Discussion Forums > Technology
Western Digital or Seagate
Dhruv:
--- Quote from: Freedom Kira on July 18, 2012, 10:43:25 PM ---A NAS unit is essentially a computer that sits connected to your network and only ever provides storage for files over the network. You could think of it as a localized cloud service that you manage yourself.
A NAS unit can be as simple as an external (containing any number of disks, though most people assume that when someone says "NAS" they mean a unit with 4+ disks) connected by Ethernet, or you can set up a low-power computer to act as a NAS and perform other duties as well (small web server, torrent, etc.). Pretty much any computer can act like a NAS if you set it up to do so.
If you really don't want to go through the hassle of building your own mini machine (it's actually very easy but I won't pressure you), you should definitely take a look at Drobo. That's some pretty cool stuff there. It's a tad expensive but it's very impressive how it works.
By the way, if you RAID 5 or 6 your disks, 6x2TB will give you more space than 4x3TB, though the 6x2TB array will be a bit more prone to failure as well if 2TB and 3TB disks have the same failure rates. It's generally not recommended that you create a giant disk by just combining all the disk space together (either "RAID" 0 or JBOD) because you can lose all your data if you lose just one disk out of the set.
--- End quote ---
I don't have any kind of skill in the tech. dept. so even if you pressure me it won't be of much use ;D
I will consider a NAS server if it is cheaper to me than the Cost of HDD bought separately of the same capacity...(i.e. least cost per TB)
but i do realize that a little bit over it would be obvious since it is a computer in itself...
but i don't have multiple computers.. just one which i am using atm... so how productive can NAS be in my case..
nstgc:
I've been meaning to turn an old computer of mine into a NAS (by putting a bunch of HDDs in it), but I've never gotten around to it. I only have the one computer, but it would be nice as a sort of external hardrive.
Dhruv:
--- Quote from: nstgc on July 19, 2012, 02:42:43 AM ---I've been meaning to turn an old computer of mine into a NAS (by putting a bunch of HDDs in it), but I've never gotten around to it. I only have the one computer, but it would be nice as a sort of external hardrive.
--- End quote ---
So what do you say?
HDD or NAS? For single computers that is.
Freedom Kira:
The number of computers you use is not really relevant to which one is more useful. Sure, a NAS unit serving multiple computers would be far better than an external disk, due simply to the fact that the files are made available to everyone at the same time, but that should not be the defining factor.
The NAS will be more expensive than an external, period. When you build a NAS, you are buying HDDs to put into an empty system, and you are buying the empty system, which consists either of computer parts or a prebuilt NAS unit. Most prebuilt NAS units are not worth it for the price, so I don't even consider them. However, when you build a NAS, what you are paying for is more advanced handling of your data and more reliability. By setting up a NAS unit, you would typically also build a software layer that combines your disks together, so you see a single disk (my 6 disk array shows up as a single 13.7TB disk). You would also typically set up a RAID volume as this software layer, which allows your data to survive if one or more disks fail in your collection of disks (depends on which RAID level you pick). When you have a bunch of externals, if you lose a disk you will lose all the data on that disk. Note this does not have to be done in software - there exist hardware to do the same thing, and many Intel-based motherboards have built-in RAID capability. If you have a board without onboard RAID, a good RAID card costs hundreds, while a simple RAID card can cost under $50.
So, in the end, a NAS and an external HDD perform the same tasks but the extra benefits of the NAS kind of put it into a different category.
I mentioned Drobo in my last post but it doesn't look like you looked it up. You really should check it out.
kitamesume:
--- Quote from: rostheferret on July 18, 2012, 10:04:20 PM ---
--- Quote from: kitamesume on July 18, 2012, 04:59:15 PM --- (click to show/hide)[$49.99]Intel Celeron G530 Sandy Bridge 2.4GHz LGA 1155 65W Dual-Core Desktop Processor
[$49.99]MSI H61M-P20 (G3) LGA 1155 Intel H61 Micro ATX
[$59.99](optional)MSI R6570-MD1G/LP Radeon HD 6570 1GB 128-bit DDR3
[$12.99]Kingston 2GB 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1333 Desktop Memory
[$59.99]IN WIN BL641.300TBL Black Steel MicroATX Slim Case Computer Case 300W Power Supply
--------------------------------
total : $232.95
notes: use the ODD and foppy as an HDD space, total of up to 4drives can fit.
--- End quote ---
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128517
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103951
Mobo/Processor comes to $160, eliminates the need for a graphics card (the integrated graphics run similar to a 5xxx Radeon, more than enough for HD video), adds a 3rd core, just if you need it for some reason, permits a smaller case and allows for 6 HDDs (not 4!).
I've been slowly scheming building something similar myself of late; some sort of HTPC/Server/Seedbox that's silent and low power. Still needs work mind (it's currently pushing the £1000 mark :()
--- End quote ---
do note the GPU is optional, which means its possible to bring the price down, if intel IGP's issue is too unbearable even an HD6450 for $40 would suffice which obviously would result in a cheaper build.
which small case can hold 6drives :o at 60$ price to boot, with a PSU no less. if there is one tho i'd like to have one too.
so essentially its 10$ more expensive and these is what you get:
(click to show/hide)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
(click to show/hide)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
note: i do doubt you wouldn't pass up less power consumption if you'll end up running the thing 24/7.
Navigation
[0] Message Index
[#] Next page
[*] Previous page
Go to full version