A Question about NAS?!

If i get this:

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...&cm_mmc_o=TBBTkwCjCVyBpAgf mwzygtCjCVRqCjCVRq

Then all i have to do is buy the drives, & connect it to my router & i`ll be able to access it wirelessly right?

And would i have to use ftp or can i configure it so that it would appears as a folder? (like usb external drives?).

I`m Willing to spend upto 500$ (prefer something less, but quality/speed/storage/looks. are important), so if you have other recommendation let me know.

 

for that price you would be better off getting an older computer and using it.

 

Yup.

For example, get a _Dell Optiplex GX270 Tower for $90,

throw on a linux variant with Samba for $0 (other than time to configure),

add a couple of serious hard-drives, say two (2) 500GB PATA drives (the GX270 should be able to take SATA as well, but I know for sure that it'll take PATA), for a total of 1TB of storage, for about $180 (2 x $85, plus shipping),

plug the ethernet card into one of the four wired LAN ports on the back of your router, and you're good to go for about US$270 - US$300.

For a bit more, you can also find systems like this on eBay, generally with XP Pro installed - i.e., systems coming off corporate leasing - for about $100 or so, although if you go with an auction instead of the BuyNow, you might get it for less.

Just one point that I wish I'd known before I bought one - if you get a GX270, only get the full tower version, don't get the small desktop or the even smaller small form factor one, because (a) they rely on proprietary parts such as the PSU that are difficult to replace, (b) don't have a lot of room inside, and (c) have problems with capacitors on the motherboard.

Basically, for what you're looking to spend, you can get a full-blown DIY home server, with an OS, a self-installed webserver (e.g., Apache, or the combo mix WAMP - Windows, Apache, MySQL, PHP), and more storage space than you can throw a stick at.

 

You can do this with an old computer, with Linux or with Windows. There is a software product called "freenas" that might work for you.

However there is some advantage to products like the one you linked- simplicity and low power consumption. I'm considering a slightly different product- the Dlink DNS-323. It is cheaper, and gets good reviews.

 

umm this weird, but thats what my server is haha i shoved 4 drives inside and 3 externals. I bumped the ram to 2gb and removed the optical drive, made a front mounted fan to cool the 2 hard drives i shoved in the floppy bays.

Oh and its running an oem copy of whs.

 

Mine's a GX270 minitower - the middle one, between the full tower and the dorky little SFF. The size is nice in terms of where I've got it stuffed away, but it annoys me that I can't do things to it like upping the PSU, and it doesn't really have enough room inside for a lot of extra drives (plus it has a floppy, which is sort of like having a fifth wheel on your car).

 

I disagree with using an old PC nor building a cheap (not so cheap when you add things up) one.

Take a look Buffalo's LinkStation Pro Duo.

For $230 @ Newegg, it comes preloaded with 2 x 500 GB 7200 RPM HDDs.

It runs on a Linux OS just like any of the Synology products.

I set up one of these for my cousin's office, the built-in management software is great, and the thing is pretty compact. You can also expand the storage by adding another USB HDD. And if 1 TB isn't enough, they have a 2 TB version for the Duo, or you can go even further with the LinkStation Quad.

Buffalo is also a Japanese brand.

 

My setup. Whats great about using an full computer as a file server rather than just a nas is that you can have it do other things like: print server, dedicated to torrents, autobackup and managment, create images of your pc's on it and deploy the images back to those computers, remote access all of your files the list goes on and on

 

The only thing I find missing on the LinkStation Pro Duo is a print server, it would be perfect if it has one. I guess you can always add an HP Jetdirect if you need a print server. However, the LinkStation Quad and other single-drive Linkstations do have a built-in print server and BitTorrent client. For the price of Pro Duo + Jetdirect, you may as well just get the Quad.

