So im planning on getting the new 2010 MP's whenever they come out, its been a long time coming, and I need a monster desktop for my work so I decided what the hell.
Here is the setup I would like to have.
Bay 1: SSD -System Disk (super fast application opening etc.)
Bay 2: Normal 2TB
Bay 3: Normal 2TB
Bay 4: Normal 2TB
Giving me 6TB of file space to share. My question is two fold:
1. I want most of my space on the drives so its either RAID 0 or 5 for me, is it possible to do a RAID 5 without paying $750 for a RAID controller?
RAID 0 is possible to be done via OS X (Disk Utility, which is capable of 0/1/10 only). RAID 5 will require a hardware RAID controller.
Since you're interested in the parity array (post further down), I'd recommend avoiding:
- Apple RAID Pro = overpriced POS (slow, only works with one OS, and there's still issues with the battery)
- CalDigit (unreliable when I last dealt with them, slow, and support is lousy on a good day)
- Highpoint RR43xx series only (unless you know what you're doing, and won't need to rely on support)
What I would recommend, would be either Areca or ATTO (both actually manufacture their products, and the support depts. know what they're doing). They've excellent reputations (deservedly), as their products are the fastest out there, and most reliable I've ever worked with. BTW, they also boot OS X if needed.
To go further, I'd need to know what your future expansion is, but at a bare minimum (can operate 4x disks), would be the
ARC-1212, and the
needed adapter from MaxUpgrades in order to use the HDD bays with the card ($165USD). The SSD can be mounted in the empty optical bay (allows for another drive to be added to the card internally), or to the card itself (just set it as a Pass-Through = single disk operation).
As per upgrades, I'd recommend 3rd party (card, drives, RAM).
Now keep in mind, that when using a RAID card, you need to look at the HDD Compatibility List (
Areca's list; .pdf). SAS cards in particular, are picky about SATA, and when using a card, you need to run enterprise disks (has to do with the different recovery timings between consumer and enterprise models, which are specifically designed for RAID use).
For a 2TB enterprise disk, the
WD2002FYPS (RE4-GP). They're still testing the
WD2003FYYS (which is a faster disk; RE4 = 7200rpm)
The enterprise disks are also more reliable, and able to handle the additional stress they'll be under when set up as a parity array (not only the stripes are written, but also the parity data to each disk).
2. Is it possible to move your home folder to the 6TB RAID? I know you can move it to other drives, never seen a RAID discussed though. Not only would this give me access to all my files on the go, but it gives it pretty limitless space versus the SSD.
Yes. It's seen by the OS/applications as a single disk.
...I think im gonna go with the 4 drive option running a RAID 5. Anyone wanna point me in the right direction for a cheapish controller? Im willing to throw down some cash just not a huge amount.
See above, but please note, that a hardware RAID controller is expensive, as it's more than just the card. You've enterprise disks to deal with, an adapter with Mac Pro, and a decent
UPS (online is best, line interactive will work; nothing lower though).
I'd suggest the Apple RAID controller, since if you have problems with it, Apple's not going to help with a 3rd party controller. But anyway, here's another thread about 3rd party RAID controllers for the Mac.
There are much better cards that will work in the MP's, and some are cheaper. But they all offer a better value (more expensive cards offer more ports and much higher throughputs).
The card maker is better suited for support anyway (stick with one that actually manufactures their gear, unlike CalDigit, Highpoint,... which unfortunately, is most of them). Unfortunately, Apple is one of those that have their product ODM'ed, and other members have posted that Apple's support with their own card sucks.
Also, the linked thread is rather old. Newer models are available, as are units that weren't listed.
