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.

 

[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.

 

[Sawell]

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