My experience so far using HexOS on an all flash NAS

[ShadowChaser]

Trialing this on a spare parts all SSD NAS using leftover components from when I consolidated my bulk storage file server with my flash storage media server. I would like to eventually use this server in conjunction with my bulk storage server currently running TrueNAS. The plan is to keep that one as a no frills TrueNAS box with all the spinning rust while this handles the applications and containers that I hate dealing with on a stock TrueNAS system.

For reference, I've pulled together the following hardware to try HexOS with:

Gigabyte MB10-datto (Xeon D-1521), 32GB DDR4-2666

16GB Sata DOM for boot media, 4x2TB MP34 as storage using a QNAP qm2-4p-384 add in card

All of this is living in a Fractal Node 202 which I can stash just about anywhere due to the form factor.

 

Initial installation took 3 minutes from selecting boot media to restart. Very smooth, very streamlined, was essentially just like a TrueNAS install

First boot + setup got hung up due to a pcie bus error, had to force a reboot about 10 minutes in

2nd try took about 5 minutes to get to the splash screen on device with an error stating the web interface could not be accessed and to check the network configuration

3rd try I used a 1GbE dongle instead of the onboard 10GbE as a sanity check and was able to establish a connection.

 

Adopting the server through the web interface was very easy. All my hardware was detected as expected.

 

And 2 minutes later I'm on the dashboard with the server in good health and a fresh 6TB pool.

At this point I switched over to my proper 10GbE switch and voila, it works perfectly. 

The main draw to HexOS for me is the one-click deploy of apps and programs - I decided to try out Immich first and see if I can potentially reduce my dependence on Google Photos. It installs with one click, no hassle whatsoever, and I can launch into its web config immediately.

From my desktop I was able to upload a photo. I took that as a good sign.

I was able to link it to my mobile phone and see the photo I uploaded, but could not upload anything from my phone to the server. I needed to restart the backend and regrant all permissions on my phone before I was able to start a backup. 

This is as close to an "anyone can do it" implementation and I'm pleased with how it all works out!

 

Now that isn't to say that software issues haven't been encountered - after setting up Immich I wanted to return to the dashboard only to be greeted by a "this server is not available" message. This is odd considering that the local IP still works fine for accessing the TrueNAS login and Immich.

So I suppose it really is just a nice wrapper for someone like me who can't be bothered to spend a weekend configuring things on the software side. That's fine by me - I prefer to play with the hardware anyway, then leave the software as a set and forget type of deal to the pros.

 

And in the time it took me to write up this post, the dashboard returned. Hooray! No clue what changed or what happened, but I'll post that little hiccup in support and see if there's anything that can be done about it.

 

The experience so far isn't perfect. I don't know what the difference is between HexOS and TrueNAS in terms of installation with regards to the hardware but I've never needed to retry a TrueNAS install at any stage in the process. Hopefully my experience is just a fluke, because the ease of use on the software side is simply a breath of fresh air. Troubleshooting software makes me want to rip my hair out and I'm hoping that all supported applications will be a simple one-click install. I'm excited to see where this goes!

[Dylan]

Really appreciate your thorough feedback! Posts like these will help as we continue to kick the tires (beta test) this OS. Like you, I'm invested because I want a solution that is set and forget because I too cannot be bothered. I just want it to work without having to do what I do for a living at home for free.

Have fun!

[Nandroya]

I prefer to play with the hardware as well software yeah set and forget for me too

[WilliamsKnights]

Thanks for the long post. It's great to see it just working.

 

I'm in this as I'm fed up tinkering and just want something to work.

I'm an IT professional with over 30 years in the field. I could figure it out. No concerns there. I just have better things to be getting on with, Family, cycling etc.

I already spend at least 60 hrs a week in front of a PC.  I just wanted a click and use solution for home.

 

Looking forward to the buddy back features and slowly moving services local.