LinkStation Quad 1 TB (4 x 250 GB 7200 RPM) - $420
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822165129

LinkStation Quad 2 TB (4 x 500 GB 7200 RPM) - $630
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822165130

 

Thx guys, i prefer to get a NAS drive, cause like some of u said, it`s quieter & consumes less power & IMO it would be much better than getting a PC.

Well, which one is better: (I`m only going to use it to store Music, Movies, TV Shows, games...etc. I want to be able to stream them wirelessy, using both PCs, & Macs.). (so speed & storage are important). I like all of them, they all look small & nice, but i would have to say that the quad is awesome, (4 drives & looks tiny)

1.Dlink DNS-323 http://www.dlink.com/products/?pid=509

2.Buffalo's LinkStation Pro Duo. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822165130

3.LinkStation Quad 1 TB (4 x 250 GB 7200 RPM) - $420 (i will pobably sell the 4 drives & get 1 or 2 1TB drives). http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822165129

or

4. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...&cm_mmc_o=TBBTkwCjCVyBpAgf mwzygtCjCVRqCjCVRq

thx.

PS:How much would the 4 250gb drives sell for?

 

Ultimately, it all depends on what your needs/wants are. I originally bought the old _Dell I have to use as network storage for digital pix (considering I got it for around $75, with a functioning - and legal - copy of XP Pro, I'd say it was quite a deal), and it was only after I got it that I realized that I could make very good use of a home webserver, which I could set up on that old _Dell, but not on any of the dedicated NAS devices I had also been looking at.

 

Hmm..what I want to know is how the hell did u manage to shove 4 drives inside an Optiplex GX270. We have some at my workplace and those things are slim.

 

For future expansion, I'd say the Quad, which will also give you more RAID options for speed and redundancy at the same time ( RAID 5). If the Quad is too much, then I guess the D-Link would be a good choice because it has a print server. The total price with 2 x 500 GB HDDs should be just a little more expensive than the Pro Duo. Although I really like the Pro Duo, the DNS-323 does have an advantage. I never tried D-Link's NAS, but I've had great experience with their routers, and the reviews are pretty positive.

Regular 3.5" 250 GB 7200 RPM HDDs are about $40-$70 on eBay, but the replacement 250 GB drive directly from Buffalo cost $124 @ Newegg, which is a bit overpriced of course, but it comes with the bay/casing.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822165132

 

I`ve checked the benchmarks, compared both of them (from smallnetbuilder.com ) and the DNS-323 outpreforms the Quad in everyway, So i think i`ll go with it.

The cheapest i found it was for $187.98 (including tax& shipping), from tigerdirect http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2443662&sku=D700-5386 does it come with warranty if i get it from there? (or should i get it for 210$ from dlink.com?)

Also, would any 1tb 3.5drive fit in it? or do i need specific ones? (Which are the best brands?).

thx.

Edit:

I can get it for around 150$ from ebay, but i don`t trust ebay that much, or am i just being too cautious?

http://cgi.ebay.com/D-LINK-DNS-323-2-BAY-Network-Storage-Enclosure-NAS-RAID_W0QQitemZ330301524191QQcmdZViewItemQQptZCOMP_EN_Storage?hash=item330301524191&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

All of the sellers seem to be located in British Columbia, Canada. (hmmmmm!)

 

You don't need to get it directly from D-Link to have a warranty.

Personally, I haven't had any problems with eBay so far, the one you posted seems legit. However, when you look at eBay prices, you also need to look at the shipping cost at the same time. Some sellers will have a very good price, but will mark up the shipping cost. In addition, just make sure you use PayPal and make sure the item is eligible for Buyer Protection.

I can't tell you if it's compatible with all 3.5" 1 TB drives, but I know you should get the same model for both drives, especially if you need to run RAID. Hitachi and WD would be my primary choices, but everyone has different experience with HDDs.

EDIT: What's wrong with being in Canada?

