The [H]ard Forum Storage Showoff Thread - Post your 10TB+ systems

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drgnfang said:
I believe "cry like a little girl" is my current DR plan as well.
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ROFL

Sorry, it's hard to stop my sides from exploding with all the laughter.

But I know exactly what you mean. My whole data storage capabilities adds up to something like 2.5~3TB, and that includes ALL my systems (which btw are all single-disk, for the moment). Early last year I lost about 1 year worth of data (around 250GB, and oddly enough the most files lost were photos and personal documents, big video files stayed intact... go figure), most of which VERY important data files regarding my internship as a lawyer.

I remember panicking for a while, and being frustrated for a VERY long time after the fact, like 6 months or so. So yeah, if 10TB+ of data went the way of the dodo I'd cry like a little girl.

So basically, it'll be RAID1 (or comparable 100% duplication) FTW on any system I build from now on, and important stuff (which doesn't really add up to more than 20GB) will be replicated on every computer on the network, off-site, and possibly on a dedicated external HDD.

Cheers.

Miguel
 
Wow. Thanks for putting me in my place guys! :eek:
Think I have maybe 3TB total between 2 comptuers.
 
I finally hit the 10TB club with my file server yesterday when I expanded my array! I'm sure I could've posted earlier, but I felt that it should be 10TB usable (1.397TB * 8 drives), otherwise it's 13.97TB formatted (1.397TB * 10 drives) without calculating parity and 15TB raw storage space (1.5TB advertised * 10 drives). ;)

I'll post pics and stuff when I get around to it, eventually, and if I can get my hands on a camera. :D
 
__Miguel_ said:
That's raw bandwidth, not counting overhead.

I've never managed to get 100MBps+ speeds out of gigabit, but I do have some experience with 100Mbps connections, and let me tell you overhead can hit maximum throughput pretty hard.

Unmanaged (that is, without some sort of software managing packets, like cFosSpeed) connections can be hit with up to 20% throughput loss, which in Gigabit would mean closer to 100MBps instead of 125MBps. Also, if I remember correctly, even throughput-oriented machines have problems going over 100MBps (I'm referring to the SmallNetBuilder NAS series of articles a while back), so he was somewhat right :p

Cheers.

Miguel
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I did not know this. Thanks for the info, good to know. Would explain why I only get 10MB/s out of 100Mb instead of 12.5MB/s. Wow, 20%... that could mean the difference of hours for very large transfers.
 
Syntax Error said:
I finally hit the 10TB club with my file server yesterday when I expanded my array!
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Congrats. I hope I can get there too, someday...

Red Falcon said:
I did not know this. Thanks for the info, good to know. Would explain why I only get 10MB/s out of 100Mb instead of 12.5MB/s. Wow, 20%... that could mean the difference of hours for very large transfers.
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Most of that overhead has to do with packet size inefficiencies and the sheer amount of ACK packets the reciever has to send in response to a packet reception. That's why I got myself a TCP/IP optimizer software, which can not only cram more connections through a single link without the system becoming unresponsive on the WAN side (great for Torrent connections, for instance) but also squeeze every last drop of available bandwidth in both directions.

Since I got that thing, I'm able to upload at 100KBps on a 1Mbps uplink DSL connection, while downloading at around 800KBps on the 8Mbps downlink side. And the LAN overhead can actually drop to about 5% on very good days. Though I'm still to find a way to go above 400Mbps on a Gbps link... lol Most of the time, it tops out at around 300~350Mbps.

OK, sorry for the OT. But I guess it can still fit in this thread, since most of these systems are NASes, right?... :p

Cheers.

Miguel
 
Red Falcon said:
I did not know this. Thanks for the info, good to know. Would explain why I only get 10MB/s out of 100Mb instead of 12.5MB/s. Wow, 20%... that could mean the difference of hours for very large transfers.
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10MB/s is pretty good (80Mbit).
 
bummer
i got all excited about Ockies post, but its just net thing
cmon, finish that 32t little one! :D
 
asgards said:
bummer
i got all excited about Ockies post, but its just net thing
cmon, finish that 32t little one! :D
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The little one is finished, just waiting for the processor to arrive (had to hunt down one on ebay because I wanted 45w max for the processor).


My estimates are between 110-125w of power draw and I have tested it running so far and the noise is non existent... when I put the cover with the sound insulation on, you have to check the leds to see if they are powered.


This is by far the best build that I have done and I'm extremely happy with the results. I got a ton of storage in a small lockable case that produces no sound and sips on power.
 
Ockie said:
The little one is finished, just waiting for the processor to arrive (had to hunt down one on ebay because I wanted 45w max for the processor).


My estimates are between 110-125w of power draw and I have tested it running so far and the noise is non existent... when I put the cover with the sound insulation on, you have to check the leds to see if they are powered.


This is by far the best build that I have done and I'm extremely happy with the results. I got a ton of storage in a small lockable case that produces no sound and sips on power.
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Where is the tread about the little one?
 
jtg1993 said:
Where is the tread about the little one?
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There will be no thread on this one :) I want people to start being original in their own builds... the last few I've pushed out over here were basically ripped off from part to part... hell I even got bad mouthed by someone who basically took the entire list of items I had and cloned it.

