Custom Docker Server with LochNAS: High-Speed Storage Meets Scalability
2021/05/10
WNYNAS
When it comes to combining speed, scalability, and flexibility, every detail matters. This customer wanted a server tailored to two distinct needs: massive storage for media and blazing-fast performance for development and document handling. Their existing setup just couldn’t keep up. Enter our custom-built Linux Docker server with a unique LochNAS implementation.
With 64GB of RAM, an AMD 5600GE processor, and 16 SATA ports running at full PCIe x16 speeds, this server balances raw performance with practical design. Storage? It’s a dual-purpose beast. The 8x4TB RAID-Z1 array delivers ample space for media, while the 8x300GB Intel SSDs handle high-speed workloads with ease.
This isn’t just another build; it’s a carefully optimized system designed to grow with the customer’s needs while minimizing long-term costs and headaches. Let’s break it down.
Server Specs and Highlights
Hardware Specifications
- CPU: AMD 5600GE
- RAM: 64GB DDR4
- Storage:
- 8x4TB drives in RAID-Z1 for media storage
- 8x300GB Intel SSDs in RAID-Z1 for high-speed development and documents
- 1x512GB SATA SSD for system and caching
- HBA: 16-port SATA HBA running at PCIe x16 speeds
- Power Supply: 850W 80 Plus Platinum
- Chassis: 4U Rosewill rackmount, expandable up to 15 drives
Key Features
- Dual-Purpose Storage: Optimized RAID configurations for both massive media storage and high-speed development needs.
- Docker-Friendly: Built with Linux and a custom LochNAS setup for seamless containerized environments.
- Efficient Performance: Low-power 5600GE CPU and smart RAID configurations ensure long-term efficiency.
- Cost-Effective Upgrades: The 4TB drives strike the perfect balance between price and capacity, making future replacements affordable.
The Build Process
1. Optimizing Storage for Two Workloads
The heart of this build lies in its dual-purpose storage design:
- The 8x4TB RAID-Z1 array provides a robust and scalable media storage solution, ensuring redundancy without overcomplicating replacements.
- The 8x300GB Intel SSD RAID-Z1 offers lightning-fast performance for Docker containers, document storage, and development environments.
Pro Tip: Pairing RAID-Z1 with high-speed SSDs provides the perfect blend of redundancy and rapid read/write speeds for intensive workloads.
2. Harnessing Full PCIe x16 Speeds
To ensure no bottlenecks, we equipped the system with a 16-port SATA HBA, fully utilizing the PCIe x16 bandwidth. This guarantees the drives can operate at their full potential, even during heavy workloads.
3. Customizing for Docker and LochNAS
The server runs a tailored Linux Docker environment with a custom LochNAS implementation. This allows the customer to:
- Easily deploy and manage containerized applications.
- Use LochNAS for smart file organization and streamlined access to development resources.
4. Energy Efficiency and Expandability
With a low-power 5600GE CPU, 80 Plus Platinum PSU, and 4U chassis expandable up to 15 drives, this build is not only efficient but ready to scale as needs grow.
Performance Metrics
After deployment, we ran extensive tests to ensure the server met its demanding workload.
| Metric | Media Array (8x4TB RAID-Z1) | SSD Array (8x300GB RAID-Z1) |
|---|---|---|
| Sequential Write | XXX MB/s | XXXX MB/s |
| Sequential Read | XXX MB/s | XXXX MB/s |
| Power Usage | ~60W idle, ~140W under load | ~65W under SSD-heavy load |
Conclusion
This build proves that you don’t need to compromise between speed and capacity. By combining smart RAID configurations, a future-proof HBA, and a custom LochNAS environment, we delivered a server that excels at both storing large media libraries and supporting fast-paced development work.
If you’re looking to build a server that can handle it all—media, development, and beyond—this project is proof that the right design can make all the difference.