The questions about benchmarking SCSI drives raised my curiosity level to the point where I downloaded ATTO's Pro-Tools in order to benchmark my RAID array.
The array in question consists of two U2 SCSI (LVD) Seagate Barracudas, through an Initio Miles2 LVD SCSI Controller. Striped RAID 0 using SoftRAID 2.2 and Mac OS 9.1. All the parts were bought from MacGurus.com. The Mac is a Beige Rev. A G3 Desktop, upgraded to an IBM G3 running at 468 Mhz, bought from OWC. 768 MB of Cl2 RAM installed. The system drive is a Seagate Barracuda 20 GB IDE model. I use this system for primarily running MicroSoft FoxPro 2.6, working on tables up to the 2.0 GB file size limit. ATTO benchmark scores for this array, using Max. Transfer Size of 8 MB: Peak Read 33.79 MB/second Sustained Read 33.33 MB/second Peak Write 36.36 MB/second Sustained Write 34.07 MB/second For contrast, the IDE 'Cuda benchmarks as follows: Peak Read 15.00 MB/second Sustained Read 14.92 MB/second Peak Write 15.36 MB/second Sustained Write 15.23 MB/second As for subjective views, the RAID kicks ass. It _feels_ much faster running FoxPro than my TiBook 550 Mhz. Working with tables in the 1.5 to 2.0 GB range, the RAID makes all the difference in the world. And it's been running rock-solid for over two years, with no failures to date, constant use, and minimal maintenance. Since FoxPro doesn't make use of AltiVec, no significant improvement should be had by going to a G4. And I am unsure whether the Initio2 and RAID setup woruld work in the current machines. Down the road, we will probably upgrade the G3, if there is a way to sustain this type of HD performance. As a final word, I have to put in a plug for MacGurus. I have no relationship to them other than being a satisfied customer, but my experience with them is unparalleled by any hardware or software vendor I have ever used. There may be items where you pay a little more by going to Macgurus.com, but if you consider the expertise, customer support and tech support you get as part of the bargain, you'll never doubt your purchase. todd -- PCI-PowerMacs is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- Sonnet & PowerLogix Upgrades - start at $169 | & CDRWs on Sale! | SPECIAL LIST PRICES - Apple PCI Video Cards from $19.99, MacOS 8.5 CD $79.99 Replacement Parts IN STOCK, Apple CDROMs from $19.99 <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> PCI-PowerMacs list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/pci-powermacs.shtml> Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive:<http://www.mail-archive.com/pci-powermacs%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
