nanofrog
Apr 24, 09:32 PM
So I'm a freelance Editor/Motion Graphics guy with no real understanding of RAID Controller Cards, or how they work.
As of right now I have three 1TB drives inside my Mac Pro, RAIDed together (stripe 0) using the OS. No Raid card.
The drives are all 7200rpm from varying manufacturers. (not sure if this matters.)
My questions is; is it beneficial for me to get a RAID card to control these drives vs. leaving it to the OS to handle? Any suggestions for me?
Thanks.
2010 8-Core Mac Pro 2.4
14GB RAM
It all depends on the details of how you use the system (RAID is supposed to be configured to the specific usage, so there's no "one size fits all", though for narrowed usage patterns, you will see similarities).
I'd advise you to search out previous RAID threads (there's quite a few), and pay attention to the various questions asked, and get back to us with some answers). I'd also recommend you review Wiki's RAID page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID) (pay particular attention to the different levels).
If you're a paid professional, using a stripe set (RAID 0) is a disaster waiting to happen. Even with a backup, you'll spend a fair bit of time to perform a recovery when a disk dies (matter of when, not if), and this also means re-performing work that was done between the most recent backup and when the array failed (beyond replacing the bad disk and restoring all the backup files, which presumably <worst case>, will be multiples to return all the data you have from your backup media).
Glad to see you at least have some sort of backup with your current configuration. :)
Now if you go with a RAID card, you'll need to use enterprise grade drives for stability reasons (different recovery timings in the firmware than consumer models, which tend to be unstable as a result). Unfortunately, they're not as cheap (in fact, can be 2x as expensive as their consumer counterparts for the latest capacity).
Consumer disks are fine for backup purposes though, and this can save you a considerable amount of funds, particularly if your capacity requirements are high (i.e. eSATA card + Port Multiplier based external enclosure; example kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816111136&cm_re=tr4mp-_-16-111-136-_-Product)).
There are some inexpensive products that claim RAID 5, but be careful. Some are software based, which should never be used for this level (no solution to the "write hole issue" associated with parity based arrays). Others use very inexpensive hardware RAID controllers (aka RoC = RAID on a Chip). They're slow for primary usage, and is why they're cheap (compromise on performance vs. proper RAID cards).
If on a budget you could go with RAID-Z, it involves switching to the ZFS file system. RAID-Z1 apparently offers similar performance to RAID5. Read this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1135718) for further insight.
This can get complicated on the software end though, and not recommended for those that aren't comfortable with the additional complexity (patches for OS X or via VM), particularly for a DAS system (has more merit with NAS or SAN IMO).
So I'd stick with a 3rd party hardware RAID card, assuming this is actually needed, enterprise disks and any enclosures/mounting hardware necessary. Much simpler in terms of software (install the drivers, and any interface software that's required to access the card settings), and the hardware aspect isn't that difficult either.
I would get an SSD for the OS and use the 3x 7200rpm Disks in RAID5.
RAID5 is great for storing uncompressed video data and in your case would offer protection against a single drive failure.
Most cards don't deal with consumer grade disks very well (ATTO and Area definitely don't).
But consumer disks are fine for backup purposed (i.e via eSATA and PM enclosures) due to the lower duty cycle (where you can cut costs effectively, and not endanger the data).
or Just RAID5 with 3x HDD's and partition the RAID volume.
I wouldn't do this if both partitions are to be used simultaneously (i.e. primary data one one partition, scratch data on the other).
The most recommend cards right now are the Areca 6g 1880 series or the new ATTO 6G series. For your needs something like the ARC-1880-i SAS 6G RAID Controller would suffice if you don't plan to connect external RAID/Storage solution.
Those are the best recommendations as far as brand and series per. As to a specific model, it will depend on the specifics, particularly for growth (i.e 8 ports may be outgrown in under 3 years, so getting a card with sufficient ports to last that long would be cheaper in the long run - just add disks and enclosures as necessary).
Sorry should have been more clear (like I said I'm dumb) I have a 500GB Boot drive that lives independently from the (3) 1TB drives RAIDED together via the OS.
A separate boot disk is advisable, as you still have a working OS if the array goes down (allows you to access the card, use the browser to search for help, or deal with Support from the card manufacturer if needed).
And ALL data (3.5TB's) is backed up by an external 4TB Time Machine RAID (2 drives @ 2TB each)...which is connected via 2 eSATA cables via the eSATA PCI Card I bought from OWC...which I guess is actually RAIDed by the OS as well.
That backup solution is a RAID 0. The overall backup solution will almost certainly need to change in order to be sufficient for the primary storage pool you'll end up with.
