[BostonMACOSX]

I'm starting to really ramp up a website that I run. I'm going to need some serious storage to go along with it. I'm talking TB of data. I eventually want to get a xserve raid however right not that isn't in the budget.

I'm asking what your experince has been with third party tower or NAS based raid 5 solutions. I'm kind of swimming right now with all the options. I'm looking for some real feedback.

I'm thinking in the 3-6TB area to begin with but that should generate enough revenue for the xserve and xserve RAID.


Thanks
bostonmacosx

[mduell]

Someone on these forums (I forget who... maybe art_director?) loves the Wiebetech RT5. It looks like a solid piece of hardware for a decent price.

Dare I ask why your website needs so much storage?

[OreoCookie]

I'd recommend you have a look at this thread in which some fellow members detail their experiences with various storage solutions. In your case, a WiebeTech RT5 seems like a suitable solution and those who use one have given very positive feedback. There is a new RT5e version which has just been released, but you might also be interested in an older thread here.

To be honest, the RT5 tops out at (5-1)x1 TB = 4 TB (which are very expensive per GB) which might barely make your requirement. If you go for 750 GB drives, you have only 3 TB of usable space.

The RT5 has various connections (eSATA, FireWire 400 and 800, USB) -- which makes it extremely fast (if you buy a SATA card with an external connector). If you don't need USB and FireWire connectivity (there are eSATA cards available for notebooks), then you should get the RT5e.

Edit: Apparently the RT5 has a 2 TB per volume limit which is apparently due to the fact that USB cannot handle more than 2 TB at a time.