Storage

[Sawell]

So I've got nearing 3TB of storage space filled and my base unit is getting a little heavy and crowded.

What are my options for having that storage external at the best speeds possible?

Would I need to stick them in a shell PC with the basics and access the drives via network, or is there some kind of unit I can pur-chase and just stick a load of SATA cables into a PCI card on my main rig?

Also, what's the deal with RAID, as I'm thinking it might be a good idea? Can you put drives in RAID that already have data on them? Do the drives have to be SATA, etc etc?

Sorry I'm a bit new to the whole storage scene.

 

[Tomsk]

What are my options for having that storage external at the best speeds possible?

best external speeds = second PC acting as server if all your current PC's and network is gigabit

Would I need to stick them in a shell PC with the basics and access the drives via network, or is there some kind of unit I can pur-chase and just stick a load of SATA cables into a PCI card on my main rig?

There are units, but they can cost as much as (and quite often more especially if you want speed) than a second PC. They're usually equipped with USB or (slow) network interfaces, unless you're paying more £££. SATA card and cables will be cheapest and fastest if you have the space and power in your PC case.

Also, what's the deal with RAID, as I'm thinking it might be a good idea? Can you put drives in RAID that already have data on them? Do the drives have to be SATA, etc etc?

To start a RAID system, all the data on the drives will be wiped.
You could probably mix SATA and IDE HD's using a software RAID.
HArdware RAID will require identical types (SATA/SAS/IDE etc) types of drive and ideally identical sizes.


A drobo might be an alternative (and sold by OcUK) - www.drobo.com

 

[Sawell]

best external speeds = second PC acting as server if all your current PC's and network is gigabit




There are units, but they can cost as much as (and quite often more especially if you want speed) than a second PC. They're usually equipped with USB or (slow) network interfaces, unless you're paying more £££. SATA card and cables will be cheapest and fastest if you have the space and power in your PC case.




To start a RAID system, all the data on the drives will be wiped.
You could probably mix SATA and IDE HD's using a software RAID.
HArdware RAID will require identical types (SATA/SAS/IDE etc) types of drive and ideally identical sizes.


A drobo might be an alternative (and sold by OcUK) - www.drobo.com

Fantastic, thanks so much for your help.

 

[J.B]

Personally Id go for a cheap PC with loads of hard drives, you could even buy a PCI hard disk controller if you run out on the Mobo.

The reason Id go for this, if you could hide it under the stairs or somewhere, means you have less chance of it being stolen in the event of a break in.

Also will be the highest performance, with the exception of a PCI card in your machine.

 

[Sawell]

As my router can only support 10/100 (Speedtouch 780WL) can I just do a crossover cable and get gigabit?