TrueNAS R Series Manual

TrueNAS® R-Series Unied Storage Arrays
Basic Setup Guide
Version 1.2

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Copyright © 2021 iXsystems, Inc. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
TrueNAS® units are carefully packed and shipped with trusted carriers to arrive in perfect condition. If there is any shipping dam-
age or any parts are missing, please take photos and contact iXsystems support immediately at [email protected] or
855-GREP4-iX (855-473-7449) or 408-943-4100.
Please locate and record the hardware serial numbers on the back of each chassis for quick reference.
Contents
1 Introducing the TrueNAS R-Series ....................................................... 1
1.1 Safety ............................................................................................. 1
1.2 Requirements ................................................................................... 1
2 R10 ............................................................................................ 2
2.1 R10 Components ............................................................................... 2
2.2 Ports and Indicators ........................................................................... 3
3 R20 ............................................................................................ 4
3.1 R20 Components ............................................................................... 4
3.2 Ports and Indicators ........................................................................... 5
4 R40 ............................................................................................ 6
4.1 R40 Components ............................................................................... 6
4.2 Ports and Indicators ........................................................................... 7
5 Racking the R10, R20, or R40 ............................................................. 8
5.1 Rack Requirements ............................................................................ 8
5.2 Attach the Chassis Rails ....................................................................... 8
5.3 Install the Rack Rails ........................................................................... 9
5.4 Push the System into the Rack ............................................................... 9
6 Handling Drive Trays ...................................................................... 10
6.1 SSD Drive Trays (R10, R20, R40) ............................................................ 10
6.2 Hard Drive Trays (R20) ...................................................................... 11
7 Bezel (R20 and R40) ....................................................................... 12
8 R50 ........................................................................................... 13
8.1 R50 Components ............................................................................. 13
8.2 Ports and Indicators ......................................................................... 14
8.3 Racking the R50 ............................................................................... 15
8.4 Managing Drives ............................................................................. 17
9 Cabling an R-Series System .............................................................. 20
9.1 R50 SAS Connections ........................................................................ 20
10 Connecting to the TrueNAS Web Interface .......................................... 21
11 Additional Resources .................................................................... 22
12 Contacting iXsystems .................................................................... 22

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 1
TrueNAS R-Series systems are hard disk, hybrid, and all-ash storage arrays in 1U, 2U, and 4U congurations. You
will receive the system and all installation components carefully packed and ready for installation. The packed items
vary by what you purchased.
Your system will come with the TrueNAS operating system preloaded.
Review the safety considerations and hardware requirements before installing an R-Series system into a rack.
1 Introducing the TrueNAS R-Series
1.1 Safety
1.2 Requirements
1.1.1 Static Discharge
1.1.2 Handling the System
R-Series systems are sensitive electronic devices. Be sure to take full safety precautions when installing or servicing
a system.
Static electricity can build up in your body and discharge when touching conductive materials. Electrostatic Dis-
charge (ESD) is very harmful to sensitive electronic devices and components. Keep these safety recommendations in
mind before opening the system case or handling system components:
1. Turn o the system and remove the power cable before opening the system case or touching any internal com-
ponents.
2. Place the system on a clean, hard work surface like a wooden tabletop. Using an ESD dissipative mat can also
help protect the internal components.
3. Touch the metal chassis with your bare hand before touching any internal component, including components
not yet installed to redirect static electricity in your body away from the sensitive internal components. Using an
anti-static wristband and grounding cable is another option.
4. Store all system components in anti-static bags.
You can nd more details about ESD and preventative tips at https://www.wikihow.com/Ground-Your-
self-to-Avoid-Destroying-a-Computer-with-Electrostatic-Discharge.
We recommend these tools when installing an R-Series system in a rack:
• #2 Philips head screwdriver
• Flat head screwdriver
• Tape measure
• Level
We recommend at least two people lift an R-Series system.
Never attempt to lift an R-Series system when loaded with drives! We recommend installing the system in a rack
before adding drives and then removing them before de-racking an R-Series system.
Hold the system from the sides or bottom whenever possible. Always be mindful of loose cabling or connectors and
avoid pinching or bumping these elements whenever possible.
These instructions use “left” and “right” according to your perspective when facing the front of a system or rack.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 2
2 R10
2.1 R10 Components
The R10 is a 1U All-Flash Storage Array that has 16 SSD drive bays, redundant power supplies, and a single TrueNAS
controller. You will nd these items when opening the R10 packaging:
16 SSD drive trays with up to 16 drives
installed
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P
power cords, 2 IEC C13 to C14 cords, and a
set of velcro cable ties
Set of rackmount rails and mounting hard-
ware
R10 All-Flash Storage Array

