Date: Sat, 5 Jul 2003 02:02:50 +0100 From: ".VWV." <victorvittorivonwiktow@interfree.it> To: <freebsd-hardware@freebsd.org> Subject: suggestions for multiple-disc machines Message-ID: <002401c34291$28751a00$db716850@workstation>
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Hi to all. Having read of a lot of problems, I write you a suggestion for the hardware configuration of a high-end workstation, also valid for small server purposes. If you like ATA-RAID, start with the Abit 'AD7-RAID' motherboard. This is the real 'core' of your computer, not the intercheangeable processors. Add on some good Corsair Memory modules. If you like excellent cooling, choose the 'ALPHA PAL6035' 60 mm heatsink, with the 'FUNNEL' adapter on the top, to fit the 'DELTA SHE' 80 mm. - http://www.1coolpc.com/ -. The noise is reduced by the funnel itself. Connect the Delta to the power cables, never to the board's pins. You also can't connect the rpm detection connector, otherwise it crashes the bios, even if without damages. If you like SCSI-RAID, start with the simple Abit 'AD7' motherboard, plus the ICP-Vortex SCSI controller 'GDT6523RS' - http://www.icp-order.com/32_bit_controllers.phtml -. Same instructions as above as for the cpu cooling. Theese Abit motherboards have the fully supported Winbond ethernet LAN controller, plus a good audio device. You need nothing else, except of the video card - maybe a Matrox 550. I also suggest you to learn how to manage the 'dump', instead of building unuseful RAID mirrorings. The controllers are managed now in jbod mode, the disks can be connected or disconnected as you like - pay only attention to set their check option to zero in /etc/fstab and set noauto, if you plan disconnecting one disk. With dump, you can make backups at the desired times, without depending from the controller's bios restrictions. You can use 'restore' to resume your data everywhen you need. Moreover, a severe system crash affects both of the disks on the mirror, whilst a dump backup keeps the dumped stuff untouched. Mirror RAID is useful only with high-stressed disks on a very stable system, it prevents only from hardware failures. No panic if an Abit board doesn't boot: just return it to the reseller, WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL STUFF: only the board with its envelope. The best electronic components, sometimes don't boot at all, but in the most cases run a lifetime. ˇOverall, never make striping without mirroring! Ready to go... VITTORI
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