What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS & Sata, plus 3.5 & 2.5" drives.

Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore.

Regards

Chris Freelance Engineer.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote:

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

I've had great experiences with LSI. Support and otherwise. (IBM re-badge LSI arrays.) Bit pricy tho depending on your needs. I had one on my finishing system back when i was "independant".

If support is really a key factor, consider parts availability too. For instance, our Infortrend arrays are supported very well, until you need parts, then its a 2-4 week wait!

-----Original Message----- From: studiosysadmins-discuss-bounces@studiosysadmins.com [mailto:studiosysadmins-discuss-bounces@studiosysadmins.com] On Behalf Of Andrew Siegel Sent: Tuesday, 31 January 2012 2:38 PM To: discuss@studiosysadmins.com Subject: [SSA-Discuss] Standalone direct-attached RAIDs

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20- 40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Agree re: Xyratex, LaCie effectively resell these and badge them as their LaCie 12big range, so you can still get them that way.

Karl

-- Karl Woolley Framestore 9 Noel Street, London W1F 8GH Direct Dial: + 44 (0) 207 208 2631 Skype: karl.framestore www.framestore.com

----- Original Message ----- From: "Chris Hyman" Chris@cyberdyne-services.com To: discuss@studiosysadmins.com Sent: Tuesday, 31 January, 2012 1:44:24 PM Subject: Re: [SSA-Discuss] Standalone direct-attached RAIDs

Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS & Sata, plus 3.5 & 2.5" drives.

Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore.

Regards

Chris Freelance Engineer.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote:

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh.

"Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer.

On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote:

Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS & Sata, plus 3.5 & 2.5" drives.

Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore.

Regards

Chris Freelance Engineer.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote:

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Must agree - loosing a partition config is bad, support not being able to offer anything is worse. However as you say you can backup the config within the xyratex array.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:53, Robert Moggach wrote:

Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh.

"Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer.

On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote:

Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS & Sata, plus 3.5 & 2.5" drives.

Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore.

Regards

Chris Freelance Engineer.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote:

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Single or dual raid controllers?

Sent from my Sprint iPhone

On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggach rob@dashing.tv wrote:

Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh.

"Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer.

On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote:

Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS & Sata, plus 3.5 & 2.5" drives.

Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore.

Regards

Chris Freelance Engineer.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote:

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Probably dual.

On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: > Single or dual raid controllers? > > Sent from my Sprint iPhone > > On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv wrote: > >> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >> >> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >> >> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >> >>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& Sata, plus 3.5& 2.5" drives. >>> >>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Chris >>> Freelance Engineer. >>> >>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>> >>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>> >>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>> >> >

That's really surprising that both controllers failed. We have 5 of those xyratex.

We also have an old 8500 DDN which are xyratex chassis but DDN controllers.

The only issue I have seen with the xyratex is that the webgui will become non responsive and it requires powering down/up the array.

On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote:

Probably dual.

On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: > Single or dual raid controllers? > > Sent from my Sprint iPhone > > On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv wrote: > >> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >> >> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >> >> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >> >>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& Sata, plus 3.5& 2.5" drives. >>> >>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Chris >>> Freelance Engineer. >>> >>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>> >>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>> >>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>> >> >

The Web UI problem is fixable via a firmware update.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 16:51, Saker Klippsten wrote:

That's really surprising that both controllers failed. We have 5 of those xyratex.

We also have an old 8500 DDN which are xyratex chassis but DDN controllers.

The only issue I have seen with the xyratex is that the webgui will become non responsive and it requires powering down/up the array.

On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote:

Probably dual.

On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: > Single or dual raid controllers? > > Sent from my Sprint iPhone > > On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv wrote: > >> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >> >> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >> >> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >> >>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& Sata, plus 3.5& 2.5" drives. >>> >>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Chris >>> Freelance Engineer. >>> >>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>> >>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>> >>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>> >> >

Also forgot to mention we have a pair of 16 drive 400gb drive Eon-store arrays that have been running for 7 6 years with out fail. These are for our exchange and profile servers. (Knock on wood) no failed drives .

They have been on a ups as well which is key to long drive /array longevity.

On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote:

Probably dual.