So yeah, you guys need to be original on your own merits :D
 
Ockie said:
My estimates are between 110-125w of power draw and I have tested it running so far and the noise is non existent... when I put the cover with the sound insulation on, you have to check the leds to see if they are powered.
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In other words, probably THE best NAS ever to be built to date... hehehe

I'd also like to see a build log. Care to point that out to us mere mortals? :p Or at least the spec list just to leave us with watering mouths?

Also, just out of curiosity, it the build AMD based?

Cheers.

Miguel
 
__Miguel_ said:
In other words, probably THE best NAS ever to be built to date... hehehe

I'd also like to see a build log. Care to point that out to us mere mortals? :p Or at least the spec list just to leave us with watering mouths?

Also, just out of curiosity, it the build AMD based?

Cheers.

Miguel
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Yes AMD based on the dual core e series processor (45w). I'll have a pic soon, but probably not a build thread... another reason is that I simply did not have the time to show each step and also I was too eager to get it done. But yes, I think it's the best storage unit to date, I have seen nothing like it and the friends agree.
 
Dont bother with the whiners "why did you do it THAT way? THIS way is (probably not) much better!", just post the pics for our enjoyment :)

Please?
 
I also request pics and a parts list for inspiration.

I don't want to pick it apart or copy it, but I'd definitely be interested in your thoughts on how the build turns out as well. If everyone held back the arcane knowledge from each of these WHS builds we'd all be the lesser for it.
 
Ockie said:
There will be no thread on this one :) I want people to start being original in their own builds... the last few I've pushed out over here were basically ripped off from part to part... hell I even got bad mouthed by someone who basically took the entire list of items I had and cloned it.

So yeah, you guys need to be original on your own merits :D
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Oh, I didn't see this one, sorry.

I totally understand that, but I do seriously enjoy going through masterpieces being built. It never ceases to amaze me how good some guys are when it comes to building computer cases...

Ockie said:
Yes AMD based on the dual core e series processor (45w).
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Something told me that would be it. I don't know why, I never gravitated to AMD much... I have to revisit that one, and while the X2 "e" series still exists (though here in Portugal most stores only sell Phenoms, X2s practically disappeared... Go figure)

Ockie said:
But yes, I think it's the best storage unit to date, I have seen nothing like it and the friends agree.
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With that kind of storage capacity, low power and low noise, it HAS to be... I'm wondering what's in it... Does it have hot-swap cages?

Oh, and btw, let me just say "AHHHHHHHHHHH! OCKIE ANSWERED ME!!!!! EEEEK! ZOMG! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, *THE* STORAGE KING TALKED TO ME!!!!" *drops unconscious due to lack of brain oxygenation.* :D

:p OK, OK, I'll drop the shenanigans. Sorry :eek:

Wibla said:
Dont bother with the whiners "why did you do it THAT way? THIS way is (probably not) much better!", just post the pics for our enjoyment :)

Please?
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X2!

[LYL]Homer;1034563652 said:
If everyone held back the arcane knowledge from each of these WHS builds we'd all be the lesser for it.
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SO true, though for some reason the "arcane" part threw me to my times playing PC RPGs... I have to get a new RPG, but newer ones all seem to suck...

OK, sorry, /OT.

Cheers.

Miguel
 
nitrobass24 said:
Damn Miguel put it back in your pants.
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It never left my pants, don't worry.

I was just venting, yesterday was a VERY long day, and I needed to vent. Though if the post was too out there, I'll be happy to edit it. Just say the word.

Cheers.

Miguel
 
I'm glad I'm not the only that is as enthusiastic and excited about storage hardware.
 
Ockie said:
There will be no thread on this one :) I want people to start being original in their own builds... the last few I've pushed out over here were basically ripped off from part to part... hell I even got bad mouthed by someone who basically took the entire list of items I had and cloned it.

So yeah, you guys need to be original on your own merits :D
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I know, I kind of lead early on with my Norco 4020 build, and I keep finding build threads, that have literally almost every spec that mine has...

That said, cannot wait to see pictures there, Ockie.
 
gjvrieze said:
I know, I kind of lead early on with my Norco 4020 build, and I keep finding build threads, that have literally almost every spec that mine has...

That said, cannot wait to see pictures there, Ockie.
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I think I can speak for the rest of in giving props to pioneers like you and Ockie who have come up with a great formula.
 
[LYL]Homer;1034566662 said:
I think I can speak for the rest of in giving props to pioneers like you and Ockie who have come up with a great formula.
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Yep, so true.

Plus, once you go Norco you can't really go very far in terms of specs... lol You'll end up with a decent (preferably low noise, though all those high speed fans are a real pain when it comes to keep noise down) PSU, a low-wattage CPU (you don't really need a dual-socket mobo for a home NAS, right?) and a motherboard with enough slots to fit all your storage card needs.

You can, however, do a kick ass job on cable management to set you apart from the rest of the people, and there have been excellent examples of that.

Cheers.

Miguel
 
__Miguel_ said:
Yep, so true.

Plus, once you go Norco you can't really go very far in terms of specs... lol You'll end up with a decent (preferably low noise, though all those high speed fans are a real pain when it comes to keep noise down) PSU, a low-wattage CPU (you don't really need a dual-socket mobo for a home NAS, right?) and a motherboard with enough slots to fit all your storage card needs.

You can, however, do a kick ass job on cable management to set you apart from the rest of the people, and there have been excellent examples of that.

Cheers.

Miguel
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Yeah the norco made the scene so boring, you don't have to have any creativity, just a checkbook. I really enjoyed it when people were trying new ways to get disks inside a system for mass storage.

I actually designed a custom case to hold 10 drives, smaller than any nas that you have ever seen and it's pretty functional in terms of design. I haven't gotten around to building the actual model (past the prototype) and I don't really have time or access to waterjet cutters.
 
Ockie said:
Yeah the norco made the scene so boring, you don't have to have any creativity, just a checkbook. I really enjoyed it when people were trying new ways to get disks inside a system for mass storage.

I actually designed a custom case to hold 10 drives, smaller than any nas that you have ever seen and it's pretty functional in terms of design. I haven't gotten around to building the actual model (past the prototype) and I don't really have time or access to waterjet cutters.
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Ok, now you're just screwing with us...

Tease...:D

Edit: Now I'm inspired. Maybe my next project will focus on mountting hard drives in objects you wouldn't expect. For example, I've always wanted to restore an antique radio, one of those floor standing models. Lots of space for a storage server in there...
 
The design calls for the case sides to be also the structural part, to get it small. Also, I like it rugged :D
 
Ockie said:
Yeah the norco made the scene so boring, you don't have to have any creativity, just a checkbook.
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Pretty FAT checkbook (or at least the bank account that holds the money the check is coming from... lol). As good and cheap as Norco cases are, they are still rather expensive (it's me, $300 for a case drops my chin to the ground any day of the week). Plus we don't have suppliers in Europe (namely Portugal - hint for Norco, PM me if you want to ship overseas, I might take you up on the offer lol)

Ockie said:
I really enjoyed it when people were trying new ways to get disks inside a system for mass storage.
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Oh, you're one of the BIY guys. My kind of modder. Those are always the best cases. For me, at least. Making the computer case fade to the background is simply amazing.

Ockie said:
I actually designed a custom case to hold 10 drives, smaller than any nas that you have ever seen and it's pretty functional in terms of design.
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Drool.

epimetheus said:
For example, I've always wanted to restore an antique radio, one of those floor standing models. Lots of space for a storage server in there...
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Hehehe. One of my recurring ideas is to fill up a 1 meter high piece of furniture with 6 drawers with computer hardware, especially HDDs... The thing just sits in my bedroom, so every time I walk by it, the same idea pops in my head... :p

Ockie said:
Find me someone who's willing to cut 1/4" aluminum plate and I'll show you the design :D
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Damn, that's think. Does it REALLY have to be that thick, even if it's for structural purposes?

Anyway, just the thickness of the sides alone says plenty about that project...

epimetheus said:
I have friends in low places...
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LOL

Cheers.

Miguel
 
I always wished they would convert the microfly/apevia aspire cases for massive storage... cram as many drives as you can into that box... remove the handle and the front panel and stick drive spaces in it. You should be able to fit like a dozen drives in it.
I modded my old aspire matx case to fit a 3 x5.25 bay converters for 5 drives, but theres plenty room for more...
and maybe we should create a separate discussion thread?
which reminds me, i need to post my setup... and find somewhere to host images...
 
[LYL]Homer;1034570999 said:
Ockie, is it stackable and expandable?
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With it's size and shape my idea was to be able to stack them yes. My idea calls for a rugged simplistic box designed for transportation and durability. It would be really easy to make them expandable by using a different rear plate with an esata cutout and expander mounts.
 
oooo hey Ockie, need investors? :-D
Protocase is interesting... no minimum order...
Doesn't look like they offer 1/4in steel to work with...

you can download free software to design your own case...
maybe I can design that mitx rackserver w/48 2.5in drives now...
or my own portable cube server... just need to find someone to fab some custom controller cards
well, looks like i wont be doing any work for a week... :-D
 
Oh, I'm sooo drooling right now... You guys have the sickest ideas...

However, as someone else already said, we're getting a little out of topic.

How about starting a "NAS idea tank" thread, or something like that (I haven't seen anything like that on the forums I visit), for those of us who have great ideas and little or no budget/time/patience/hand-eye coordination/skills/etc. to be able to help out those who have great budget/time/patience/hand-eye coordination/skills/etc. but no ideas whatsoever?

I personally have some ideas I have never been able to put to practice because of lack of budget, time, patience, hand-eye coordination AND skills :eek:, and the only thing I'd ask in return if someone were to use my designs/ideas would be to give me credit for them (that way I might get picked up by someone in the industry that liked my ideas... :rolleyes:).

So, the idea is out there. If someone feels like starting a thread like that, or wants me to start one, just drop me a line on where it is (or where you want it to be... lol).

Cheers.

Miguel
 
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