On Friday 26 July 2002 12:36, you wrote:
> I've decided to build a nice linux server with a RAID 5 (hardware)
> configuration. DELL and COMPAQ srping to mind, but I don't want to get
> into a mess with incomplete drivers, weird PERC controller issues, and
> the like. So what who's hardware can give me the best deal? Or a build
> it yourself job? Perhaps Server Blades that John's into, or colbalt a raq?
1) What are you _actually_ going to use it for, and why RAID 5?
RAID 5 has performance drawbacks for some applications eg) one using Random
writes.
2) Who is it for?
If it's for yourself at home I'd built it yourself, as you get to choose
_all_ the components you want, and aren't limited by major manufactures
decisions, many use onboard Video for example, rather than AGP ports etc.
If it's commercial, then I'd talk to one of the Linux vendors GND, or DNK
spring to mind.
I've used very nice SCSI RAID controllers supplied by GND under Linux, I
think it's IPT Vortex, you very definitely need for such a system a well
supported controller with a good driver available.
3) Finally consider using IDE and RAID 10 software RAID (RAID1 on top of RAID
0)
It's much faster, and unless you are using very many disks and SCSI chain,
then you don't waste much more space than say a RAID 5 on 4 disks. You will
likely find that you can (depending on application requirements) actually
save money, and get better performance by using 2 IDE, controllers, one per
mirror, rather than a SCSI RAID 5 controller, and using fast IDE disks, which
tend to be much softer on the budget.
There is some information out there (try search at linux.today for 'building
gigabyte IDE server), or for a basic system (with good power supply and
case), you should be able to squeeze in 4 disks for a RAID 10 IDE setup, at
much lower cost than if you go a SCSI RAID route.
Quite honestly if you are a home user, then SCSI is almost certainly a total
waste of money now.
Rob
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