SFF-8643 nvme backplate installation in a case

[Enquiries]

Hello! I hope you are doing well and the seagulls are keeping away.

Short question. You have discussed a couple of motherboard bundles that come with a SFF-8643 backplate that allows the installation of 4 additional nvme ssd drives, like the one on the link at the end of this email.

I was wondering - where would you install the nvme backplate in a nas case - e.g. on any of the Jonsbo cases, lets say in this case the Jonsbo N2 or N4.

I have a topic suggestion for a future short video - I have read in multiple place that one shouldn't use nvme ssds on a NAS because the OS can't reclaim storage space that was once in use but has had data deleted, unless the NAS OS uses zfs. Is this true? Why would anyone install SSDs on an Unraid build?

You make sure you have a great summer. Thanks!

https://www.amazon.com/Mini-ITX-Motherboard-Pentium-Processor-SATA3-0/dp/B0D911MFWN?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

[ed]

For installing the SFF-8643 NVMe backplate in a case like the Jonsbo N2 or N4, you'd generally want to check if the case has any dedicated slots or brackets for expansion cards or additional storage. Since many NAS cases (especially compact ones like the N2 or N4) are designed primarily for traditional hard drives, the process can vary:

PCIe Slot Compatibility: The SFF-8643 backplate typically connects via a PCIe slot on the motherboard. Some NAS cases may allow you to install a PCIe expansion card or adapter inside the case, and then connect your NVMe drives to the backplate.

Bracket Installation: If the case doesn’t have a specific bracket or slot for an SFF-8643 connector, you may need to either use a custom bracket or install it in a way that doesn’t obstruct airflow or other components.

For something like the Jonsbo N2 or N4, you’ll likely need to check whether there's room for expansion in terms of PCIe slots or where the backplate can be securely mounted. If the case only has space for a couple of drives, you might consider using a separate storage expansion module or a PCIe to NVMe adapter.

Regarding NVMe in NAS and Storage Reclamation
As for your topic suggestion about NVMe SSDs in NAS and why they’re used in Unraid builds, you're on the right track with some of the concerns around storage reclamation.

Reclamation in NAS: You're correct in that many traditional NAS systems (especially with EXT4 or Btrfs file systems) may not handle trimming and reclaiming space on SSDs as efficiently as ZFS does. ZFS supports SSD trims, which helps manage and reclaim space when data is deleted. Without ZFS, some file systems may leave deleted data behind, potentially affecting the usable life and performance of the SSD.

Why Use NVMe in Unraid: Even without ZFS, people still use NVMe SSDs in Unraid builds because they benefit from the speed and low latency that NVMe drives offer, especially for caching or high-speed storage. Unraid also has some flexibility with how storage is managed (using the cache pool, for example), making it a viable solution for those who need that extra speed, even if it's not as "space-efficient" in the long term compared to a ZFS setup.