On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: > Single or dual raid controllers? > > Sent from my Sprint iPhone > > On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv wrote: > >> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >> >> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >> >> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >> >>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& Sata, plus 3.5& 2.5" drives. >>> >>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Chris >>> Freelance Engineer. >>> >>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>> >>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>> >>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>> >> >

NexSAN Arrays are pretty good. http://www.nexsan.com/products/category/SAN_storage_system/index.aspx

My original SATABeast is still running strong.

Zorion Terrell IT Manager | DHX Media Vancouver e: zorion.terrell@dhxmedia.com p: 604-684-2363 | m: 604-562-5148 600-190 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1B5

-----Original Message----- From: studiosysadmins-discuss-bounces@studiosysadmins.com [mailto:studiosysadmins-discuss-bounces@studiosysadmins.com] On Behalf Of Saker Klippsten Sent: January-31-12 9:12 AM To: Andrew Siegel Cc: discuss@studiosysadmins.com Subject: Re: [SSA-Discuss] Standalone direct-attached RAIDs

Also forgot to mention we have a pair of 16 drive 400gb drive Eon-store arrays that have been running for 7 6 years with out fail. These are for our exchange and profile servers. (Knock on wood) no failed drives .

They have been on a ups as well which is key to long drive /array longevity.

On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote:

Probably dual.

On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: > Single or dual raid controllers? > > Sent from my Sprint iPhone > > On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv wrote: > >> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >> >> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >> >> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >> >>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& Sata, plus 3.5& 2.5" drives. >>> >>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>> >>> Regards >>> >>> >>> Chris >>> Freelance Engineer. >>> >>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>> >>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>> >>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>> >> >

dual

On 2012/01/31, at 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote:

Single or dual raid controllers?

Sent from my Sprint iPhone

On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggach rob@dashing.tv wrote:

Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh.

"Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer.

On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote:

Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS & Sata, plus 3.5 & 2.5" drives.

Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore.

Regards

Chris Freelance Engineer.

On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote:

What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago.

I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support.

Alternatively, if you are nervous about flashing firmware, you can reset an unresponsive network interface by connecting with the serial cable (you need the weird DB9 to "USB" adapter for 5412 arrays, DB9 to audio mini jack for F6500).

Set your terminal program to 115200 bps, N81, CTRL-E to wake up the interface, then:

2 , 6 , 1

That will reset the embedded SSM module and bring back the web UI (as well as SNMP / email notifications if you have those configured, if you don't, do it!).

We have a bunch of Xyratex storage, both as direct attached storage to Flame/Smoke systems and as part of our SAN, and I'm generally pretty happy with it. The hardware quality is good, and it is relatively straightforward to configure and operate.

On the west coast, you can talk to Daystrom (http://daystrom.com/), they resell and integrate the Xyratex stuff, and are helpful.

Someone else mentioned LSI storage: hasn't this been recently bought by NetApp?

JF

On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:02 AM, Chris Hyman Chris@cyberdyne-services.com wrote: > The Web UI problem is fixable via a firmware update. > > > On 31 Jan 2012, at 16:51, Saker Klippsten wrote: > >> That's really surprising that both controllers failed. We have 5 of those xyratex. >> >> We also have an old 8500 DDN which are xyratex chassis but DDN controllers. >> >> >> The only issue I have seen with the xyratex is that the webgui will become non responsive and it requires powering down/up the array. >> >> >> On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote: >> >>> Probably dual. >>> >>> >>> On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: >>>> Single or dual raid controllers? >>>> >>>> Sent from my Sprint iPhone >>>> >>>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv ?wrote: >>>> >>>>> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >>>>> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >>>>> >>>>> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >>>>> >>>>> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& ?Sata, plus 3.5& ?2.5" drives. >>>>>> >>>>>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>>>>> >>>>>> Regards >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Chris >>>>>> Freelance Engineer. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? ?I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. ?Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >

Great info JF,

We have a Xyratex that needs re-setting every-so-often due to network controller issues. Can't wait to try this next time instead of bringing down the entire SAN while it reboots.

Thanks -Kevin B.

On Jan 31, 2012, at 9:57 AM, Jean-Francois Panisset wrote:

Alternatively, if you are nervous about flashing firmware, you can reset an unresponsive network interface by connecting with the serial cable (you need the weird DB9 to "USB" adapter for 5412 arrays, DB9 to audio mini jack for F6500).

Set your terminal program to 115200 bps, N81, CTRL-E to wake up the interface, then:

2 , 6 , 1

That will reset the embedded SSM module and bring back the web UI (as well as SNMP / email notifications if you have those configured, if you don't, do it!).

