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.
arn
Nov 6, 02:19 PM
I think people try to prevent multiple songs from the same artist showing up at once... but we then forget to go back...
we'll get 'em in there...
I'll talk to the other admins
arn
we'll get 'em in there...
I'll talk to the other admins
arn
Applejuiced
May 1, 11:15 AM
Was it unlocked with the iPad baseband?
job
Jul 16, 06:31 PM
Originally posted by Backtothemac
Man, I am 3127. That is cool that you can check that. I don't even know when I registered. I think I am coming up on two years before too long.
Us January 2002 members are at roughly 1.5 years. :D ;)
Oh, and my id is 3781.
Man, I am 3127. That is cool that you can check that. I don't even know when I registered. I think I am coming up on two years before too long.
Us January 2002 members are at roughly 1.5 years. :D ;)
Oh, and my id is 3781.
more...
eva01
Sep 28, 04:18 PM
if you can flash it then yes, but it can be difficult
ECUpirate44
Mar 22, 10:00 AM
How many times did you try the jb and what were you using? Pwnage or greenpoison? Just because the jb fails once doesn't mean that it was a disaster. Try the jb again.
Tried it with Greenpois0n and it failed so I tried it with Redsnow and it worked. It's tethered, but thats no big deal as I rarely ever turn it off. But now what do I do with the host file? I deleted what I added and now it looks like this. Is this correct?
277497
Tried it with Greenpois0n and it failed so I tried it with Redsnow and it worked. It's tethered, but thats no big deal as I rarely ever turn it off. But now what do I do with the host file? I deleted what I added and now it looks like this. Is this correct?
277497
more...
nebulos
Apr 30, 10:18 AM
if you're past the first 14 days, they won't do anything about one pixel.
brn2ski00
Jul 1, 09:35 AM
What exactly does the apple video adaptor adapt? I've been looking for something to connect my macbook to an external monitor.
Dave
It can be used with an iBook or Powerbook.... I don't think it will work for a MB.
Dave
It can be used with an iBook or Powerbook.... I don't think it will work for a MB.
more...
Che Castro
May 4, 07:32 PM
Current iOS on Verizon does not support video airplay
Why not?
I was thinking of switching to verizon but now i dont think so
Why not?
I was thinking of switching to verizon but now i dont think so
alfonsog
Feb 22, 09:16 AM
It is sold as part of a book (but not actually the entire book on the cd) and the publisher is worried about the cd being copied? Wouldn't you need the book anyway therefore it doesn't matter if the cd is copied; they have the sale regardless of the cd being copied.
If it is any kind of a popular book/cd it will be on the internet before release regardless of copy protection, but if it is a niche market you will probably be fine.
If it is any kind of a popular book/cd it will be on the internet before release regardless of copy protection, but if it is a niche market you will probably be fine.
more...
redAPPLE
Dec 21, 08:48 AM
Ouch!
That looks like a real messed up PB!
:eek:
that looks like the new iBurn. :D
That looks like a real messed up PB!
:eek:
that looks like the new iBurn. :D
Hellhammer
Apr 24, 02:18 AM
At least not in the base model. In theory, Apple could replace the 3.2GHz quad BTO option with 3.2GHz 6-core but personally, I doubt that. However, you can buy the base model and do the upgrade on your own.
more...
liamkp
Jul 29, 01:08 PM
The best part about this thread is the title: I read it as "China Unicorn finalizing deal for iPhone 4..."
Thats what i thought.... And then i saw Unicom and thought this was about them making a generic copy of the iPhone 4. :o
Thats what i thought.... And then i saw Unicom and thought this was about them making a generic copy of the iPhone 4. :o
KeithPratt
Apr 15, 11:58 AM
Maybe Version 5 is better in saving the correct PAL-solution not adding pixels that are not needed, while recording.
If you've got your VCR hooked up to a DV camcorder and the DV camcorder attached to your Mac via Firewire, you can think of capturing it in iMovie as a file transfer. The camcorder is encoding the VCR's output to standard PAL DV, and your Mac is just recording that data.
If you try to do any colour correction or what have you in iMovie, a different engine in different versions might result in different quality. But these versions are so old I don't think you'll find much comparison online � probably best to just suck it and see.
If you've got your VCR hooked up to a DV camcorder and the DV camcorder attached to your Mac via Firewire, you can think of capturing it in iMovie as a file transfer. The camcorder is encoding the VCR's output to standard PAL DV, and your Mac is just recording that data.
If you try to do any colour correction or what have you in iMovie, a different engine in different versions might result in different quality. But these versions are so old I don't think you'll find much comparison online � probably best to just suck it and see.
more...
P-Worm
Sep 10, 07:57 PM
Yeah, yeah, I'm a newbie, but I don't think I fully understand this spamming thing. Is it when you say something unrelated or something already said before?:confused:
P-Worm
P-Worm
JollyJoeJoe
Apr 17, 07:17 AM
Question:
Should a mac pro server have less speed and more grunt, whereas a workstation have more speed and less grunt?
Thoughts and feelings on it
( I have to deploy some osx servers but a master workstation does a huge amount of work, so trying to spend the cash best)
It's best to have both more grunt and speed for either :)
Otherwise it depends on the applications you use, if your apps take full advantage of multi-core/parallel processing than you would gain more from
dual procs at lower speed than one at high. For servers it's always high i/o, multiple requests and threads, so the more cores and RAM the merrier.
Should a mac pro server have less speed and more grunt, whereas a workstation have more speed and less grunt?
