iMattcotv
Apr 3, 12:45 AM
Lol
nanofrog
Apr 24, 09:32 PM
So I'm a freelance Editor/Motion Graphics guy with no real understanding of RAID Controller Cards, or how they work.
As of right now I have three 1TB drives inside my Mac Pro, RAIDed together (stripe 0) using the OS. No Raid card.
The drives are all 7200rpm from varying manufacturers. (not sure if this matters.)
My questions is; is it beneficial for me to get a RAID card to control these drives vs. leaving it to the OS to handle? Any suggestions for me?
Thanks.
2010 8-Core Mac Pro 2.4
14GB RAM
It all depends on the details of how you use the system (RAID is supposed to be configured to the specific usage, so there's no "one size fits all", though for narrowed usage patterns, you will see similarities).
I'd advise you to search out previous RAID threads (there's quite a few), and pay attention to the various questions asked, and get back to us with some answers). I'd also recommend you review Wiki's RAID page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID) (pay particular attention to the different levels).
If you're a paid professional, using a stripe set (RAID 0) is a disaster waiting to happen. Even with a backup, you'll spend a fair bit of time to perform a recovery when a disk dies (matter of when, not if), and this also means re-performing work that was done between the most recent backup and when the array failed (beyond replacing the bad disk and restoring all the backup files, which presumably <worst case>, will be multiples to return all the data you have from your backup media).
Glad to see you at least have some sort of backup with your current configuration. :)
Now if you go with a RAID card, you'll need to use enterprise grade drives for stability reasons (different recovery timings in the firmware than consumer models, which tend to be unstable as a result). Unfortunately, they're not as cheap (in fact, can be 2x as expensive as their consumer counterparts for the latest capacity).
Consumer disks are fine for backup purposes though, and this can save you a considerable amount of funds, particularly if your capacity requirements are high (i.e. eSATA card + Port Multiplier based external enclosure; example kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816111136&cm_re=tr4mp-_-16-111-136-_-Product)).
There are some inexpensive products that claim RAID 5, but be careful. Some are software based, which should never be used for this level (no solution to the "write hole issue" associated with parity based arrays). Others use very inexpensive hardware RAID controllers (aka RoC = RAID on a Chip). They're slow for primary usage, and is why they're cheap (compromise on performance vs. proper RAID cards).
If on a budget you could go with RAID-Z, it involves switching to the ZFS file system. RAID-Z1 apparently offers similar performance to RAID5. Read this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1135718) for further insight.
This can get complicated on the software end though, and not recommended for those that aren't comfortable with the additional complexity (patches for OS X or via VM), particularly for a DAS system (has more merit with NAS or SAN IMO).
So I'd stick with a 3rd party hardware RAID card, assuming this is actually needed, enterprise disks and any enclosures/mounting hardware necessary. Much simpler in terms of software (install the drivers, and any interface software that's required to access the card settings), and the hardware aspect isn't that difficult either.
I would get an SSD for the OS and use the 3x 7200rpm Disks in RAID5.
RAID5 is great for storing uncompressed video data and in your case would offer protection against a single drive failure.
Most cards don't deal with consumer grade disks very well (ATTO and Area definitely don't).
But consumer disks are fine for backup purposed (i.e via eSATA and PM enclosures) due to the lower duty cycle (where you can cut costs effectively, and not endanger the data).
or Just RAID5 with 3x HDD's and partition the RAID volume.
I wouldn't do this if both partitions are to be used simultaneously (i.e. primary data one one partition, scratch data on the other).
The most recommend cards right now are the Areca 6g 1880 series or the new ATTO 6G series. For your needs something like the ARC-1880-i SAS 6G RAID Controller would suffice if you don't plan to connect external RAID/Storage solution.
Those are the best recommendations as far as brand and series per. As to a specific model, it will depend on the specifics, particularly for growth (i.e 8 ports may be outgrown in under 3 years, so getting a card with sufficient ports to last that long would be cheaper in the long run - just add disks and enclosures as necessary).
Sorry should have been more clear (like I said I'm dumb) I have a 500GB Boot drive that lives independently from the (3) 1TB drives RAIDED together via the OS.
A separate boot disk is advisable, as you still have a working OS if the array goes down (allows you to access the card, use the browser to search for help, or deal with Support from the card manufacturer if needed).
And ALL data (3.5TB's) is backed up by an external 4TB Time Machine RAID (2 drives @ 2TB each)...which is connected via 2 eSATA cables via the eSATA PCI Card I bought from OWC...which I guess is actually RAIDed by the OS as well.
That backup solution is a RAID 0. The overall backup solution will almost certainly need to change in order to be sufficient for the primary storage pool you'll end up with.