We have a bunch of Xyratex storage, both as direct attached storage to Flame/Smoke systems and as part of our SAN, and I'm generally pretty happy with it. The hardware quality is good, and it is relatively straightforward to configure and operate.

On the west coast, you can talk to Daystrom (http://daystrom.com/), they resell and integrate the Xyratex stuff, and are helpful.

Someone else mentioned LSI storage: hasn't this been recently bought by NetApp?

JF

On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:02 AM, Chris Hyman Chris@cyberdyne-services.com wrote: > The Web UI problem is fixable via a firmware update. > > > On 31 Jan 2012, at 16:51, Saker Klippsten wrote: > >> That's really surprising that both controllers failed. We have 5 of those xyratex. >> >> We also have an old 8500 DDN which are xyratex chassis but DDN controllers. >> >> >> The only issue I have seen with the xyratex is that the webgui will become non responsive and it requires powering down/up the array. >> >> >> On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote: >> >>> Probably dual. >>> >>> >>> On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: >>>> Single or dual raid controllers? >>>> >>>> Sent from my Sprint iPhone >>>> >>>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv wrote: >>>> >>>>> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >>>>> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >>>>> >>>>> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >>>>> >>>>> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& Sata, plus 3.5& 2.5" drives. >>>>>> >>>>>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>>>>> >>>>>> Regards >>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>>> Chris >>>>>> Freelance Engineer. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>>>>> >>>>> >>>> >

Yes, that's a lot less painful! At some point you will want to upgrade the firmware, but that's always a bit scary to do (not as scary as when I also had to reflash individual drive firmware on all 96 spindles on storage for which I didn't have backups...).

More recent versions of the Xyratex firmware no longer need a "Global SSM" license to enable monitoring and multi-storage control.

JF

On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 10:06 AM, Kevin Bass kevin@pop361.com wrote: > Great info JF, > > We have a Xyratex that needs re-setting every-so-often due to network controller issues. ?Can't wait to try this next time instead of bringing down the entire SAN while it reboots. > > Thanks > -Kevin B. > > > On Jan 31, 2012, at 9:57 AM, Jean-Francois Panisset wrote: > > Alternatively, if you are nervous about flashing firmware, you can > reset an unresponsive network interface by connecting with the serial > cable (you need the weird DB9 to "USB" adapter for 5412 arrays, DB9 to > audio mini jack for F6500). > > Set your terminal program to 115200 bps, N81, CTRL-E to wake up the > interface, then: > > 2 , 6 , 1 > > That will reset the embedded SSM module and bring back the web UI (as > well as SNMP / email notifications if you have those configured, if > you don't, do it!). > > We have a bunch of Xyratex storage, both as direct attached storage to > Flame/Smoke systems and as part of our SAN, and I'm generally pretty > happy with it. The hardware quality is good, and it is relatively > straightforward to configure and operate. > > On the west coast, you can talk to Daystrom (http://daystrom.com/), > they resell and integrate the Xyratex stuff, and are helpful. > > Someone else mentioned LSI storage: hasn't this been recently bought by NetApp? > > JF > > > On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:02 AM, Chris Hyman > Chris@cyberdyne-services.com wrote: >> The Web UI problem is fixable via a firmware update. >> >> >> On 31 Jan 2012, at 16:51, Saker Klippsten wrote: >> >>> That's really surprising that both controllers failed. We have 5 of those xyratex. >>> >>> We also have an old 8500 DDN which are xyratex chassis but DDN controllers. >>> >>> >>> The only issue I have seen with the xyratex is that the webgui will become non responsive and it requires powering down/up the array. >>> >>> >>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com wrote: >>> >>>> Probably dual. >>>> >>>> >>>> On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: >>>>> Single or dual raid controllers? >>>>> >>>>> Sent from my Sprint iPhone >>>>> >>>>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv ?wrote: >>>>> >>>>>> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition config... >>>>>> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active flame projects again. Ugh. >>>>>> >>>>>> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >>>>>> >>>>>> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >>>>>> >>>>>>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& ?Sata, plus 3.5& ?2.5" drives. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly anymore. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Regards >>>>>>> >>>>>>> >>>>>>> Chris >>>>>>> Freelance Engineer. >>>>>>> >>>>>>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >>>>>>> >>>>>>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? ?I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of service 5 years ago. >>>>>>>> >>>>>>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. ?Speed and physical size aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >>>>>>> >>>>>> >>>>> >> >

Thanks JF! I will have to track that usb cable down.

