Media Storage Solutions

[Pili]

Hey guys, just looking for some realistic input on adding to/changing my current storage setup as I'm running out of space!

Current setup: early 08' mac pro

External:
160gb FW drive for iTunes Music

Internal:
-150gb Raptor --> Boot drive/Apps
-750gb currently used for all other media
-320gb for windows
-1 tb for backing up the boot, media, itunes drives via time machine.

Now I'm pretty happy with the overall performance of the current configuration and my instinct is to keep the current internal setup but consolidate dvd/bluray rips from the media drive and music from the iTunes drive onto a set of larger external drives. Photos and other working media that need the speed of the internal would stay on the 750gb drive.

Basically, I'm wondering whether that is the best/most cost efficient route and if it is, how would you set up the external(s). Single enclosure with RAID1, 2 separate externals (one backing the other up using something like superduper), firewire, eSATA, etc. ? Granted my music and movies aren't the most critical files in the world but I'd like to make sure they are backed up.

I'd say the most bandwidth intensive use I'd have for the externals would be streaming HD movies from the drive to my PS3 over a local network.

Any suggestions would be appreciated, thanks!

 

[Loa]

Hello,

First, RAID (regardless of RAID type) is not a back-up solution. Get yourself a huge hard drive in an external enclosure and back your files regularly. (I use Carbon Copy Cloner, but there are other apps that do the job.)

Second, for media storage, even blu-ray rips, cheap green drives work fine. I have a 2TB WD green drive that's just about filled with PDTV, HDTV and blu-ray rips. It's working flawlessly for copy/playback. As for speed, it's faster than USB2, so if you can, move to eSATA: even with a green drive, it's worth it.

Third, move your back-up solution to an external. As much as possible, keep your working data internal, as it's the fastest way to access it. Also, in case of a fire or anything else that forces you to leave your house fast, you can always grab that external back-up drive and "save" it.

If you want to move a step further, get yourself a docking station and two back-up drives: make a full back-up on one of those drives, and place it at someone else's house (parents, friends...). Use the other as daily back-up for a week or so, then switch drives. Off site back-up is one of the safest way to handle your back-ups. It's possible to do it with a single drive, but more of a hassle.

In my opinion, the cheapest way to get more space for you is this: get a good 2TB green external drive for back-up, and use the 750GB and 1TB for your working media.

Depending on your budget, there are a lot of other, much faster alternatives (SSD, RAID0...). But a single external 2TB drive would allow you much needed breathing room.

Loa

 

[Pili]

Thanks for the reply Loa, that actually makes a ton of sense! Freeing up that 1Tb would definitely be the most simple route and buy me time until I have the cash to overhaul the internal storage.

Any recommendations on eSATA cards? Sonnet or OWC seem like the go to cards but just wondering if there is anything else out there.

 

[Loa]

Hello,

All eSATA cards are mostly the same, except if you choose a 6GB/s card.

My advice: get a very cheap sil3132 card from ebay (like this one: http://cgi.ebay.ca/2-eSATA-2-SATA-P...tem&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item414f2a040c ) and download the sonnet drivers. Unless you're planning on using very fast SSDs in your eSATA enclosure, a regular 3GB/s card is just fine.

Works like a charm as long as you don't need to boot your Mac with an external eSATA drive.

You can also find eSATA docking stations or enclosure just about everywhere.

Loa

 

[Pili]

Thanks again, you've been a big help!

 

[Loa]

No problems!

Loa

 

[FireWire2]

Media

How about this:
http://www.datoptic.com/2bay-nas.html

Certainly will take much less power than computer

 

[kellen]

Here was my answer:link

2 bay external E-sata. Can be JBOD or raid 0 or 1. Only 60 bucks and includes cables.

They sell the external adaptors as well.