Need Drobo Alternative Ideas

[reptzo]

So, I currently have 2 DroboPros (the 8 bay versions). I am looking to replace these, due to size limits, generic speed issues, extremely insane rebuild times (like 1-2 weeks). I currently have 24 3tb hdd.

I would like to consolidate all of this into 1 unit. That unit may be something like a 24bay norco case, or some external unit. The main goal is to simply have 1 big collection of drives. I currently use windows, and would like to stay on windows since I use the server for other things, but I am willing to consider things like ZFS and the like.

Budget is around $1500, since I would likely just be ebaying the drobopros once I swap the drives out of them. I already have all the server internal parts (cpu, mobo, ram (16gb), etc). Only hardware parts I would possibly need to buy is a better PSU, current is only 550w.

Some key issues:
- Must be able to dynamically add drives.
- Must allow drives of different sizes.
- Must be able to dynamically increase size of total array.
- Must offer some kind of redundancy (raid 6 like protection).
- Naturally, must be able to access stored data remotely over network like a shared folder easily from windows systems.
-- This sharing can be done via Windows itself or whatever OS is used instead (FreeNAS, LINUX, whatever)

I would likely be starting the array built with the 8 spare drives I have, then add the drives from each drobo as I copy the data off.

I looked into solutions like FlexRaid and SnapRaid. SnapRAID doesn't really seem to offer the real solutions I want, and FlexRAID seems to be some abandoned project done by a single dude. So these are kind of out of the running.

I can handle the learning aspects of a new OS, but due to costs I am not really interested in enterprise level stuff. Don't get me wrong, I would love to have an enterprise level server rack setup in my house, but I don't really have the 10s of thousands for it, lol. I was looking into some lower cost 24 bay external hdd enclosures, but they start around the $2k range and go up fast.

I really don't need any fancy features. All I am storing is movies, tv, music, and such. Just a lot of it. I do want some fault tolerance when it comes to losing drives to hdd failure, at least dual disk redundancy (read - RAID 6).

All help is appreciated.

 

[bballkenn]

Case wise you would be looking at this, http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...me=Thermaltake Look in to using these http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817998145 That should give you 18x mobile rack. You will have to mod some cases, if you are not looking at server racks.

You would also need to be looking at RAID cards. You will have to look enterprise level RAID cards if you want to connect all 24 HDD's. I do not know any real RAID software solution, other than the ones you listed.

My server right now, only 6 HDD's. I have 4x 3TB RED internal and I am currently using that 5.25" HDD cage I linked as a back up. I back it up manually. What I like about it that its hot-swap, where I can turn off/on HDD's when I don't need them. I am assuming it is saving it from running 24/7. I also invested in a Gold Rating PSU, http://www.extremetech.com/extreme/...ency-power-supplies-cut-your-electricity-bill that should convince you too. I am using MOBO RAID since it can fit on the MOBO.

 

[smitbret]

If you need to run the array on a Windows OS, then FlexRAID would be a great option. FlexRAID employs two different types of redundancy, SnapShot RAID and Real-Time RAID. The Real-Time RAID runs like a RAID 5 or 6 but is still a Beta feature according to the developer. However, most reports say it has been very stable since the November release.

If you don't need Windows, then unRAID would probably be the most stable and simplest system to use. It won't be as fast a ZFS system, but it won't require any special hardware. You'll be able to expand the storage pool at will without rebuilding the array and you can use 1 or 2 drives for parity. You may be limited in the total # of drives you can use, though. You should check www.lime-technology.com for more info.

I wouldn't bother with Hardware RAID at this point unless you are going to insist on a Windows environment. It limits you to specific controllers, is no faster than newer ZFS setups and is less stable/clean. FreeNAS would be the option I would choose if you are considering just building a high performance NAS from scratch. You won't be able to add add'l drives to ZFS or Hardware RAID without creating new arrays and storage pools like you can with unRAID or FlexRAID.

 

[murphyc]

Where people go wrong with these setups:

Considering a single RAID 5/6 array as a backup. RAID is about availability, not about data replication. If the data is important enough for RAID 6, it's important enough to not backup. If you won't back it up, be prepared to lose all of it one day.

Getting drives explicitly not designed for this application and that includes the WDC Red which is for a max 4 bay NAS. The drive needs to support a configurable SCTERC, or the array has a significantly higher chance of total implosion even if it's RAID 6. And also the SCTERC needs to be set to something like 70 deciseconds.

Failing to have, and test, the disaster recovery plan.

- Must be able to dynamically add drives.

Make sure the kernel, the drive, and the controller, support hot swapping.

- Must allow drives of different sizes.

I'm curious how you expect this to be possible? RAID 6 by definition means all members in the array are identically sized. By members I mean the block device, which could be a bare disk or partition.