Thoughts and feelings on it
( I have to deploy some osx servers but a master workstation does a huge amount of work, so trying to spend the cash best)
It's best to have both more grunt and speed for either :)
Otherwise it depends on the applications you use, if your apps take full advantage of multi-core/parallel processing than you would gain more from
dual procs at lower speed than one at high. For servers it's always high i/o, multiple requests and threads, so the more cores and RAM the merrier.
more...
Aidoon
Mar 31, 08:52 AM
Forgive what may be a newb question, but I'm a current Windows user thinking of going bi, OS that is... I'm surprised that Boot Camp doesn't seem to offer simple backup solution. Does anybody happen to know if Parallels will backup both Windows & Mac partitions.
chown33
Apr 18, 05:57 PM
Hi im getting this error,UIApplication may not respond to '+mainWindow' with my action sheet , but im not really sure why. any help would be greatly appreciated.
How to solve problems like this:
1. Open the class reference doc (UIApplication in this case).
2. Search for the expected method or property (mainWindow in this case).
3. If found, read the description carefully (some detail may differ from your expectation, such as - instead of +, or a different letter-case than you expected).
4. If not found, open the class reference doc for the superclass and go to step 2.
5. If not found in any class or superclass, then the reason for the message is simple: the class does not have the method or property you expected.
If you reach step #5, you'll have to modify your problem-solving procedure. You think it is method xyzzy, but it really might have method xyz, or zzy.
In your case, it's not clear what you're trying to do. You might mean the keyWindow property of the UIApplication instance, but if not, you'll have to explain exactly what you're trying to accomplish.
In general, it's always a good idea to describe exactly what you're trying to accomplish.
How to solve problems like this:
1. Open the class reference doc (UIApplication in this case).
2. Search for the expected method or property (mainWindow in this case).
3. If found, read the description carefully (some detail may differ from your expectation, such as - instead of +, or a different letter-case than you expected).
4. If not found, open the class reference doc for the superclass and go to step 2.
5. If not found in any class or superclass, then the reason for the message is simple: the class does not have the method or property you expected.
If you reach step #5, you'll have to modify your problem-solving procedure. You think it is method xyzzy, but it really might have method xyz, or zzy.
In your case, it's not clear what you're trying to do. You might mean the keyWindow property of the UIApplication instance, but if not, you'll have to explain exactly what you're trying to accomplish.
In general, it's always a good idea to describe exactly what you're trying to accomplish.
ManhattanPrjct
May 19, 11:43 AM
Great, so we'll have to pay for built-in Netflix just like on the 360? I hope not, esp. since the disc version is already free (though slower and worse than the 360 implementation, for sure).
I'd rather stick the netflix disc in than pay for the premium service!
I'd rather stick the netflix disc in than pay for the premium service!
trigonometry
Feb 19, 06:20 PM
There's a risk that the :apple:-logo will break. Make sure it's protected. How much does your head weigh, btw?
I don't know how much my head weighs. Can I break the screen? I can put the laptop in my backpack, its mesh and only has a padded back.
I don't know how much my head weighs. Can I break the screen? I can put the laptop in my backpack, its mesh and only has a padded back.
G-Mo
May 3, 12:45 PM
$800.
Wow! I've got a couple of empty original iPhone boxes, think I'll fill them with 135g worth of weight and go over and visit my buddy with a shrink wrap machine...
Wow! I've got a couple of empty original iPhone boxes, think I'll fill them with 135g worth of weight and go over and visit my buddy with a shrink wrap machine...
md63
Mar 4, 07:57 AM
I have an iPad with 3.2.1 which I jailbroke using jailbreakme.com. I have never upgraded since and I was wondering if its worth upgrading to 4.2.1 and how difficult it is to JB. The website jailbreak was so easy that I could not resist but I don't have alot of experience at this type of thing. I have noticed some newer apps are requiring 4.0 and higher so I guess I will eventually need to upgrade.
I was looking into the VM memory hack and noticed several references that 4.2.1 has this native capability. Overall i'm satisfied with the performance as is but would appreciate your thoughts on whether its time to upgrade and JB again. Thanks.
I was looking into the VM memory hack and noticed several references that 4.2.1 has this native capability. Overall i'm satisfied with the performance as is but would appreciate your thoughts on whether its time to upgrade and JB again. Thanks.
stevemiller
Jan 1, 11:33 AM
thanks so much for the replies. i gave the ps3mediaserver app a try and the results were better than i expected. i was worried that on the fly transcoding would degrade video to webcam quality or something! hopefully between that and the wd nas, i'll have a decent set of options for downloaded content.
and fingers crossed that either a more competent browser or a better canadian netflix selection will show up on the horizon someday.
in the meantime i just looked at the trailer for wipeout HD fury, @-SD- you have a surprising insight into exactly the type of game that i'd enjoy, thanks! :)
and fingers crossed that either a more competent browser or a better canadian netflix selection will show up on the horizon someday.
in the meantime i just looked at the trailer for wipeout HD fury, @-SD- you have a surprising insight into exactly the type of game that i'd enjoy, thanks! :)
vistadude
Mar 25, 01:00 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)
I get tired of these threads where people think windows is the problem. Windows is doing far more when in the background when you are staring at a blank screen than Mac OS. At the same time however, you can run far more apps in windows than Mac OS X before anything starts slowing down or becomes unstable. Finally, it is also an issue of the hardware as netbooks can get better battery life with windows than your MacBook. So to answer your question, nothing is wrong with windows.
I get tired of these threads where people think windows is the problem. Windows is doing far more when in the background when you are staring at a blank screen than Mac OS. At the same time however, you can run far more apps in windows than Mac OS X before anything starts slowing down or becomes unstable. Finally, it is also an issue of the hardware as netbooks can get better battery life with windows than your MacBook. So to answer your question, nothing is wrong with windows.
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