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 3
2.2 Ports and Indicators
1. Power supplies #1 and #2
2. Serial port
3. 1Gb Ethernet Out of Band Management port and two USB 2.0 ports
4. Two USB 3.0 ports
5. Two 10Gb SFP+ networking ports
6. VGA monitor port
7. PCIe Slot for external HBA
Not pictured: Serial number and IPMI password stickers are attached to the back of the chassis, underneath the
USB ports.
There are lighted buttons for system ID (1) and power (4). There is also a USB 2.0 port (2) and lights for network and
controller activity (3).
The back panel has the power supplies and connection ports:
The right side of the R10 front panel has buttons, ports and indicators for controlling the system.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 4
3 R20
The R20 is a 2U Hybrid Storage Array that has 12 3.5” drive bays and 2 SSD drive bays, redundant power supplies,
and a single TrueNAS controller. You will nd these items when opening the R20 packaging:
3.1 R20 Components
2 SSD drive trays with up to 2 SSDs installed
Locking Bezel
12 3.5” drive trays with up to 12 hard drives
installed
Set of rackmount rails with mounting hard-
ware
R20 Hybrid Storage Array
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA 5-15P
power cords, 2 IEC C13 to C14 cords, and a
set of velcro cable ties

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 5
3.2 Ports and Indicators
R20 buttons and indicators are located on the “ears” on the right and left edge of the system front.
The left ear has lighted buttons for power (1) and system ID (2). There are also fault (3) and network activity (4)
indicators. Both ears have hinged covers over screw holes for securing the system to a rack (5). The right ear has a
single USB 3.0 port (6) and a recessed button that silences the chassis alarm (7).
The fault indicator is on during the initial power-on self-test (POST) and o during normal operation. It also turns on
if the TrueNAS software issues an alert. For details about software alerts and how to congure them, see
https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/system/alert/ on the TrueNAS Documentation Hub.
The back panel has the power supplies and connection ports:
1. Power supplies #1 and #2
2. Serial port
3. 1Gb Ethernet Out of Band Management port and two USB 2.0 ports
4. Two USB 3.0 ports
5. Two 10Gb SFP+ networking ports
6. VGA monitor port
7. PCIe/NIC expansion slots (x7)
8. SSD Drive Bays
Not pictured: Serial number and IPMI password stickers are attached to the back of the chassis, underneath the
VGA monitor port.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 6
4 R40
4.1 R40 Components
48 SSD drive trays with up to 48 drives
installed
The R40 is a 2U All-Flash Storage Array that has 48 SSD drive bays, redundant power supplies, and a single TrueNAS
controller. You will nd these items when opening the R40 packaging:
R40 All-Flash Storage Array
Locking Bezel
Set of rackmount rails with mounting
hardware
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA
5-15P power cords, 2 IEC C13 to C14 cords,
and a set of velcro cable ties

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 7
4.2 Ports and Indicators
Buttons and indicators are on the front ears of the R40:
1. Power supplies #1 and #2
2. Serial port
3. 1Gb Ethernet Out of Band Management port and two USB 2.0 ports
4. Two USB 3.0 ports
5. Two 10Gb SFP+ networking ports
6. VGA monitor port
7. PCIe/NIC expansion slots (x7)
Not pictured: Serial number and IPMI password stickers are attached to the back of the chassis, underneath the
VGA monitor port.
The left ear has lighted buttons for power (1) and system ID (2). There are also fault (3) and network activity (4)
indicators. Both ears have hinged covers over screw holes for securing the system to a rack (5). The right ear has a
single USB 3.0 port (6) and a recessed button that silences the chassis alarm (7).
The fault indicator is on during the initial power-on self-test (POST) and o during normal operation. It also turns on
if the TrueNAS software issues an alert. For details about software alerts and how to congure them, see
https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/system/alert/ on the TrueNAS Documentation Hub.
The back panel has the power supplies and connection ports:

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 8
5 Racking the R10, R20, or R40
The R10, R20, and R40 share the same rail kit and racking process. Each system has slightly dierent dimensions, so
we recommend double-checking the system’s rack rail placement.
Only install drives into a system after placing it in the rack. We also recommend removing all installed drives before
unracking a system. Always team-lift a system when installing into a rack.
5.1 Rack Requirements
5.2 Attach the Chassis Rails
Each rail has two components, the outer rack rail and the inner chassis rail. To protect it during shipping, the chassis
rail is inserted into the rack rail and must be removed before attaching to a system. Slide the chassis rail forward
until the metal catch stops it. Push in the catch and slide the chassis rail forward until it is free of the rack rail.
PUSH SLIDE
Take the chassis rail and align the end stamped “FRONT” with the front of the system. Fit the rail keyholes over the
mounting pegs on the side of the system and slide it into place. Use an M4 screw to secure the rail to the system.
For the R10, use the screw hole at the front of the chassis to securing the rail. For the R20 and R40, use the screw
hole at the back of the chassis to securing the rail. Follow this procedure to slide out and attach the second chassis
rail to the other side of the system.
The R10, R20, or R40 requires an EIA-310 compliant rack. To properly install the rack rails, the front and rear vertical
rack posts need to be spaced between 23” - 35.75” (584mm-908mm) apart.
Note: There may be a screw on side of the chassis that should be removed because it can interfere with adding rails.
Short M4 Screw
R10
R20/R40
Short M4 Screw

