Using the IPMI (Intelligent Platform Management Interface) functionality provided by the Super Micro motherboard, you can basically configure the BIOS, install the FreeNAS OS and use your computer via a network connection. This avoids the need to hook a monitor and keyboard up to your server, it also allows you to mount an ISO as a virtual drive allowing you to install the OS incredibly easily. This post walks you through the process of installing FreeNAS using this method.