 

ok, cool. thx.

i have 1 more question, are you sure i can use 2x 1tb drives? (cause all it says is 2 bay, so maybe i can only use 2 500gb drives?).

i guess i`ll go with Hitachi, i`m not a big fan of WD. (all their external drives suck IMO)

 

I'm pretty sure it can, on D-Link's site, it didn't mention anything about size limit, all it mentioned was about being able to run with single or dual drives.

 

thx.

I`m thinking about getting 2 of these, http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-HITACHI-1TB-1000GB-7200RPM-32MB-SATA-HARD-DRIVE_W0QQitemZ380098314803QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Drives_Storage_Internal?hash=item380098314803&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1234|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1308|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

Do you think they`ll fit? are they good (quality & speed wise).? and would i be able to find them cheaper somewhere else? say if i look around the FS/FT section?

Edit:

and what is the diffrence between these 2?

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145233

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145167

 

The seller didn't mention about the model number, and Hitachi has quite a few different models:

http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/products/deskstar/
http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/products/ultrastar/

The difference between the 2 models from Newegg is 16 vs. 32 MB cache.

 

For NAS, I'd use the E7K1000 for extra reliability.

 

ok, thx.

.

 

For NAS, I'd use the E7K1000 for extra reliability.

But you may not like the price though.

The 7K1000.B should be fine.

 

the 7k1000 is this 1 right? http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822145167

It`s only 10$ more than the other 1. (it`s outta stock though).

I`ll try to find it for less somewhere else until either 1.the Dlink 323 ships or 2.when newegg get new stock.

Is the E7k1000 the same as the 7k1000 ?

Edit:

Is it this 1? http://cgi.ebay.com/Hitachi-Deskstar-7K1000-1TB-SATA-Drive-w-Warranty_W0QQitemZ170294281153QQcmdZViewItemQQptZPCC_Drives_Storage_Internal?hash=item170294281153&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50

Same price as newegg, but with no tax. (free shipping)

 

7K1000, 7K1000.B, and E7K1000 are three different models. The E7K1000 being the most expensive in the Deskstar.

7K1000 is the oldest, get the 7K1000.B (HDT721010SLA360) instead.

EDIT: Interesting, the 7K1000.B is actually cheaper than the 7K1000. I guess it's because of the cache size.

 

I can`t find the E7K1000 on sale anywhere. How much does it cost? and is the difference in performance between it and the 7K1000.B worth the extra $$? (I don`t need 1tb right now, i can get the E7K1000 now (if it`s worth it), then pickup another 1 in 5-6 months.

is the http://www.seagate.com/ww/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=481e83de34b43110VgnVCM100000f5ee0a0aRCRD as good as the E7K1000? ($169.99 on newegg, but some1 is selling it for 100$ on the hardforum)

Edit 2: I googled abit and i found out that the seagate isnt as good as the E7K1000.

I still can`t find a place to buy the E7K1000, i`ll give it a few days (maybe they`ll get it back in stock)., if i can`t find anything, then i`ll get the 7K1000.B

Edit 3: After i googled even more, i found out that 7K1000.B is the consumer version of the E7K1000 (For enterprise), so the difference isn`t that much. I couldn`t find any data to back that up, but hitachi has 1 installation guide for both http://www.hitachigst.com/tech/techlib.nsf/techdocs/13E073FE8CD5F0248625747B007D98C0/$file/DS7K1000B_IG.pdf , so that should mean something, also, there is a big diffrence between the E7K1000 & the 7K1000 shown here http://www.storagereview.com/php/benchmark/suite_v4.php?typeID=10&testbedID=4&osID=6&raidconfigID=1&numDrives=1&devID_0=369&devID_1=348&devCnt=2 so i guess the 7K1000.B is somewhere between them, closer to the E7K1000 than the 7K1000.

I`m still gonna try and get the E7K1000, but as i said b4, i`ll get the 7K1000.B if i could`t find the E7K1000 in a few days.

