[CentOS] I need storage server advice

[John R Pierce]

Ross S. W. Walker wrote:
>
> Yes, though slammed hardware RAID a bit. Software RAID has it's place 
> don't
> get me wrong, it's just knowing when and where.
>
> Now the problem I have with your approach under the OP's
> requirements is the only way to fit that kinda storage over that long a
> period is with external enclosures and there isn't many systems that 
> have external 4 lane serial storage
> connectors builtin, so one needs a card that can perform that and if 
> you are shopping for a card to do that
> then you might as well get one for a few $100 more that has on board 
> RAID. Also if the OP wanted to switch
> distro's he will not have to worry about losing the RAID configuration 
> or hosing it in the process.
>

I've never had any problems with linux losing track of md based raid 
mirrors or LVM configurations, and they import quite nicely into new 
systems.


I'd consider using a SAS card on the host (LSI Logic makes some nice 
ones), and each SAS port can drive 16 SATA drives on SATA/SAS backplane 
multiplexors. 
http://www.lsi.com/storage_home/products_home/host_bus_adapters/sas_hbas/lsisas3801e/index.html

I'd start with a 3U 16 bay /server/ using a SAS/SATA backplane, too, 
then when that fills up, add 16 drive expansion bays as needed...
something like http://www.aicipc.com/ProductImage.aspx?ref=RSC-3ED2-2 
(but, by all means, pick your favorite chassis or system vendor)