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 9
5.3 Install the Rack Rails
5.4 Push the System into the Rack
Before installing the rack rail, make sure the rack has enough space for the system. The R10 needs 1U of space for
both the system and rack rails. The R20 and R40 needs 2U of rack space, with the rack rails installed into the bottom
1U.
Take a rack rail and align the end stamped “FRONT” with the front of the rack. The “FRONT” text must be pointed in-
side the rack so the chassis rails can slide into the rack rails. Align the rail front pegs with the rack attach points and
push the rail into the attach points. Fit the rail retention clip over the front of the rack by pushing on the spring plate
to open the clip. The rail kit also includes two retention screw hole extenders that can be screwed into the middle
rail attach point.
With the front of the rail installed, extend the back of the rack rail towards the equivalent attach points on the rear
rack post. Make sure the rail remains level from front to back. Follow this process to install the other rack rail.
Team-lift the system and align the chassis rails with the rack rails. Slide the ends of the chassis rails into the rack
rails and push the system forward until the metal safety catches click into place. Squeeze the safety catches against
the sides of the system and continue to push the system forward until it is ush with the front of the rack.
The rail kit includes additional M5 screws that can be used to secure the system to the rack rails using the screw
holes in each chassis ear.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 10
6 Handling Drive Trays
To replace a drive, unlatch (1) and rotate the plastic clip (2) on the tool-less tray to release the drive. Slide the drive
out of the tray (3).
To add a drive to the tray, follow the same procedure to unlatch and rotate the plastic clip out of the way, then slide
the drive forward under the metal tabs and rotate the clip back until it snaps into place. Make sure the drive con-
nectors are accessible at the back of the tray.
R-Series systems share many of the same drive trays. The general drive install and tray insertion procedures for
each type of drive tray are described here:
6.1 SSD Drive Trays (R10, R20, R40)
To install an SSD drive tray into a system, align the tray with an opening on the chassis and slide it forward until the
locking arm begins to swing closed. Gently swing the locking arm forward until it latches into place.
To remove a drive tray, push the button on the right end of the tray to release the tray locking arm. Gently swing the
arm until it is stops, then pull the tray out from the system.
Warning for R20: Placing locked SED drives in the rear bays may cause the R20 to hang on boot indenitely.
We recommend not using SED drives with the R20 until we resolve the issue.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 11
6.2 Hard Drive Trays (R20)
To remove a hard drive tray, press the locking arm release at the right side of the tray front. Swing the arm out until
it completely stops, then pull the tray free from the system.
To install a hard drive tray into a system, push the tray into a slot until the locking arm begins to swing closed. Gen-
tly push the arm into place to seat the tray and secure it in the system.
You do not need any tools to install a drive in a full size hard drive tray. Make sure the drive connectors are pointed
out the back of the tray and push the drive side screw holes into the xed retention pegs on one side of the tray.
Continue to push the other side of the drive down into the exible retention pegs to secure the drive in place.
To remove a drive, push out the side attached to the exible retention pegs from the bottom of the tray, then lift the
drive free.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 12
7 Bezel (R20 and R40)
The R20 and R40 include an optional bezel that can be locked to prevent unauthorized access to the primary drive
trays. To attach the locking bezel, align the right side of the bezel with the attach points on the right ear and push
the left side of the bezel into the attach points on the left ear until it clicks into place.
Removing the bezel requires sliding the front latch to the right and pulling the bezel forward (1). To lock the bezel in
place, insert the key and rotate the lock to the left (2).

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 13
8 R50
8.1 R50 Components
The R50 is a 4U Hybrid Storage Array that has 48 3.5” and three 2.5” NVMe drive bays, redundant power supplies,
and a single TrueNAS controller. You will nd these items when opening the R50 packaging:
R50 Hybrid Storage Array
Set of xed rackmount rails
3 NVMe drive trays with up to 3 drives
installed
Accessory kit with 2 IEC C13 to NEMA
5-15P power cords, 2 IEC C13 to C14 cords,
a set of velcro cable ties, and bags with
installation hardware
Up to 48 hard drives, depending on the
purchase (shipped separately)

