Heads-Up regarding relatively new RAID options from Dell

MikeM

I know - Dell is not as linux-friendly as they could be, but they are making progress. What I wanted to bring to everyone's attention is that they no longer are locked into the SCSI RAID only boxes.

Configuring an external SCSI RAID unit with SCSI drives runs around 25k.

BUT if you look around on the Dell site you will find that they do in fact sell a SATA RAID external unit that can hold up to 15 SATA drives and has a dual Ultra-160 SCSI interface. Promise VTech 15100 RAID storage system. Runs about $4300 without drives.

This means that with pretty much any server that has a 160 SCSI external port you can connect this RAID box and have a monster raid server for a fraction of the cost of the SCSI solutions.

We just spec'ed out two sets of the following: 1850 server with the 39160 UltraSCSI LVD controller, a VTech 15100 unit, and five 300gb Diamondmax 10 SATA drives. This will give us 1.2tb of RAID5 storage on two identical servers.

We will use these to replace two aging storage servers that have four 120gb drives in them running 2xRaid0 and 2xRaid1. These will be the new backup servers - rsync backing up other systems to one of these units, then a daily rsync of one unit to the other one, which is offsite at a secure location.

So if you are in the market for an inexpensive RAID option that supports a LOT of SATA drives, check out the VTech at DELL! Max configuration using Dell-available parts woud be using 15 400gb drives. Nice.

bilbrey · Posted: Thu May 05, 2005 8:14 pm Post subject: Aaargh

No Maxtor ... too many failures of late. Right now, our favorite PC Hardware author recommends _only_ SegateSeagate Barracuda

7200.8 SATA NCQ ST3300831AS 300GB 7200 RPM Hard Drive - OEM

$185.99 at NewEgg

MikeM · Posted: Mon May 16, 2005 8:11 am Post subject: Re: Aaargh