Marc Mutz wrote:
> You should have bought SCSI disks. They may would have been cheaper,
> too, because you need only one controller for three disks. (Sorry -could
> not resist :-)
I know it's fun for all the server purists to knock eide, but it does have
some advantages:
A mythical ~90GB array:
(all prices shown at http://www.pricewatch.com)
IDE:
6x Maxtor 17.2G udma33 drives: $169/ea = $1014
2x Promise ultra33 eide controllers: $19/ea = $38
Grand total for an 86GB array = $1052
SCSI:
6x Hitachi 18.0G uw-fast drives: $445/ea = $2670
1x Tekram DC-390U2B controller: $130
(note you should probably use a dual channel controller)
Grand total for a 90GB array: $2800
In this situation, an ide setup is less than half the price of a scsi setup.
The ide's would be running on separate channels, so your drawbacks would be
left as: a) SCSI is faster (true, but not night & day) and b) scsi is more
manageable (true).
For my work, I wouldn't suggest an IDE array. Not because it wouldn't
suffice, but IT staff in general has a nearly overwhelming fixation on
buying the "right" equipment... Notice how many NT licenses were sold a
number of years ago when it was all the rage.
But for a hobbiest system, or one where you're making a decision on the
numbers, I think IDE raid is a serious contender. I am happy with my 70GB
ide raid, and it's active 24x7 on the internet. If I had needed to spend 2x
what I spent for IDE to buy SCSI, I just wouldn't have been able to build
the box.
Tom
