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)