Ideas on how to get an external SAS connection via the PCI slot on Lenovo tiny?
I want to build a mini nas from an m920x, using an HBA card in the PCI slot; TrueNas on Proxmox. I can't find any posts of anyone doing something similar from a hardware perspective. Mostly, I want to put a few HDs in an enclosure, with the option to add more later, and put both the enclosure and the machine in my network rack.
Option 1: Leaning towards something like this
IT mode HBA, but would have to cut a slot in the back to pass through the SAS cable.
Option 2: Other recommendations?
Question: Aside from your own concepts of what a NAS should or shouldn't be, are there technical reasons why I shouldn't do this? Problems with HBAs and these minis, or other ways I could get an external SAS connection? Suggestions on HBA cards? Most seem like they'd be too big to fit.
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I love these Lenovo Tinys! Already put an i350 in an M720q which is now my pfSense router. For anyone interested, you can do the same for ~$200.
i3-8300T m720q on Amazon for $139, then add a riser and NIC from ebay.