 

I found this place, but it's out of stock, and I don't know how legit they are.

http://alrightdeals.com/Item.htm?Id...ve.IDE...ATA....7200..RPM_180..GB_0___2297693

The price is almost double of the 7K1000.B, performance wise, I don't think it's worth it, but for long term reliability, then maybe it does. Although I don't know how well Rotational Vibration Safeguard (RVS) works, maybe it's just a marketing gimmick.

Another thing you should think about is the noise, Hitachi drives seem to be louder than others. Personally, I don't have a problem with this, but some people do.

 

the 7k1000.B has the Rotational Vibration Safeguard as well.

the CinemaStar 7K1000.B is a quieter (also uses less power) version of the 7K1000.B, i can`t find where it (Cinema Star version) says it has the RVS. (maybe it was removed in the CinemaStar version.)

http://www.hitachigst.com/tech/techlib.nsf/techdocs/CAFE0EA610B274C08625749400712627/$file/HGST_CinemaStar_7K1000.B_DS.pdf

 

The HP media servers work well as a file server. Anyone that has used Windows Home Media Server will tell ya the same.

 

If that's the case, then I'd just get the 7K1000.B and save like $60-$70 for each drive.

EDIT: By the way, according to Hitachi's site, the E7K1000 and 7K1000.B has the same media transfer rate, and it's faster than the 7K1000 and CinemaStar 7K1000. From what I can see, the only difference between E7K1000 and 7K1000.B is the cache size (32 vs. 16 MB), everything else is the same. You can use this link to compare them:

http://www.hitachigst.com/portal/site/en/menuitem.041bb3028ac06489760062f6aac4f0a0/

The 7K1000.B looks to be the best deal in the Hitachi 1 TB drives.

 

alright

My friend told me that seagate are > hitachi, is there any truth to that? or should i just get the hitachi? (which are the best IMO).

 

Everyone has their own preference for hard drives?

 

What do you mean?

PS: what the f**c is this about? i`ve been getting it for the past 2 days.



(i tired spreading rep, but i still get it).

 

I've been thinking about NAS and reading about them for awhile. I had decided on the DLink DNS-323 for myself. I liked being able to access it from multiple computers on my network, and I liked the idea of mirroring the drives.

As I understand, the DNS-323 will work with any SATA drives, or almost any since I don't know if it will support the 1.5TB drives or not.

I ordered my DNS-323 last night from newegg, along with 2 WD 640GB "green" drives. Total cost including shipping about $330.

As for drive brands- I've been using and studying hard drives for over 20 years. I've seen all of the brands come and go, and I've seen their ups and downs. We may be in an era of the best hard drive reliability in history, although about 10 years ago there were a lot of brands with good reputations. Since then the brands with the best reliability- Fujitsu, IBM, Micropolis, have been driven out of the market by price competition. All hard drives can and do fail, so keep multiple copies of your data. I've been reading the reviews and rankings of drives on Newegg, and it is interesting that the few people that end up with a bad drive from any manufacturer really badmouth the drives as horrible. But for whatever drive that they like, you can find people with failed drives from that brand that badmouth them too. I didn't check every drive available on newegg, but for the ones I checked WD had the best reliability ratings.

 

My mistake ... what I said was supposed to end with a period, not a ? ... but I'm not even sure I wanted to post in this topic. haha

 

i got a DNS 323 as well. I guess i`ll go with the 7K1000.B, (seems like 1 of the fastest/most reliable HDs out there.)

my total comes to 320$ (with shipping & everything), for the DNS-323 + 2x 1TB 7K1000.B. How did u get to 330$ with 2x 640gbWD?

and millermagic, loool.

 

I have had better experiences with Hitachi than Seagate. But millermagic is right, everyone has different experiences. Although I must say, just stay away from Maxtor.

And lol, don't worry about the rep thing, you repped me before already.

 

Off the top of my head- newegg prices-

DNS-323 $178
WD 640 green- $70 each x 2
shipping $12
total $330