I'll start by describing my current setup. I have two linux servers currently serving my NAS needs. Epia SN 10000g, 4GB RAM, 4x1.5TB RAID 5 Array. This gives me 8.2 TB of useable space. These servers are being used to stream media to a Mac Mini that is serving as an HTPC. I've used ~7TB so far. As I anticipate that I will be need to expand my storage sometime in the next year I'm starting to think of upgrades/restructuring.
I've discovered that I'm not too happy with the current setup mainly due to noise issues. I don't have much choice as to placement of my servers due to the location of my router so they are forced to sit in the living room near the TV. Even though the boards don't have fans, the drives in the enclosure certainly do and the noise is a bit of a distraction.
As far as alternatives, I've tried the Mybook World (which has horrible throughput so is unacceptable) and I currently have a Time Capsule doing my backups. I'm considering upgrading or maybe even trying to replace my current setup via a cluster of Time Capsules. Throughput on the Time Capsule is more than enough, and it is silent as all get out.
Obviously I would lose my RAID redundancy, although maybe I could also get a usb drive hooked up to each Time Capsule and be completely backed up. All in all, a rough calculation shows that 2x2TB Time Capsules would approximately match the storage capacity/price of one of the servers I have now while leaving out any redundancy. This would also make the expansion barrier a bit more acceptable in terms of space and price (ie it'd be easier to add 2TB at ~$600 than 4TB at ~$1200)
I've tried to research some other NAS products, but haven't really found anything that suits my needs exactly. Also after the fiasco I had with the Mybook World I'm a little reluctant to go into another product blind, especially at this scale. I'd love to hear some opinions on my current plan, or maybe some alternatives that people might have found tried and true. Cheers.
I've discovered that I'm not too happy with the current setup mainly due to noise issues. I don't have much choice as to placement of my servers due to the location of my router so they are forced to sit in the living room near the TV. Even though the boards don't have fans, the drives in the enclosure certainly do and the noise is a bit of a distraction.
As far as alternatives, I've tried the Mybook World (which has horrible throughput so is unacceptable) and I currently have a Time Capsule doing my backups. I'm considering upgrading or maybe even trying to replace my current setup via a cluster of Time Capsules. Throughput on the Time Capsule is more than enough, and it is silent as all get out.
Obviously I would lose my RAID redundancy, although maybe I could also get a usb drive hooked up to each Time Capsule and be completely backed up. All in all, a rough calculation shows that 2x2TB Time Capsules would approximately match the storage capacity/price of one of the servers I have now while leaving out any redundancy. This would also make the expansion barrier a bit more acceptable in terms of space and price (ie it'd be easier to add 2TB at ~$600 than 4TB at ~$1200)
I've tried to research some other NAS products, but haven't really found anything that suits my needs exactly. Also after the fiasco I had with the Mybook World I'm a little reluctant to go into another product blind, especially at this scale. I'd love to hear some opinions on my current plan, or maybe some alternatives that people might have found tried and true. Cheers.