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Hi Pete, > >> I'm currently looking at a Dell PowerEdge R515 server with 2XAMD Opteron > >> 4386 cpus (3.1 Ghz, 8 core per cpu), 64 Gb total memory, and as much > >> disk and as fast of disk I can afford. I've got about $5700 from the > >> grant, and plan to supplement that with some of our own money to go a > >> little over that. I agree with Tom -- this looks like a great configuration. I always spec as much memory as I can afford without breaking the bank. It looks like you did the same... > >> For disk storage, I'm torn between SAS/Near-Line SAS/SATA. I'd like to > >> go with 15k SAS drives for the real-time ldm stuff, but they are pretty > >> pricey, so I'm considering using enterprise SATA for the longer term > >> storage/archival/cases study part. We've avoided SAS in favor of more stripes on more SATA drives -- so far, it's worked out reasonably well (knock on wood). > >> Currently thinking along the lines of 6x600 15K SAS 6Gps 3.5 in drives > >> set up in a 3x2 Raid 10 setup (total of about 1.8 Gb on this RAID), and > >> 6x2Tb SATA 3Gb set up in a Raid6 (total of 8 Tb on this RAID) for the > >> archive. Does this seem wise/reasonable? That looks like a reasonable config. I'd probably go with straight SATA, especially using enterprise drives with a spare or two. > >> Currently the Dell web site is warning me I can't mix SAS and SATA > >> drives on the Perc H700 controller, but I will contact our rep to make > >> sure. I know we have mixed SAS and SATA on Areca raid cards before, and > >> if that is not an option with Dell, I can look elsewhere as well. I've not mixed SAS and SATA on the same controller though I have heard it done. Let me know if I can offer any help -- it looks like you have great specs... mike Ticket Details =================== Ticket ID: UXN-404018 Department: Support Platforms Priority: High Status: Closed