Not sure what you are looking at, since 3 drives is sort of an odd combination. I have a 2009/2010 Mac Pro Nehalem, running the apple sas card for the 4 internal bays (yes I know they make adapters to use 3rd party cards), and the performance is fair, not great but fair. About 300Mb/s read/write with 4 WD Black edition drives (1tb each). Externally, running an Areca 1680x card, with a 8 drive ProAvio chassis, 8 SAS Seagate 15k7 drives (450GB) which gives close to 900MB/s. I have tried multiple cards over the years, nano and I have exchanged lots of posts/messages. Email/PM me with specific questions and I will try and help you. Beware of most of these 3rd party slot adapters/etc. they are more hassle than they are worth.
I've not heard or seen any issues with the MaxUpgrades kit.
As per Apple's card, I'm no fan of it, particularly due to the cost/performance ratio.
BTW, the OP only has 2 posts at the time of writting this, so returning a PM isn't possible yet (needs to have 5 posts IIRC). email would work if you have that enabled.
As of right now I have three 1TB drives inside my Mac Pro, RAIDed together (stripe 0) using the OS. No Raid card.
The drives are all 7200rpm from varying manufacturers. (not sure if this matters.)
My questions is; is it beneficial for me to get a RAID card to control these drives vs. leaving it to the OS to handle? Any suggestions for me?
Thanks.
2010 8-Core Mac Pro 2.4
14GB RAM
It all depends on the details of how you use the system (RAID is supposed to be configured to the specific usage, so there's no "one size fits all", though for narrowed usage patterns, you will see similarities).
I'd advise you to search out previous RAID threads (there's quite a few), and pay attention to the various questions asked, and get back to us with some answers). I'd also recommend you review Wiki's RAID page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID) (pay particular attention to the different levels).
If you're a paid professional, using a stripe set (RAID 0) is a disaster waiting to happen. Even with a backup, you'll spend a fair bit of time to perform a recovery when a disk dies (matter of when, not if), and this also means re-performing work that was done between the most recent backup and when the array failed (beyond replacing the bad disk and restoring all the backup files, which presumably <worst case>, will be multiples to return all the data you have from your backup media).
Glad to see you at least have some sort of backup with your current configuration. :)
Now if you go with a RAID card, you'll need to use enterprise grade drives for stability reasons (different recovery timings in the firmware than consumer models, which tend to be unstable as a result). Unfortunately, they're not as cheap (in fact, can be 2x as expensive as their consumer counterparts for the latest capacity).
Consumer disks are fine for backup purposes though, and this can save you a considerable amount of funds, particularly if your capacity requirements are high (i.e. eSATA card + Port Multiplier based external enclosure; example kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816111136&cm_re=tr4mp-_-16-111-136-_-Product)).
There are some inexpensive products that claim RAID 5, but be careful. Some are software based, which should never be used for this level (no solution to the "write hole issue" associated with parity based arrays). Others use very inexpensive hardware RAID controllers (aka RoC = RAID on a Chip). They're slow for primary usage, and is why they're cheap (compromise on performance vs. proper RAID cards).
If on a budget you could go with RAID-Z, it involves switching to the ZFS file system. RAID-Z1 apparently offers similar performance to RAID5. Read this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1135718) for further insight.
This can get complicated on the software end though, and not recommended for those that aren't comfortable with the additional complexity (patches for OS X or via VM), particularly for a DAS system (has more merit with NAS or SAN IMO).
So I'd stick with a 3rd party hardware RAID card, assuming this is actually needed, enterprise disks and any enclosures/mounting hardware necessary. Much simpler in terms of software (install the drivers, and any interface software that's required to access the card settings), and the hardware aspect isn't that difficult either.
I would get an SSD for the OS and use the 3x 7200rpm Disks in RAID5.
RAID5 is great for storing uncompressed video data and in your case would offer protection against a single drive failure.
Most cards don't deal with consumer grade disks very well (ATTO and Area definitely don't).
But consumer disks are fine for backup purposed (i.e via eSATA and PM enclosures) due to the lower duty cycle (where you can cut costs effectively, and not endanger the data).
or Just RAID5 with 3x HDD's and partition the RAID volume.
I wouldn't do this if both partitions are to be used simultaneously (i.e. primary data one one partition, scratch data on the other).
The most recommend cards right now are the Areca 6g 1880 series or the new ATTO 6G series. For your needs something like the ARC-1880-i SAS 6G RAID Controller would suffice if you don't plan to connect external RAID/Storage solution.
Those are the best recommendations as far as brand and series per. As to a specific model, it will depend on the specifics, particularly for growth (i.e 8 ports may be outgrown in under 3 years, so getting a card with sufficient ports to last that long would be cheaper in the long run - just add disks and enclosures as necessary).
Sorry should have been more clear (like I said I'm dumb) I have a 500GB Boot drive that lives independently from the (3) 1TB drives RAIDED together via the OS.
A separate boot disk is advisable, as you still have a working OS if the array goes down (allows you to access the card, use the browser to search for help, or deal with Support from the card manufacturer if needed).