Not sure what you are looking at, since 3 drives is sort of an odd combination. I have a 2009/2010 Mac Pro Nehalem, running the apple sas card for the 4 internal bays (yes I know they make adapters to use 3rd party cards), and the performance is fair, not great but fair. About 300Mb/s read/write with 4 WD Black edition drives (1tb each). Externally, running an Areca 1680x card, with a 8 drive ProAvio chassis, 8 SAS Seagate 15k7 drives (450GB) which gives close to 900MB/s. I have tried multiple cards over the years, nano and I have exchanged lots of posts/messages. Email/PM me with specific questions and I will try and help you. Beware of most of these 3rd party slot adapters/etc. they are more hassle than they are worth.
I've not heard or seen any issues with the MaxUpgrades kit.
As per Apple's card, I'm no fan of it, particularly due to the cost/performance ratio.
BTW, the OP only has 2 posts at the time of writting this, so returning a PM isn't possible yet (needs to have 5 posts IIRC). email would work if you have that enabled.
As of right now I have three 1TB drives inside my Mac Pro, RAIDed together (stripe 0) using the OS. No Raid card.
The drives are all 7200rpm from varying manufacturers. (not sure if this matters.)
My questions is; is it beneficial for me to get a RAID card to control these drives vs. leaving it to the OS to handle? Any suggestions for me?
Thanks.
2010 8-Core Mac Pro 2.4
14GB RAM
It all depends on the details of how you use the system (RAID is supposed to be configured to the specific usage, so there's no "one size fits all", though for narrowed usage patterns, you will see similarities).
I'd advise you to search out previous RAID threads (there's quite a few), and pay attention to the various questions asked, and get back to us with some answers). I'd also recommend you review Wiki's RAID page (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAID) (pay particular attention to the different levels).
If you're a paid professional, using a stripe set (RAID 0) is a disaster waiting to happen. Even with a backup, you'll spend a fair bit of time to perform a recovery when a disk dies (matter of when, not if), and this also means re-performing work that was done between the most recent backup and when the array failed (beyond replacing the bad disk and restoring all the backup files, which presumably <worst case>, will be multiples to return all the data you have from your backup media).
Glad to see you at least have some sort of backup with your current configuration. :)
Now if you go with a RAID card, you'll need to use enterprise grade drives for stability reasons (different recovery timings in the firmware than consumer models, which tend to be unstable as a result). Unfortunately, they're not as cheap (in fact, can be 2x as expensive as their consumer counterparts for the latest capacity).
Consumer disks are fine for backup purposes though, and this can save you a considerable amount of funds, particularly if your capacity requirements are high (i.e. eSATA card + Port Multiplier based external enclosure; example kit (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816111136&cm_re=tr4mp-_-16-111-136-_-Product)).
There are some inexpensive products that claim RAID 5, but be careful. Some are software based, which should never be used for this level (no solution to the "write hole issue" associated with parity based arrays). Others use very inexpensive hardware RAID controllers (aka RoC = RAID on a Chip). They're slow for primary usage, and is why they're cheap (compromise on performance vs. proper RAID cards).
If on a budget you could go with RAID-Z, it involves switching to the ZFS file system. RAID-Z1 apparently offers similar performance to RAID5. Read this thread (http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1135718) for further insight.
This can get complicated on the software end though, and not recommended for those that aren't comfortable with the additional complexity (patches for OS X or via VM), particularly for a DAS system (has more merit with NAS or SAN IMO).
So I'd stick with a 3rd party hardware RAID card, assuming this is actually needed, enterprise disks and any enclosures/mounting hardware necessary. Much simpler in terms of software (install the drivers, and any interface software that's required to access the card settings), and the hardware aspect isn't that difficult either.
I would get an SSD for the OS and use the 3x 7200rpm Disks in RAID5.
RAID5 is great for storing uncompressed video data and in your case would offer protection against a single drive failure.
Most cards don't deal with consumer grade disks very well (ATTO and Area definitely don't).
But consumer disks are fine for backup purposed (i.e via eSATA and PM enclosures) due to the lower duty cycle (where you can cut costs effectively, and not endanger the data).
or Just RAID5 with 3x HDD's and partition the RAID volume.
I wouldn't do this if both partitions are to be used simultaneously (i.e. primary data one one partition, scratch data on the other).
The most recommend cards right now are the Areca 6g 1880 series or the new ATTO 6G series. For your needs something like the ARC-1880-i SAS 6G RAID Controller would suffice if you don't plan to connect external RAID/Storage solution.
Those are the best recommendations as far as brand and series per. As to a specific model, it will depend on the specifics, particularly for growth (i.e 8 ports may be outgrown in under 3 years, so getting a card with sufficient ports to last that long would be cheaper in the long run - just add disks and enclosures as necessary).
Sorry should have been more clear (like I said I'm dumb) I have a 500GB Boot drive that lives independently from the (3) 1TB drives RAIDED together via the OS.
