Building a server for storage
Hi there, A friend of mine has asked me to build a server for a local business. When I asked him what he wants it for he basically said a massive storage space to store files from users (about five users).
Hi there,
A friend of mine has asked me to build a server for a local business. When I asked him what he wants it for he basically said a massive storage space to store files from users (about five users). At first I thought about a SAN but then considered these as being too expensive. I, therefore, think the best option is to build a system with massive storage capability. This is where I need your help.. can you give me some ideas of what components I should include?
The foremost components I were thinking of were 4 x 250GB SATA hard drives in RAID mode... anything else??
Thanks.
Mak
A friend of mine has asked me to build a server for a local business. When I asked him what he wants it for he basically said a massive storage space to store files from users (about five users). At first I thought about a SAN but then considered these as being too expensive. I, therefore, think the best option is to build a system with massive storage capability. This is where I need your help.. can you give me some ideas of what components I should include?
The foremost components I were thinking of were 4 x 250GB SATA hard drives in RAID mode... anything else??
Thanks.
Mak
Participate on our website and join the conversation
This topic is archived. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast.
Responses to this topic
I have been using Intel Motherboard and i find the new ones VERY reliable, especially i865 and i875 Chipsets. I use D865GBF myself and it seems to be a solid, reliable board so far (i also build them and service these systems and never found any problems related to Intel boards).
Intel 865 and 875 Chipsets come with ICH5 and Two SATA connector on board (Raid 0 and 1 Capable), but if you want to connect more HDD's and have a more complex raid sequence you are better off getting a PCI SATA controller with enough connectors or your drives.(there are non that i have personally used so i have no personal preference)
If the users are accessing the files through LAN it is not really as important to have raid0 on all of your drives as it will not improve your performence by much over a 100Mbs LAN. However it will give you the Huge storage as one drive.
You also have to keep in mind that HDD's DIE!!!! They are not very reliable for long term storage as they can die on you anytime!!! so you need to think about some way of getting around that issue by using Raid1 (then you'll need more drives) or some other type of storage like a network Tape Storage system (Expensive).
Intel 865 and 875 Chipsets come with ICH5 and Two SATA connector on board (Raid 0 and 1 Capable), but if you want to connect more HDD's and have a more complex raid sequence you are better off getting a PCI SATA controller with enough connectors or your drives.(there are non that i have personally used so i have no personal preference)
If the users are accessing the files through LAN it is not really as important to have raid0 on all of your drives as it will not improve your performence by much over a 100Mbs LAN. However it will give you the Huge storage as one drive.
You also have to keep in mind that HDD's DIE!!!! They are not very reliable for long term storage as they can die on you anytime!!! so you need to think about some way of getting around that issue by using Raid1 (then you'll need more drives) or some other type of storage like a network Tape Storage system (Expensive).
