Raid 5 suggestions

[LxMxFxD3]

Hi,

I'm currently using the si 3114 RAID5 controller that came on my A8N SLI premium mobo. Its ok but I'm adding a drive today and just learned that I have to delete the entire array (3 disk) in order to add the 4th drive. I just returned from a buddy's house to borrow his 500GB LaCie to back this up and was thinking "perhaps time to buy a *real* raid5 controller."

But, I can't seem to find any good reviews of raid5 controllers using google.

If anyone has any experience or knows some good links to some good controller cards and/or reviews that would be helpful.

I use the system in my rig mostly for video encoding directly to the array so reading & write speeds are both important.

Thanks guys

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

What is your price range, and what slot (PCI, PCIe, PCI-X) are you looking for? For reviews and information, I'd start looking here as well.

 

[LxMxFxD3]

Theres nothing at storage review on RAID.

Any price range.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Okay, what format? PCI-X, PCI-e, or PCI? I have had Highpoint RAID cards, and I currently have a BroadCom BC4852 8-port SATA RAID controller. It's wonderful, and supports online RAID expansion. One of the best is Areca (spelling?), but they aren't cheap. They go anywhere from $300 - 1200.

Also, are you doing SATA or PATA RAID arrays?

 

[n0cmonkey]

I'd get an LSI megaraid card.

 

[LxMxFxD3]

Any platform. My mobo supporst PCI-X, pci-e and pci. What do you suggest in the sub $500 range? I really only need a 4 drive solution really.

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

Originally posted by: LxMxFxD3
Any platform. My mobo supporst PCI-X, pci-e and pci. What do you suggest in the sub $500 range? I really only need a 4 drive solution really.

What mobo are you using? Just wondering. Always looking for PCI-X & PCIe mobos. In that case, grab a PCI-X Areca 4-port card. Can't go wrong with them, as far as I'm concerned. BroadCom's cards have excellent features, but their performance isn't stellar.

Also, what MHz are your PCI-X slots? IIRC, Areca PCI-X cards are only 64-bit @ 66MHz. My Broadcom 4852 is a full 64-bit @ 133Mhz.

 

[djdrastic]

I'm in the Exact Boat as you are , I am probably going to pick up and Promise 4 Port Controller

 

[LxMxFxD3]

I'm using an asus a8n-sli premium. I may go with this:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16816131003

Its $400 but seems people give it good marks. If only my 4 existing HDs were SATA II instead of SATA I, doh.

Any thoughts anyone on an alternative to this areca board?

 

[Fullmetal Chocobo]

That is an excellent card. And don't buy something that is PCI-X. You don't have PCI-X. Just PCIe and PCI.

 

[LxMxFxD3]

Originally posted by: Fullmetal Chocobo
That is an excellent card. And don't buy something that is PCI-X. You don't have PCI-X. Just PCIe and PCI.

Ahh I didn't realize. PCI-X is only on server mobos I presume?

 

[racolvin]

I have the LSI Megaraid 150-4 (PCI) and it has worked well for me for quite some time now

 

[EatSpam]

This comparison at tweakers.net should get you started.

You'll want a PCIe based RAID card, so you'll probably be looking at an Areca or Highpoint. Highpoint's higher end cards are pretty decent and affordable, but Areca is the best.

The LSI Megaraid series are really slow compared with more modern cards...and they aren't cheap either.

 

[Arcanedeath]

The Arcera 12XX or 11XX series would be what I'd suggest

 

[djdrastic]

Wow that is an AWESOME article , thanks dude