And ALL data (3.5TB's) is backed up by an external 4TB Time Machine RAID (2 drives @ 2TB each)...which is connected via 2 eSATA cables via the eSATA PCI Card I bought from OWC...which I guess is actually RAIDed by the OS as well.
That backup solution is a RAID 0. The overall backup solution will almost certainly need to change in order to be sufficient for the primary storage pool you'll end up with.
Not sure what you are looking at, since 3 drives is sort of an odd combination. I have a 2009/2010 Mac Pro Nehalem, running the apple sas card for the 4 internal bays (yes I know they make adapters to use 3rd party cards), and the performance is fair, not great but fair. About 300Mb/s read/write with 4 WD Black edition drives (1tb each). Externally, running an Areca 1680x card, with a 8 drive ProAvio chassis, 8 SAS Seagate 15k7 drives (450GB) which gives close to 900MB/s. I have tried multiple cards over the years, nano and I have exchanged lots of posts/messages. Email/PM me with specific questions and I will try and help you. Beware of most of these 3rd party slot adapters/etc. they are more hassle than they are worth.
I've not heard or seen any issues with the MaxUpgrades kit.
As per Apple's card, I'm no fan of it, particularly due to the cost/performance ratio.
BTW, the OP only has 2 posts at the time of writting this, so returning a PM isn't possible yet (needs to have 5 posts IIRC). email would work if you have that enabled.
Thomas Veil
Feb 10, 05:39 PM
So did they put out an APB on the rooster? Is it still running around out there like a...
(...no, no, that's too easy!)
And could this story be the inspiration for a whole series of chicken slasher films?
(...no, no, that's too easy!)
And could this story be the inspiration for a whole series of chicken slasher films?
2nyRiggz
Apr 1, 12:15 PM
Where do I sign up...got me all excited in stuffs.
Bless
Bless
SSpiro
Apr 10, 06:44 PM
That's where I've always seen them as well..
more...
tombo
Nov 16, 05:33 AM
i second the jbl creatures, i have a set of the silver ones and the sound quality is really good.
I also have a set of JBL Creatures, but I wouldn't say the sound quality is really good. They are very good for the price, and I do love them to bits but they don't cope very well at high volume (like, Maximum).
They are fine for a bedroom, but I don't think they have enough 'in hand' to be loud in a large room. I am fussy, but I get some distortion when listening to them very loud. Great for gaming and mp3, but not for listening to classical music or hard-house up high.
They look superb, though :)
I also have a set of JBL Creatures, but I wouldn't say the sound quality is really good. They are very good for the price, and I do love them to bits but they don't cope very well at high volume (like, Maximum).
They are fine for a bedroom, but I don't think they have enough 'in hand' to be loud in a large room. I am fussy, but I get some distortion when listening to them very loud. Great for gaming and mp3, but not for listening to classical music or hard-house up high.
They look superb, though :)
bowlerman625
Apr 23, 10:04 AM
I've used eBay to buy AppleCare. The pricing is very competitive.
more...
GFLPraxis
Mar 16, 01:10 PM
Good time to buy in my book. Apple stock in particular, especially because of all the release events in the pipe line this year.
This.
Except Apple stock seems like a terrible time to buy, with Steve Jobs' current health issues.
This.
Except Apple stock seems like a terrible time to buy, with Steve Jobs' current health issues.
EricNau
Jan 14, 08:32 PM
Also see this thread: MacRumors Reader Meetup: January 15th @ 6pm-9pm (http://www.macrumors.com/2008/01/10/macrumors-reader-meetup-january-15th-6pm-9pm/)
and this poll: MacRumors Reader Meetup: January 15th @ 6pm-9pm (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=412145)
and this poll: MacRumors Reader Meetup: January 15th @ 6pm-9pm (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=412145)
more...
Patmian212
Dec 15, 03:04 PM
I need an ATI PCI Video card that'll work with my PowerMac G3 B&W. I'm currently using an old PCI card from my old PowerMac 9600 so if I could replace it in time for christmas (I'm giving the computer away as a gift to my Grandma) then that would be fantastic.
I see some going on eBay so if I can't find one here I'll purchase one on there. I can pay via PayPal, or if you really want maybe we can trade somehting. Thanks! :)
Just outta curiosity, what GFX card is in the B+W now?
I see some going on eBay so if I can't find one here I'll purchase one on there. I can pay via PayPal, or if you really want maybe we can trade somehting. Thanks! :)
Just outta curiosity, what GFX card is in the B+W now?