A separate boot disk is advisable, as you still have a working OS if the array goes down (allows you to access the card, use the browser to search for help, or deal with Support from the card manufacturer if needed).
And ALL data (3.5TB's) is backed up by an external 4TB Time Machine RAID (2 drives @ 2TB each)...which is connected via 2 eSATA cables via the eSATA PCI Card I bought from OWC...which I guess is actually RAIDed by the OS as well.
That backup solution is a RAID 0. The overall backup solution will almost certainly need to change in order to be sufficient for the primary storage pool you'll end up with.
Not sure what you are looking at, since 3 drives is sort of an odd combination. I have a 2009/2010 Mac Pro Nehalem, running the apple sas card for the 4 internal bays (yes I know they make adapters to use 3rd party cards), and the performance is fair, not great but fair. About 300Mb/s read/write with 4 WD Black edition drives (1tb each). Externally, running an Areca 1680x card, with a 8 drive ProAvio chassis, 8 SAS Seagate 15k7 drives (450GB) which gives close to 900MB/s. I have tried multiple cards over the years, nano and I have exchanged lots of posts/messages. Email/PM me with specific questions and I will try and help you. Beware of most of these 3rd party slot adapters/etc. they are more hassle than they are worth.
I've not heard or seen any issues with the MaxUpgrades kit.
As per Apple's card, I'm no fan of it, particularly due to the cost/performance ratio.
BTW, the OP only has 2 posts at the time of writting this, so returning a PM isn't possible yet (needs to have 5 posts IIRC). email would work if you have that enabled.
jessica.
May 2, 07:42 AM
Do you know about forum spy? A topic that is quite active today.
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1146041
http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=1146041
Doctor Q
Feb 24, 07:09 PM
It's fixed. Our apologies for the misalignment.
more...
Danno21
Apr 22, 12:18 AM
I was actually just going to ask pretty much the same question and am interested as well.
What I wanted to do was put Windows 7 along with OSX on my 240gb SSD while also partitioning my my 750gb HDD that I'll install in the optibay drive so one side is for Windows in NTFS and the other for OSX.
Possible within disc utilies, right? Sorry, I am a new Mac user =D
What I wanted to do was put Windows 7 along with OSX on my 240gb SSD while also partitioning my my 750gb HDD that I'll install in the optibay drive so one side is for Windows in NTFS and the other for OSX.
Possible within disc utilies, right? Sorry, I am a new Mac user =D
bildio
Apr 30, 09:40 AM
Got it done, easily, using Apple Tech Support.
more...
cfairbank
Mar 11, 02:37 PM
Line Update: Apparently my number are off or my eyes deceive me. Apple rep did a count and said there were 89. See pic.
jonnyb
Jun 19, 01:32 AM
This is wierd
I came past 10 minutes ago and there were about 20 people outside maybe more
I went looking for breakfast, came back and now there's only 7 people between me and the front of the queue
(an some guy is scrubbing the pavement clean)
either they are batch processing the early arrivers OR there was a big fight and the guy is scrubbing away the blood
Us special early arrivers are already inside. They let us in and we're lined up round the stairwell. ;)
I came past 10 minutes ago and there were about 20 people outside maybe more
I went looking for breakfast, came back and now there's only 7 people between me and the front of the queue
(an some guy is scrubbing the pavement clean)
either they are batch processing the early arrivers OR there was a big fight and the guy is scrubbing away the blood
Us special early arrivers are already inside. They let us in and we're lined up round the stairwell. ;)
more...
VanneDC
Mar 19, 01:40 PM
That vid card, is that a specific Mac card? Also ram must be installed in equal pairs.
Can't really think of much else. Are you getting a white screen with apple logo at all or just nothing?
Can't really think of much else. Are you getting a white screen with apple logo at all or just nothing?
SBik2
Jun 3, 12:39 AM
yep.this ones pretty good.
more...
WildCowboy
May 4, 12:38 PM
THE server? You mean the entire MacRumors site is run off of a single server? Color me impressed.
Well, no...I believe there are at least five servers behind MacRumors. But we restarted the front page one that was bogging down.
Well, no...I believe there are at least five servers behind MacRumors. But we restarted the front page one that was bogging down.
batchtaster
Dec 25, 08:48 PM
If only they would fix URLs in events/appointments; iCal supports them, MobileMe does not.
more...
miamijim
Apr 11, 05:43 AM
Comes in White & Black battery powered, 10 hours battery life with quick recharge time for the ladies.....
(No pics needed use your imagination)
(No pics needed use your imagination)
Melrose
Jan 30, 02:44 PM
Thunderbird (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V6PWOW/ref=dm_mu_dp_trk4) by Hans Zimmer is one of my favourites. It's more guitar than not, but still pretty good. :)
more...
homerjward
Sep 18, 01:56 PM
snap in two (very fun)
A loose silk knit top looks
more...
