Community Tested Hardware Compatibility List (FreeNAS HCL)

[kdragon75]

I constantly see threads where people ask if XYZ is compatible or needs to be crossflashed. I would like to work on a "proper" HCL for things like HBAs, Network cards, SLOG devices, etc...

We would need to include the exact model number, FreeNAS version, and any notes like "Needs to be flash to firmware 20.0.1IT" and perhaps even form factor i.e. "Half Height Half Length" and PCIe type "PCIe 2 4x"
What does everyone think? This could save a lot of people a lot of time. Here I'll contribute! If you don't like the format, suggest a change. I'm open to any ideas that make this better.

Note, this is a list of community tested components and is not guaranteed to be complete or accurate in any way. Anyone referring to this list is strongly encouraged to do their own research and testing.

Component, Model, FreeNAS Version, Notes, Form Factor, connectivity
HBA, Dell Perc H310, FreeNAS 11.1U4, Needs to be cross flashed to LSI IT mode firmware. LSI 2008 based, Half Height Half Length, PCIe 2.0 8x

 

[DrKK]

The problem here, sir, is that this is not so much a "FreeNAS HCL" but rather, a FreeBSD HCL more properly. And that, I believe, exists already.

Unless I'm misunderstanding.

 

[kdragon75]

The idea is that its FreeNAS community tested and maintained. Home many people looking at build a FreeNAS box are looking at the FreeBSD HCL and already know what HBA to crossflash etc... As a somewhat seasoned sys-admin, I know how to search and check teh FreeBSD HCL etc. Most random people building a first time FreeNAS appliance dont even know that FreeNAS is based on FreeBSD and FreeBSD is not Linux. Let alone what the difference is between HBA vs a RAID controller. I think we need a community tested HCL along with comprehensive build guides and how-to guides for things like sizing L2ARC or HBA flashing. What we need is a community wiki page that's supported by approved members.

 

[kdragon75]

Not to mention it would be easy for google to index it and be easily searched. the idea is to help people help themselves. We all are unpaid for out support time here. ;)

 

[Chris Moore]

The problem with the FreeBSD hardware compatibility list is that there are things in there that are 'compatible' but they really should not be used with FreeNAS or ZFS. Some disk controllers in particular. I think it would be, perhaps, better to enhance the existing guides:

FreeNAS® Quick Hardware Guide
https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?resources/freenas®-quick-hardware-guide.7/

Hardware Recommendations Guide Rev 1e) 2017-05-06
https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?resources/hardware-recommendations-guide.12/

Both of these might stand a little update for newer hardware, but I think they could be enhanced by pointing out older hardware that is still able to do the job at a lower cost. Many of the people that come asking about unusual configurations are doing it to save a buck, but they could save some money and have reliable, server-grade, hardware by stepping back to a generation before the oldest thing in the Hardware Recommendations Guide.

Don't get me wrong. I love these guides and I point users at them frequently, but they don't cover some of the older hardware that is still capable.

The original publishers of those guides would probably accept well formatted updates.

 

[Chris Moore]

Still a good source of information and the one I read first:
https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/hardware-recommendations-read-this-first.23069/