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 14
8.2 Ports and Indicators
There are lighted buttons for power (1) and system ID (2). There are also network activity (3), fault (4), and disk sta-
tus indicators (5). The right side has a single USB 2.0 port (6).
The fault indicator is on during the initial power-on self-test (POST) and o during normal operation. It also turns on
if the TrueNAS software issues an alert. For details about software alerts and how to congure them, see
https://www.truenas.com/docs/core/system/alert/ on the TrueNAS Documentation Hub.
The back panel has the NVMe drive bay, case fans, power supplies and connection ports:
1. NVMe drive bay fan and status indicators
2. Power Supplies #1 and #2
3. System fans
4. Serial port
5. 1Gb Ethernet Out of Band Management port and two USB 2.0 ports
6. Two USB 3.0 ports
7. Two 10Gb SFP+ networking ports
8. VGA monitor port
9. PCIe/NIC expansion slots (x7)
Not pictured: Serial number and IPMI password stickers are attached to the back of the chassis, above the VGA
monitor port.
The lower section of the front panel has buttons and indicators to help control the system:

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 15
8.3 Racking the R50
The R50 has a built-in rail system that provides access to the main drive bay. Racking an R50 requires 4U of rack
space. Install cage nuts in the rack posts where the rails and front of the R50 will be secured to the rack, attach the
included rack rails, then push the R50 into the rails and secure the front of the system to the rack.
The R50 requires two people to mount it into rack. We recommend installing drives after securing the system in the
rack.
8.3.2 Place Cage Nuts
You will need six cage nuts for each rear rack rail (twelve total). Starting from the topmost attach point of the
4U of reserved rack space, skip the rst two attach points and attach cage nuts to the next three descending
attach points. Skip one attach point, then attach the nal three cage nuts to the next three descending attach
points. Attach another six cage nuts to the same attach points on the other rear rack rail.
Cage nuts are attached to holes in the rack posts, with the nut on the inside of the rack and “wings” pointed horizon-
tally.
Attach four cage nuts in the rack front posts, two on each side. The top cage nut is placed one attach point down
from the topmost point of the reserved 4U of rack space.
The bottom cage nut is placed one attach point up from the bottommost point of the reserved 4U or rack space.
The remaining two cage nuts are placed in the same locations on the other front rack post.
8.3.1 Rack Requirements
The R50 requires an EIA-310 compliant rack. The front and rear vertical rack posts can be spaced up to four inches
(101.6mm) apart in three dierent depth congurations: 28”-32” (711.2-812.8mm), 31”-35” (787.4-889 mm), or 34”-
38” (863.6-965.2 mm). See section “8.3.4 Adjust the Rail Sleeve”.
Front cage nut locations
Topmost attach point
Bottommost attach point
Rear cage nut locations
Topmost attach point
Bottommost attach point

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 16
8.3.5 Mount the R50 in the Rack
8.3.3 Install the Rack Rails
At the back of the rack, t a rail over the installed cage nuts. The rail tab will t into the empty rack space between
the cage nuts. Use the included M5 screws to attach the rail to the cage nuts. Follow this process for the other rail.
Two people at minimum should lift the R50. Align the grooves on the sides of the system with the rails and slide the
system forward until it is ush with the front of the rack.
Use four M5 screws to secure the system to the rack.
M5 Screw
M5 Screw
M5 Screw
M5 Screw
8.3.4 Adjust the Rail Sleeve
The rail sleeve ships in position 2 by default. To adjust it, remove the screws (blue circles) and move the sleeve to
the position that accomodates your rack’s depth (see table).
Position 1 Position 3
Position Rack Depth
1 28” - 32”
2 (pictured ) 31” - 35”
3 34” - 38”

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 17
8.4 Managing Drives
The R50 primary drive bay is mounted on internal rails and slides out from the system. The NVMe drive bay is
accessed by removing the NVMe fan on the rear of the system. Hard drives are installed directly into the system
without any additional drive trays. NVMe drives use detachable trays to mount and secure the drive in the system.
8.4.1 Handling the Primary Drive Bay
To secure the drive bay and prevent it from accidentally opening, tighten the captive thumbscrews on the front of
the system (1). The included key can also lock the drive bay and prevent unauthorized access (2).
Open the drive bay by unlocking the front (1), loosening the captive thumbscrews (2), and using the handles (3) to
pull the bay forward.
To insert the drive bay back into the system, slide the blue release catches on each rail and push the bay forward.

Support: 1-855-473-7449 or 1-408-943-4100 Email: [email protected]
Page 18
8.4.2 Installing Hard Drives
The R50 allows inserting hard drives directly into the system without requiring additional installation into a detach-
able tray. To install a hard drive, open the drive bay to expose the drive slot covers. Slide the blue release tab (1) on
a slot cover and lift (2). Gently grasp the inner tray and slide it up until it clicks into place (3).
Take the hard drive and align the connectors facing downwards into the system. The power and SATA connectors
are typically aligned to the left side of the tray (1). Slide the drive into the tray, push in the plastic release tabs on
each side of the tray and push the tray downwards to install the drive into the system (2). Close the slot cover and
make sure it clicks into place (3).