4-8TB external RAID5?

Topher · Post by **Topher** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:17 pm

I'm looking to get a RAID5 setup going with 4 drives, each 1-2 TB in size. My current case doesn't have the space or power to do it internally and I don't want to buy a whole new PC just yet.

There seems to be a ton of options, like USB, eSATA or gigabit ethernet. It doesn't have to be super performant, but good performance would be nice and it must be RAID5.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience or recommendation.

ccb056 · Post by **ccb056** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 5:26 pm

QNAP makes some nice NAS drives.

Zantor · Post by **Zantor** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:18 pm

RAID5 in an external array will probably be available in business or enterprise grade only, so you may be spending hundreds on an array enclosure. I suggest eSATA or gigabit Ethernet for the interface.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 9:32 pm

TeraStation™ III NAS

TeraStation™ III Rackmount NAS

Krom · Post by **Krom** » Mon Nov 30, 2009 10:10 pm

USB interface on a 4-8 TB drive array? Yeah, that would take several days to copy all the data to or from.

Obviously eSATA or Gigabit are superior options since they will get the job done in hours instead of days.

BUBBALOU · Post by **BUBBALOU** » Tue Dec 01, 2009 8:18 am

The only usb Connection on a Drive should only be for adding additional storage in a pinch or for a direct transfer for a system/network patch

but if you start with a 4TB that can upgrade to 8TB it's logical just to do the upgrade.

Also caution should be used, some NAS devices can not be backed up to one another... a key feature that that would be a deal breaker for me if missing