Stripe Knit Top (Big Girls
Stripe Knit Top (Big Girls
Tags : knit tops; ,striped
eric55lv
Jan 13, 03:56 PM
8. Probably the most important, to be a reasonable price
yeah like around 700bucks
yeah like around 700bucks
more...
SkippyThorson
Feb 7, 12:59 PM
[...]I've heard that some people (like really smart fanboys) know how to do it.
I was going to help you until I read that line.
Instead, all you'll get from me is this comment, and a stiff suggestion that you use this tool (http://www.google.com/), like everyone else has for years. I'm confident even you could have found an answer if you tried.
I was going to help you until I read that line.
Instead, all you'll get from me is this comment, and a stiff suggestion that you use this tool (http://www.google.com/), like everyone else has for years. I'm confident even you could have found an answer if you tried.
vvebster
Oct 26, 12:58 AM
Movie Collection
gkarris
Mar 23, 08:48 PM
Yes, got one and that tablet keypad - both new in box... :)
Got them close-out from MacMall ($199 for the unit and $49 for the keypad).
Got them close-out from MacMall ($199 for the unit and $49 for the keypad).
Stampyhead
Dec 14, 05:36 PM
Thanks for your replies! I answered everyone's PMs. I'll definitely check out Circuit City as well. Thanks for the tip.
I AM THE MAN
Apr 26, 06:07 PM
Basically the Mac Pro comes in two different fundamental configurations: a single CPU version and a dual CPU version. These are two different chipsets and unless you reeeally like overspending it is not wise to change this later.
Consider your needs and first of all determine if the software you'll be using can take advantage of a high number of cores. If you don't know a google or forums search can help, you can also ask about specific software here.
Once you have determined how many cores you need (or want) you can go straight to the model you need (stock or customized at the apple online store) or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can, as you are proposing, buy a single cpu or dual cpu model and upgrade it with very specific processors. If you want a dual CPU model you CAN'T mix different processors; they have to be identical. If you buy a single CPU model you CAN'T add another CPU later unless you also change the chipset, which is, as I said, very expensive.
I'd say more here about which CPUs you can upgrade to but I think you first need to determine your actual needs and your budget.
Alright. Thank you VERY much for all your help! I really am just going to be doing simple edits on my Mac (the clips will be 1080p-Videos taken from the T2I Rebel). In the future however, I might want to learn Aftereffects and other editing programs. I'll first be using ScreenFlow, iMovie and Final Cut X.
Consider your needs and first of all determine if the software you'll be using can take advantage of a high number of cores. If you don't know a google or forums search can help, you can also ask about specific software here.
Once you have determined how many cores you need (or want) you can go straight to the model you need (stock or customized at the apple online store) or, if you are feeling adventurous, you can, as you are proposing, buy a single cpu or dual cpu model and upgrade it with very specific processors. If you want a dual CPU model you CAN'T mix different processors; they have to be identical. If you buy a single CPU model you CAN'T add another CPU later unless you also change the chipset, which is, as I said, very expensive.
I'd say more here about which CPUs you can upgrade to but I think you first need to determine your actual needs and your budget.
Alright. Thank you VERY much for all your help! I really am just going to be doing simple edits on my Mac (the clips will be 1080p-Videos taken from the T2I Rebel). In the future however, I might want to learn Aftereffects and other editing programs. I'll first be using ScreenFlow, iMovie and Final Cut X.
kbfr08
Apr 27, 10:19 PM
Damn, I really want this, but I'm strapped for cash right now. Purchasing it will depend if my website sale goes through.
The Edison poster is by far one my favorite of the entire series, I so wish I had the money to buy this, since it would make an amazing decoration for my office or my home.
The Edison poster is by far one my favorite of the entire series, I so wish I had the money to buy this, since it would make an amazing decoration for my office or my home.
rdowns
Mar 28, 01:06 PM
just to clarify, i'm not asking for advice in if I should invest. I understand concerns that apple has hit an all time high, but I strongly believe it will only increase in the next year.
If anyone has any advice as to how I can do this that would be great.
Call your local discount broker's office- TD Ameritrade, eTrade and ask them if it's possible.
If anyone has any advice as to how I can do this that would be great.
Call your local discount broker's office- TD Ameritrade, eTrade and ask them if it's possible.
Cr1
Dec 24, 10:51 AM
Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; U; CPU iPhone OS 4_2_1 like Mac OS X; en-us) AppleWebKit/533.17.9 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.0.2 Mobile/8C148 Safari/6533.18.5)
You can't set custom alarms like in iCal. You only get a few options on mobile me and on iOS devices.
You can't set custom alarms like in iCal. You only get a few options on mobile me and on iOS devices.
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