Re: SATA controller

Hi,
Ariën Huisken schrieb:
> Hi list,
> 
> I have to build a linux box (TSL2.2) with 24 750G hdd's (sata) for a  
> someone who needs lots of space. (app. 16 Tb raid-5 with hot-spare).  
> This box has to act as a nas server for a win2003 box.
> 
> I normally use onboard sata ports and sometimes a 4 port sata  
> controller (fakeraid), all combined to make a raid-5 md device.
> 
I´ve heard about controllers with 16 ports from Adaptec and Promise but 
I don´t know if they have any (stable) working drivers for linux, 
especially for kernel 2.4.x.
But with such a lot of disks I wouldn´t give any thought to such a 
controller. Think how much the server case will cost for such a 
monstrum, think about the cost for assembling this thing, the power 
supplies... Internal controller with external disks? Mh, don´t know if 
this will work better. An all in one Raid box is the better sollution 
for your needs because it´s a lot more stable and you can blame someone 
if the box doesn´t work. On the other hand, I didn´t know any any box 
with more than 16 bays for sata, which may lead you into some new 
trouble. Maybe you can get 2 boxes, use them as "jbod" and work with an 
internal scsi controller to build your raid system.

> Does anyone know there are controllers with more sata ports or is it  
> wise to use (very expensive) real raid controllers in this case?
> 
At all, in a production environment I would feel much more comfortable 
with the external boxes. Out of the box you have a more fault tolerant 
system making anoying noises when something went wrong. To set up such a 
system in a single case server will also take lots of planing, doing and 
leaves you with this uncomfortable feeling if the warning system works 
after the next patches / updates you apply to the system...
Whatever you do I would be very interrested in your solution.

Best regards,

Mike Bobkiewicz
> Suggestions anyone?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> Ariën
> 
> 
> 
> 
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