Pls help me build an external eSATA RAID array

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 10:17

Hi,

I edit uncompressed video (sometimes HD) so I need lots of fast storage. I've filled up my computer with hard disks and so it's time to consider building an external RAID array. I'd like to make use of modern technologies like eSATA and PCI-Express.

I'm imagining perfect setup would be something like:

1) An external disk enclosure with enough space for about 12 drives. Must run quietly. Hot-swapping would be nice but not essential.

2) An eSATA RAID controller

I only want to buy about 2 x 300GB drives right now to use as a backup solution but then, as time goes on, I'd like to slowly fill the drive enclosure with more and more drives.

I'd love some recommendataions for good value products like:

1) The external drive enclosure

2) SATA port-multiplier boards (i.e. a bit of electronics that goes in the external drive enclosure and allows me to use a single eSATA cable to control up to 5 drives without and performance hit)

3) An eSATA PCI / PCI-Express controller card.

I've found a good set of reviews over on AMUG:

http://www.amug.org/amug-web/html/amug/reviews/reviews.html

Many thanks for your help,
Jack

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 11:31

I think my current favorite setup is:

* 2 x Seagate 7200.10 320GB SATA-II drives (£72 each, best value per GB) (I'll buy more in the future)
* Addonics 6-drive storage tower ST5X1PM with port multiplier ($199 - haven't found it in the UK yet)
* Addonics PCI-Express eSATA II controller

Does that sound sensible? Should I setup my two drives as RAID5? Will I then be able to add more drives in the future to expand the size of the RAID array?

Thanks,
Jack

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 11:45

Hi,

Thanks loads for letting me know about needing 3+ for RAID5. Do they have to be identical disks? For example, could I use 2 x 320GB drives and 1x 750GB?

Regarding SCSI: is it not the case that SATA offers performance that nearly matches that of SCSI but for much better prices?

Warmest regards,
Jack

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 12:21

Actually, no - I hadn't considered getting a bigger case! Good idea. But I worry that it would only be a stop-gap measure. I can see myself needing a full 12-disk array in about 12-18 month's time. I already have 4 disks in my existing system so I'd nee a case that could handle 16 3.5" hard disks (and keep them cool). Does such a case exist?

I like the idea of using external storage because it seems to give tonnes of headroom for future expansion. Also, I already have a very nice Antec case and I'd be upset to have to sell it!

Thanks,
Jack

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 17:38

Hi guys,

Thanks loads for all your replies.

Unfortauntely, I think I can't move my shinney new external RAID array any further than 2 meters away from my computer (which is the max distance for eSATA). I can't send data over the network because even Gbit ethernet would be fast enough (with all 12 disks I'll be needing to expecting to get about 500MB/second).

Noise is a big issue and something that I'll need to consider more deeply.

I like the idea of getting something 2nd hand from eBay - it's always fun to get good deals off eBay.

What do people think of my plan to use an ? It looks like a pretty good deal to me at $199 (assuming I can get it somewhere in the UK!).

Thanks,
Jack

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 18:36

Hi,

Yes... when I start sharing an office with other people then I will need to build some sort of NAS / SAN which might utilise multiple Gbit-ethernet connections... but I think that's probably over-complicating things right now (I run my little video editing business from my spare room right now! plans to expand soon...)

So, I've looked on that wonderful bidding site and I've found some very cheap, old, rack-mountable SCSI storage arrays (e.g. a "COMPAQ PROLIANT U2 STORAGE ARRAY"). These things come with power supplies etc.

Could I hack out the SCSI electronics from these storage arrays and install eSATA port-multipliers? In other words, I'd be using the storage array just as a PSU and a box. All the RAID electronics would be done on the PCI-Express controller card.

Thanks,
Jack

dan_aka_jack · 22 Jun 2006 at 22:22

Cool. What sort of enclosure does your mate have?

Thanks,
Jack