding". I have dual Xeons in my Xpenology and DSM can't hyperthread. I'm having trouble comparing Windows Server and Xpenology as everything that DSM offers, I would be able to do it in Windows Server...Unless there is something I haven't found yet.

So I've been running different versions of Xpenology for a while now and when I think about it, the only real reason I like it is because I can use multiple types of drive sizes to create one volume. My workplace recently bought a brand new Supermicro server valued over $15k USD and the IT guy was explaining how the "pools" work in the new Windows Server environment. Apparently, it's a rip of a Linux method of creating volumes which means this now works similar to SHR in that it can create volumes with multiple drive sizes without hiding a big chunk of data because it won't fit into an equal RAID amount. For me the biggest plus would be if I have to restart my server, I won't have to rebuild the entire volume because windows server supports more than 12 drives unlike Xpenology on reboot. Not to mention hyperthreading power. I was just wanting to hear peoples thoughts on this. Would you switch to windows server 2016? Why or why not?

- Outcome of the update: SUCCESSFUL - DSM version prior update: DSM 6.1.7-15284 - Loader version and model: Jun's loader v1.02b - DS3617xs - Using custom extra.lzma: No - Installation type: BAREMETAL - Supermicro X8DAH+-F - Additional comments: REBOOT REQUIRED, volume crashed (24 drives) had to reset "max disks" variables to fix.

Would really love this too as I use a 24 bay Supermicro with 12HDDs. Could anyone explain why it does this on more than 12 disks? Really sucks rebuilding all the time.

- Outcome of the update: SUCCESSFUL - DSM version prior update: DSM 6.1.6-15266 - Loader version and model: JUN'S LOADER v1.02b - DS3617xs - Using custom extra.lzma: No - Installation type: BAREMETAL - Supermicro X8DAH+-F - Additional comments: REBOOT REQUIRED, volume crashed had to reset "max disks" variables to fix.

Maybe it's just me but I don't understand how these connect. I've tried to follow the tutorial but it just doesn't make sense for my situation. It just seems like I am missing all the information to add into the custom DSM ddns settings. I have to somehow fill out the URL it needs when I only know (nas.mydomain.com) and (my public IP address). I can't find a token anywhere either. Maybe I'm just not fully grasping the concept here but I'm totally lost.

I found the CNAME options in my domain account but I'm not sure what I put in "Points to" as well as "TTL". As for the DSM side, I'm also not sure what to put in the Customize DDNS options. It requires a Service Provider (which I assume is really just a name) and a "Query URL" which I don't have anywhere in my domain settings.

After spending a few hours looking into this, this actually works way better as I have a personal website so in theory I can easily use my domain that I have hosted with GoDaddy and just setup a forward address with masking to my Xpenology. Totally didn't want to seem like I'm going against the grain or anything. Thanks again, your posts are always helpful!

- Outcome of the update: SUCCESSFUL - DSM version prior update: Fresh install DSM 6.1.4-15217 Update 5 - Loader version and model: Jun's Loader v1.02b - DS3617xs - Installation type: Baremetal (SuperMicro SC846E16-R1200B) - Additional comments: Requires reboot

Thanks for the reply man! So I basically pulled an all nighter and got this thing up and running. I used Jun's loader 1.02b (ds3617xs) with the .pat file "DSM_DS3617xs_15217" and after multiple trials and errors (many errors) I think I have a stable setup. I'm running the latest DSM 6.1.4-15217 Update 5 and it's smooth as butter. I edited the config file to allow 24 drives and that shows up. I tested building an SHR2 volume with a bunch of random drives (Reds, Greens, SSDs, Barracudas both 5400 and 7200 RPMs) and it's working great so far. One question I am wondering though is about the Quick Connect and other "customer" features. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to hack it or anything (besides I believe they blocked XPE now anyway), but I am wondering if I'd be able to retire my current 4 drive Synology box and use it's serial number and MAC for my new 24 bay server. Do you feel that's reasonable? Would that even work? If not, that's totally cool, just wanted to put it out there as I am technically a customer If anyone has any questions about my setup let me know!

Hey guys, So I posted on here almost a year ago asking for some build recommendations and now months later I am happy to say that I have found a great deal on a Supermicro 24 Bay rack and have been playing with it for a few weeks. I've got a lot of WD Reds ready to go as well. With that being said, I tried the trial of UnRaid for the past week and although it works, it just feels sloppy to me (previous Synology user) and now I'm having second thoughts about UnRaid vs Xpenology. My question is, is my system compatible with Xpenology? Can I run it with SHR 2 safely? I don't really care about the latest DSM updates and all, I just want to be able to use a Synology with the ability to have 24 drives and the trust that Synology gives off (If you know what I mean). Supermicro - X8DAH+-F Intel Xeon L5630 48GB ECC RAM (24GB usable right now as only one CPU is installed) LSI 9211-8i (Flashed in IT mode) SAS2 Backplane (I believe it's the BPN-SAS2-846EL1) I know it's kind of a stupid thing to ask about "stability" with basically a "hacked OS" but you guys get what I mean. If I could buy the OS straight from Synology I totally would 110%. Thanks guys!

Hey Benoire, thanks for posting! I was under the impression that this NORCO chassis has 6 separate backplates so I would be able to connect each with a SATA cable to the motherboard. I've build computers before but this is my first "server" NAS and what you are explaining seems like quite the task to get it running, let alone getting updates if another version ever comes out. I'm starting to think if something more...developed is a better option. What are your thoughts? I've looked into UnRaid as well. There are really only three things I want from the "Synology" side. 1: Ability to combine any size disks into the volume and add as needed. 2: "SHR-2" type of "RAID" while still having the 110/MBs or greater speeds. 3: Ability to share folders on the NAS to outside the network (Clients able to upload and download files) I've also looked into just buying this Supermicro chassis "SC846E16-R1200B" I found some on ebay for the same price. As well as installing these PSUs "PWS-920P-1R" because apparently they are MUCH quieter, like a "gaming computer". Lots of variables but I'm hoping you or someone can guide me in the right direction. Thanks again!

Hey all, I've just come across XPEnology recently and I have really high hopes for it. I am upgrading my home network and I was thinking about getting the Synology DS2415+ before I came across XPEnology. My media is growing fast and I need bigger storage. I'll post my build below and please tell me what you think. Ideally I'd like to put this together, boot XPEnology and have it recognise everything with no issues. (Doesn't everyone) I do realise it's a tad overkill as well but I will also be using PLEX on here. Thanks very much in advance! I've left Heatsinks, fans, rails and such off the list as it really won't matter for XPEnology. https://ca.pcpartpicker.com/list/rc6CVY