Currently I have a W2k3 server running x6 hdd's totaling approx 1.5tb with about 1tb used which aren't being backed up (well some of it is). Out of all of that data I gues I only need to backup about 750gb which includes NTBackups and Flat File backups of 8 Virtual Machines and the rest is music and backup copies of all my software plus mine and SWMBO's Uni work.

I understand if I go for the USB drive option there wont be any fault tolerance but then most of the lower end NAS drives seem to only have a single HDD too.

It will primerily be used as a backup device although I do intend to run a couple of non-essential Vitrual Machines on there which have very little disk activity.

My questions are this

Is there much difference is speed when copying files between a USB2 connected Disk or a NAS drive over a 100mb network?

Would a NAS drive on a 100mb network be quick enough to run Virtual Servers on?

I have a very limited budget (£200 max) and I'm also trying to look towards the future for growth as at some point this year I will be adding another quad core/16gb server to run esx server for learning on which will then run Linux and VMware server as I'm sick of having to shut down all my VM's to install hotfixes on my host.

Edited 27 January, 200917 yr by matt@theforce

I've just bought a 2 drive NAS which as a product I am hugely impressed with however I would like faster transfer speeds if possible but I'm not sure it's a fault of the NAS.

Synology DS207 High-performance 2-bay SATA NAS Server with Advanced Data Protection and : SYN-DS207

http://www.synology.com/enu/products/DS207/index.php

i have a single disk synology and its great

also getting a icybox 4220 nas this week (95 quid new, takes 2 disks, raid 0 raid 1 or jbod) - throw a couple of 1tb drives from aria.co.uk and this just a shade over 200 quid

The software and web interface of the synology are really good, still taking some getting used to but I like it.

especially when you forget the ip:port to log into the management interface... :(

Have a look at the QNAP range. The TS209II would probably fit your requirements. Twice the memory 256MB and a 500MHZ Cpu as opposed to 128MB and 266Mhz from the Synology nas.

QNAP Systems, Inc. ( Products - NAS )- Quality Network Appliance Provider

I have one and can recommend it. P.S Not starting a NAS war.

You have PM matt

You have PM matt

Replied

Replied with more info.

In regard to the QNAP recommendation I'd say that the TS-409 is more suited to your needs than the 209 myself.

Disregard my comments above - the NAS is going back.

I simply can't get enough throughput to achieve what I want to do so I'm going USB.

It's a pity because some of the features are great but if I can't achive the main aim it's an expensive toy.

I have to admit, I do like the sound of the TS-409 I guess I'm going to have to wait a little longer for it and save a little more money.

Disregard my comments above - the NAS is going back.

I simply can't get enough throughput to achieve what I want to do so I'm going USB.

It's a pity because some of the features are great but if I can't achive the main aim it's an expensive toy.

Stu, if you let me know what you want from a storage solution I might well be able to guide you to something more suitable than a plain USB.

Feel free to drop me a PM if you like.

All I want to do is keep my movie collection on disk, so I need to be able to transfer large files at a sufficient speed to watch them. Having access from the outside world for small files such as PDF was a bonus.

The problem is the router resides in the office seperate to the PC which is in the lounge so wireless was the answer. The only other possible seems to be Plug network but it's just more hassle.

Looking at one of these -

Icy Box 3.5" x 2 Black JBOD SATA Enclosure - USB : novatech.co.uk : ICY-IB321B

Are you intending to try and stream full HD?

If so USB2 won't keep up either.

If you want to be able to load them to a local hard disk then play them after 5 minutes that could be doable over what you have.

I'll have a think a bit later, but are proper cat5 wires out and wireless only?

I've tried and proved USB - It works ok.

WIres are out really as I don't want to have the router in the lounge.

If I connect the NAS directly with CAT5 to the HTPC it's not that good either, I can only assume it's a limitation of Vista networking. It's poor on the HTPC and my laptop alike.

What network chips are in the PCs?

Some cards are really cr@p and have equally bad drivers.

As for Streaming HD, I was talking full non compressed 1080p which comes in at 1.5Gbit/s hence my USB wont work for that.

The files are saved as ISO's so it's one big file between 20 and 40 gb.

Laptop Wireless n - Atheros

Laptop 10/100 - Broadcomm

HTPC Wireless g - Lite-On

HTPC Giga - NVidia

Is the HTPC PCI express and if so do you have a spare PCIe x4 or x1.

I think I've still got a couple of cards from quality manufacturers kicking around that you could borrorw, but they are wired.

If you want high speed wireless I'd be looking at intel hardware. The intel mini-PCI cards can be got hold of reasonably easily and have good drivers.

For the HTPC, I'd suggest the NVidia gig ports are probably not stellar and ditto for the wireless. The gig wired should be able to stream reasonably though at 100MB/s

As a first step I'd say try getting the latest broadcom drivers for your wireless chip as this can make a huge difference. Then if that helps try a PCI-e wireless card from intel in the HTPC.

Any firmware updates for the NAS might be worthwhile too.

Also are you running any firewall software (windows or third party such as macaffe/norton or anything else in an Anti-virus package)? If so turn it off and see if that helps.

Edited 28 January, 200917 yr by cheezemonkhai

Intel N cards can be had for 22 quid on the 'bay - im after getting one myself for the AAO - requires a bit of DIY for adding the extra areal on the lappy tho

I don't have any spare slots on the HTPC really. There is a TV tuner which I could take out but they are only half height PCI-e.

Cabled NAS isn't going to help I don't think, it seems a waste of money to have the NAS only wired to the PC and not on the network, it's not as though I've got a speed advantage from it.

It was more of a try it to see if it helps and identify the problem.

In that case:

1) Download and install latest broadcom drivers etc,

2) Turn off any firewall and antivirus

Try streaming it then, and obviously avoid doing net/mail things while the AV is off.

If this helps try turning on the firewall/AV a bit at a time until it goes slow again.

I don't use a SW firewall only AVG AV (Full Product)

I can't seem to be able to turn that off.

I think I'm up to date with drivers, and the NAS has the latest FW.

What about homeplug Stu?.. could help unless your into your HAM radio lol

I still never plumped for a solution myself.

Looking for 500gb storage for music and photo collections, but was scared about loosing it all after someones advice

Infact still scared to death of any data storage! :eek: