Specing out a RAID system...

[Rogue]

Hey, in January I am considering building a large, cheap file server. With this server I am considering using 4 IBM Deskstar 75GB hard drives on an Adaptec IDE RAID controller card. Naturally, I am going to put the disks in a RAID 5 array. My question is, do you think that this is sufficient for roaming profiles and general file serving on a network of about 500 people? We usually have about 1/3 to 1/2 of those people on site in any given hour of the day. Anyone have a similar configuration? BTW, I am also more than likely going to use a single proc Athy 1GHz and maybe even some DDR memory.

 

[Rogue]

Anyone?

 

[Pariah]

Adaptec's RAID card performs terribly due to a SCSI to IDE translator. If you are running a file server, you absolutely want to go SCSI with as much RAM as the server can hold. Whether you want to shell out for RAID is up to you.

 

[Windogg]

The Adaptec AAA-UDMA is only good for light traffic and 500 users will create more than light traffic. Like Pariah said there is a major performance hit. That card is based on the same Intel i960 processor that is used on RAID cards in more heavy duty servers. I would also go with one of the beefier SCSI card by Adaptec or Mylex. Also consider having a "hot spare" running just in case.

Windogg

 

[vec]

For some insight into what makes a good server check out this article. I found it a good read and the insight very useful. Anandtech's needs for a server may not be exactly the same as yours, but the information found in the article may help you make the right decisions.

BTW it you do decide to go with SCSI RAID I have an new Adaptec AAA-133u2 available for sale or trade. PM/email me if you are interested.

 

[charrison]

Go scsi, get the hot swappable raid enclosure.

Anything less is just a MAJOR headache.

 

[Windogg]

Yet another option. if your server will be purely for storage. Having a storage appliance like a Quantum SNAP is another consideration. Nearly plug and play and saves the headache and expense of working with an OS.

Windogg

 

[goldboyd]

dont even think about ide, you're much, much better off with scsi for a file server

 

[BoberFett]

If this server is for 500 users, IDE shouldn't even be a consideration.