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View Full Version : Best choice for RAID controller?

Sherk
08-15-2008, 03:56 PM
I'm looking to create a RAID 5 array with 4 WD 640 GB hard drives.

Basically, what's the best choice given no more than really $200-250?

I had at one point a really nice IDE RAID controller (can't remember who made it) with a memory slot, holding 256MB of memory. I had 4 200 GB drives for a RAID 5 array that was a decent size a few years ago...

I see a Highpoint card that looks decent on the egg, with 128MB of cache. However, it only has 2 SATA ports, and doesn't look to have a 4 port big brother.

Am I better off going with a PERC6/E with 256MB? I really don't have much of a clue on what's good right now, that's why I'm asking some (possibly dumb) questions.

Oh, I should also note the intended purpose - I want a fast storage system for dsitributing large files at LAN parties (game updates and the like... ya know). The server it's going in is going to serve a few roles, mostly as a home file server for myself (backup duties, archives of games and software), but will also be the main game server at several LAN parties hosted for friends and colleagues.

I plan on having everything on one of the Gigabyte motherboards that can team ethernet ports (most likely a 4 port P45 board). Paired with a fast processor (probably a Q9550) and 16GBs of memory, with Windows Server 2008.
Pocatello
08-15-2008, 04:15 PM
How about Areca?
nitrobass24
08-15-2008, 04:15 PM
This is a little more than your budget but none the less an awesome card for the money.
areca ARC-1210 PCI-Express x8 SATA II Controller Card RAID 0/1/1E/3/5 JBOD (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816131003)
Pocatello
08-15-2008, 04:30 PM
I plan to get the 8-SATA port version. It is currently $435 plus shipping.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816131004

I think the 12 and 16 port versions are too expensive for me.



http://www.hardfolding.com/ftag1.php/mem/8455.png (http://www.hardfolding.com?go=38&tm=33&id=8455)
Sherk
08-15-2008, 04:32 PM
That looks like a nice card... how is Areca in terms of reliability?

I haven't heard of them before now, but then again I'm just recently getting back into the swing of technology...
Pocatello
08-15-2008, 04:33 PM
Areca is very well respected here at the [H]orde.
Fryguy8
08-15-2008, 05:16 PM
another vote for arecca here
Danny Bui
08-15-2008, 05:26 PM
Another vote for Areca. If these guys are using Areca cards for their multi-terabyte storage servers, that should tell you about their quality and reliability:
Ockie's Galaxy 5.0 (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1251660)
gjvrieze's Plutonium 3 (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1254532)
odditory's 48 Terabyte Media Server (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1045086)
Sherk
08-15-2008, 08:17 PM
Nice. I'm leaning towards the Areca 4 port card now as well.

I haven't really looked at too many systems, I'm on a 56k dialup right now. I'm trying to convince housemates that it's a good idea to get satellite internet out here in the boonies...

Maybe I'll just spring for the $50 or so a month myself.

Thanks for the [H]eads up guys!
B239
08-21-2008, 10:38 AM
Reason for Editing
Dan_D
08-21-2008, 10:39 AM
I'd say go with something that fits your budget from Areca unless you need or want SAS support as well. In which case I think LSI is the way to go.
Pocatello
09-26-2008, 06:32 PM
Another vote for Areca. If these guys are using Areca cards for their multi-terabyte storage servers, that should tell you about their quality and reliability:
Ockie's Galaxy 5.0 (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1251660)
gjvrieze's Plutonium 3 (http://hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1254532)
odditory's 48 Terabyte Media Server (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1045086)

Thanks for the links!

I thought I had been everywhere at the [H] forums... but that area was new to me. I took me a long time to read thru the threads, but it was worth it! Thanks very much for the links!
lawrence131
09-26-2008, 06:39 PM
Nice. I'm leaning towards the Areca 4 port card now as well.

I haven't really looked at too many systems, I'm on a 56k dialup right now. I'm trying to convince housemates that it's a good idea to get satellite internet out here in the boonies...

Maybe I'll just spring for the $50 or so a month myself.

Thanks for the [H]eads up guys!

there's something wrong with this picture :) a multi-thousand dollar high-end RAID server and 56k dial-up don't match.