Jon619
Jun 12, 02:49 PM
Anyone else going to be going to the apple store for their phone on the 19th?
more...
scem0
Oct 27, 12:14 PM
anything but that monitor. I think that would be a baaaaaaaaaaad move for apple. Unless they could manage to have it be really inexpensive, nobody will buy it. Sure, it is a huge monitor, but is it affordable to the average consumer (probably not :rolleyes: ).
jelloshotsrule
Feb 14, 11:56 PM
Originally posted by BrittasMac
I thought it stood for demi-god vigilante posse gang?
ha. i think that's what i called it when asked, and i didn't actually know what it was called without looking... haha
I thought it stood for demi-god vigilante posse gang?
ha. i think that's what i called it when asked, and i didn't actually know what it was called without looking... haha
more...
SilvorX
Nov 20, 11:02 PM
welcome back to MR...all sites have trolls :(, but this site IS called macrumors so the trolls will have to deal with it...
Isoparm
Mar 7, 05:59 PM
internal traffic only
more...
briansolomon
Feb 14, 09:29 AM
And could this story be the inspiration for a whole series of chicken slasher films?
Ever seen Thankskilling? It's pretty terrible, but it's on netflix streaming.
Ever seen Thankskilling? It's pretty terrible, but it's on netflix streaming.
pgwalsh
Feb 23, 02:48 PM
You'd think they'd actually TEST IT before releasing to the public. I've used Navicat with great success (gotta love that scheduler; though it deletes everything else in cron), CocoaMySQL is good, too, though needs an update.
It's possible that their MySQL Administrator ONLY works with their version of MySQL for Mac OSX. I'm using the original from Mac OS X Server, though don't know what the differences would be.
Really, you'd think they'd test it first. Really.
more...
Danny Jones (McFly) Profile
Danny Jones (McFly) (Musician)
Danny Jones (McFly) (Musician)
It's possible that their MySQL Administrator ONLY works with their version of MySQL for Mac OSX. I'm using the original from Mac OS X Server, though don't know what the differences would be.
Really, you'd think they'd test it first. Really.
more...
ClassicMac247
Jan 14, 07:21 PM
Hard to say but its not like I get free gifts on january 15th, so i have to go with holidays in that respect.
Surely
Apr 21, 12:39 PM
What about it?
If you use it, that won't happen unless you've already clicked on the video to view it.
If you use it, that won't happen unless you've already clicked on the video to view it.
Brother tn350
May 4, 02:36 AM
The fact, that you were deceived the first time, you should no longer engage in any transaction with the man because it will be possible that in the end, you will be losing more.:(
mrrich
Jun 27, 07:07 PM
I live in Orange County CA, and I will say there are probably 8 or 9 AT&T stores compared to the 1 Apple Store. I just did a "find a store" zip code search on the AT&T site and there were 18 stores within a 5 mile radius, 31 + stores within a 10 mile radius though not all the stores are "factory" stores (Affordable Portables, etc.). There will be more stores, but I can't imagine each store will have more than 200 phones each. With Apple Stores getting more (hopefully) and Best Buy, Radio Shack, things look good for next week.
Yes, I think there will be lines.
Yes, I think there will be lines.
arn
Nov 16, 02:31 PM
screenshot.
also specify what browser you are using.
also specify what browser you are using.
macjram
Feb 10, 01:11 AM
Come on we all know that Apple now sells the iHomeless.
Bad I know :eek::p
I didn't get it
and then I went back to the topic activity then I got it
it was pretty funny so i found this thread again to share this ahaha
Bad I know :eek::p
I didn't get it
and then I went back to the topic activity then I got it
it was pretty funny so i found this thread again to share this ahaha
maddav
Sep 18, 02:05 PM
Right, I am asking for a bit of help from you guys (and gals) my parents are moving to France soon, and currently they're using my year old iBook and my brother's PC, they want their own laptop, and they keep putting off buying one, they both like my iBook, but won't get one for themselves due to the price :o I thought I'd surprise them and buy them one for Christmas, I just need a hand finding what I'd need.
I don't particularly want to buy them a new one as I have very little money myself, so I thought I'd go for a G3 iBook or something, here is essentially what they'd be using it for, and what they'd need:
Transferring & viewing photos from DigiCam (USB 2.0)
Browsing the internet & e-mail (Airport)
Word Processing
Music storage (20GB+ HD)
Watching DVDs (Combo Drive)
Something thhat could run at least OS 10.3.9
Could someone give me some idea of a particular model and how much it would go for (on here or ebay).
Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
I don't particularly want to buy them a new one as I have very little money myself, so I thought I'd go for a G3 iBook or something, here is essentially what they'd be using it for, and what they'd need:
Transferring & viewing photos from DigiCam (USB 2.0)
Browsing the internet & e-mail (Airport)
Word Processing
Music storage (20GB+ HD)
Watching DVDs (Combo Drive)
Something thhat could run at least OS 10.3.9
Could someone give me some idea of a particular model and how much it would go for (on here or ebay).
Any help is very much appreciated.
Thanks,
thegoldenmackid
Aug 31, 11:35 AM
Amoeba