The other bug I noticed, Is the auto-rebuild. Maybe the firmware update will fix that for me as well.
When a drive fails and I put in a new drive.. its a 50/50 chance it will auto-rebuild even if its set to.. Which is why I then have to go into the webgui to start the rebuild. and that's when I noticed that web-gui issue..
I will update the firm next time we wipe the arrays which I like to do every-time we upgrade to a new version of flame.

Thank you all for your suggestions.

On 1/31/12 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel wrote: > What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like nowadays? > I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out of > service 5 years ago. > > I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the 20-40TB > range, with good support and usability. Speed and physical size aren't > too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >

Yep the auto-rebuild is set.. that is why I thought it might be a bug.? Sometimes it rebuilds other times it does not. Its not a big deal at this point as I plan on retiring them in the near future.

On a side note

We just canned Auto desk Hardware support as we were paying 10k? a year just for drive replacement. I went and purchased some SAS drives to keep us afloat for the next year. I upgraded all the Flames to Z800's from 8600's. If anyone wants a lead on where to pickup Z800's with a Quadro 6000 ,Dual X5690 intel procs? and 48GB for just over 7k let me know? and I will send you the info it was a pretty straight forward ugprade process downgrading to the supported bios firmware, and purchasing the new Kona3G cards... we reused our exiting SDI daughter cards from the 5600quadro? ( it works even though the DL configcheck says its the wrong firmware ) and recycled? the 4gb celerityfc card. Will upgrade to the 8gb once we figure out what DA/SAN storage we go with but point being is that it works.

-S

It's not really a USB cable, it's a cable that has a USB-link connector on one end and a DB9 on the other, but it's still a serial cable. I guess there wasn't enough room on the backplate of the 5412 RAID controller for a DB9 connector. Serial without hardware handshaking is really only 3 pins (2-TX 3-RX 5-GND on a DB9), so if you can't locate the actual cable from Xyratex, you should be able to frankenstein one from an existing USB and serial cables, there's only so many combinations to try, and since it's RS-232, you don't have to worry about frying something if you get the pinout wrong. Unfortunately, I don't have access to documentation where this pinout is documented.

I have not had a problem with auto rebuild myself (did I just jink my next disk failure?).

JF

On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 10:51 AM, Saker Klippsten sakerk@gmail.com wrote: > Thanks JF! I will have to track that usb cable down. > > The other bug I noticed, Is the auto-rebuild. Maybe the firmware update will > fix that for me as well. > When a drive fails and I put in a new drive.. its a 50/50 chance it will > auto-rebuild even if its set to.. Which is why I then have to go into the > webgui to start the rebuild. and that's when I noticed that web-gui issue.. > I will update the firm next time we wipe the arrays which I like to do > every-time we upgrade to a new version of flame. > > > > > On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 10:25 AM, Jean-Francois Panisset > panisset@gmail.com wrote: >> >> Yes, that's a lot less painful! At some point you will want to upgrade >> the firmware, but that's always a bit scary to do (not as scary as >> when I also had to reflash individual drive firmware on all 96 >> spindles on storage for which I didn't have backups...). >> >> More recent versions of the Xyratex firmware no longer need a "Global >> SSM" license to enable monitoring and multi-storage control. >> >> JF >> >> On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 10:06 AM, Kevin Bass kevin@pop361.com wrote: >> > Great info JF, >> > >> > We have a Xyratex that needs re-setting every-so-often due to network >> > controller issues. ?Can't wait to try this next time instead of bringing >> > down the entire SAN while it reboots. >> > >> > Thanks >> > -Kevin B. >> > >> > >> > On Jan 31, 2012, at 9:57 AM, Jean-Francois Panisset wrote: >> > >> > Alternatively, if you are nervous about flashing firmware, you can >> > reset an unresponsive network interface by connecting with the serial >> > cable (you need the weird DB9 to "USB" adapter for 5412 arrays, DB9 to >> > audio mini jack for F6500). >> > >> > Set your terminal program to 115200 bps, N81, CTRL-E to wake up the >> > interface, then: >> > >> > 2 , 6 , 1 >> > >> > That will reset the embedded SSM module and bring back the web UI (as >> > well as SNMP / email notifications if you have those configured, if >> > you don't, do it!). >> > >> > We have a bunch of Xyratex storage, both as direct attached storage to >> > Flame/Smoke systems and as part of our SAN, and I'm generally pretty >> > happy with it. The hardware quality is good, and it is relatively >> > straightforward to configure and operate. >> > >> > On the west coast, you can talk to Daystrom (http://daystrom.com/), >> > they resell and integrate the Xyratex stuff, and are helpful. >> > >> > Someone else mentioned LSI storage: hasn't this been recently bought by >> > NetApp? >> > >> > JF >> > >> > >> > On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 9:02 AM, Chris Hyman >> > Chris@cyberdyne-services.com wrote: >> >> The Web UI problem is fixable via a firmware update. >> >> >> >> >> >> On 31 Jan 2012, at 16:51, Saker Klippsten wrote: >> >> >> >>> That's really surprising that both controllers failed. We have 5 of >> >>> those xyratex. >> >>> >> >>> We also have an old 8500 DDN which are xyratex chassis but DDN >> >>> controllers. >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> The only issue I have seen with the xyratex is that the webgui will >> >>> become non responsive and it requires powering down/up the array. >> >>> >> >>> >> >>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 8:37 AM, Andrew Siegel abs@blueskystudios.com >> >>> wrote: >> >>> >> >>>> Probably dual. >> >>>> >> >>>> >> >>>> On 1/31/12 10:27 AM, Saker Klippsten wrote: >> >>>>> Single or dual raid controllers? >> >>>>> >> >>>>> Sent from my Sprint iPhone >> >>>>> >> >>>>> On Jan 31, 2012, at 5:53 AM, Robert Moggachrob@dashing.tv ?wrote: >> >>>>> >> >>>>>> Plugged my Xyratex into a new UPS and it lost it's partition >> >>>>>> config... >> >>>>>> ...something to add to the backup list so I don't lose 3 active >> >>>>>> flame projects again. Ugh. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> "Ohh... that's not good Rob. I've never seen that. It's all gone. >> >>>>>> Sorry." was the response from the very savvy support engineer. >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>> On 2012/01/31, at 8:44 AM, Chris Hyman wrote: >> >>>>>> >> >>>>>>> Personally I like the DotHill arrays. You have a choice of SAS& >> >>>>>>> ?Sata, plus 3.5& ?2.5" drives. >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>>> Xyratex are very good, but you cannot purchase them directly >> >>>>>>> anymore. >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>>> Regards >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>>> Chris >> >>>>>>> Freelance Engineer. >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>>> On 31 Jan 2012, at 13:37, Andrew Siegel wrote: >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>>>> What kind of standalone, direct-attached RAIDs do people like >> >>>>>>>> nowadays? ?I haven't used one of these since our last Ciprico was taken out >> >>>>>>>> of service 5 years ago. >> >>>>>>>> >> >>>>>>>> I'm looking for something that is fibre-channel-attached, in the >> >>>>>>>> 20-40TB range, with good support and usability. ?Speed and physical size >> >>>>>>>> aren't too important; just reliability, usability, and support. >> >>>>>>> >> >>>>>> >> >>>>> >> >> >> > > >

On Tue, Jan 31, 2012 at 1:43 PM, Saker Klippsten sakerk@gmail.com wrote: > We just canned Auto desk Hardware support as we were paying 10k? a year just > for drive replacement. I went and purchased some SAS drives to keep us > afloat for the next year.

That may not work: if you have RAID controllers with Autodesk-branded SSM / firmware, I think it will look for drives with STONE+WIR or AUTODESK branded firmware. It looks like arrays with generic Xyratex SSM / firmware may be OK with "off the shelf" drives, but I haven't tried it myself.

Historically, Autodesk storage has allowed a certain percentage of unlicensed drives, so you may be OK for a while, but I would definitely check before you are in a situation where you have a failed drive and you can't rebuild because the firmware is rejecting your generic SEAGATE firmware drive.

JF

Good to know. I have used only1 of these seagate drives in 1 array chassis so far. ( I purchased 10 drives total ) maybe I will pickup a couple more and do a test with it fully populated with all the new drives in a single chassis. I am using XFS for the file system and configed the luns by hand not using the built in scripts from autodesk.

Also they are legit autodesk ( blue chassis ) 5412. The webgui is also branded autodesk. I purchased them from ALT systems back in the day.