HP Microserver RAID controller
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For small/remote offices I like the look of the little HP Microservers. They come with what looks to be fake raid. On CDWs site the list an option for this controller:
HPE Smart Array P222/512 with FBWC - storage controller (RAID) - SATA 6Gb/s Mfg. Part: 631667-B21
It's about $600 Is there a less expensive controller that supports hardware RAID? Do I really care for a server with really light loads? We're talking about a handful of users that only need a local server because of QuickBooks and the need for fast local storage. They're right on the edge of actually needing a local server.
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@Mike-Davis if the facility cares at all about the work-load and you are contemplating if hardware RAID is needed, it clearly is. You can white-box a server together if you really have to and have hardware RAID. (possibly within this price range)
Is this hardware going to be a hypervisor? If not why has it not been recommended. If you go with XenServer (even for this tiny work-load) you could setup
DRBDMDADM on the host for software RAID.Use XO for backup purposes (from source saving even more money)
Push any backups's off-site to an already allocated backup target for the main site.
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@DustinB3403 Well, you'd use mdadm for a local software RAID, DRBD is for the network side of things.
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@travisdh1 said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@DustinB3403 Well, you'd use mdadm for a local software RAID, DRBD is for the network side of things.
yep... wrong part of my brain this morning...
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@DustinB3403 said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@travisdh1 said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@DustinB3403 Well, you'd use mdadm for a local software RAID, DRBD is for the network side of things.
yep... wrong part of my brain this morning...
*Shoves more coffee at @DustinB3403 *
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@Mike-Davis said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
For small/remote offices I like the look of the little HP Microservers. They come with what looks to be fake raid.
It's low end software RAID. Nothing fake about it, they make no claims to it not being software. But it's a good reason why SMBs generally avoid the hardware.
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@scottalanmiller said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@Mike-Davis said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
For small/remote offices I like the look of the little HP Microservers. They come with what looks to be fake raid.
It's low end software RAID. Nothing fake about it, they make no claims to it not being software. But it's a good reason why SMBs generally avoid the hardware.
So would you recommend avoiding it entirely?
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@Mike-Davis said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
Do I really care for a server with really light loads?
Software RAID is for systems with the heaviest loads. But they are also for shops with dedicated support staff that know the hardware. Does the P222 allow for blind swaps?
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@travisdh1 said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@DustinB3403 Well, you'd use mdadm for a local software RAID, DRBD is for the network side of things.
MD is the RAID, MDADM is the management utility.
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@scottalanmiller said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@travisdh1 said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@DustinB3403 Well, you'd use mdadm for a local software RAID, DRBD is for the network side of things.
MD is the RAID, MDADM is the management utility.
I know, yet I always refer to the wrong one
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@DustinB3403 said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@scottalanmiller said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@Mike-Davis said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
For small/remote offices I like the look of the little HP Microservers. They come with what looks to be fake raid.
It's low end software RAID. Nothing fake about it, they make no claims to it not being software. But it's a good reason why SMBs generally avoid the hardware.
So would you recommend avoiding it entirely?
Generally, yes. They are VERY low power units. There is almost always a better option. The lack of hardware RAID is a big deal in those little units. There are use cases for them, but very few.
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@scottalanmiller So what server would you recommend instead for a small office with a handful of users?
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@Mike-Davis said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@scottalanmiller So what server would you recommend instead for a small office with a handful of users?
First question is always, do they even need their own server on-site? If yes, then: Stallard Technologies PowerEdge T410, or xByte PoerEdge T420
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@Mike-Davis said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
@scottalanmiller So what server would you recommend instead for a small office with a handful of users?
The refurb Dell from xByte is a great way to go.
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They are okay units. The unit I reviewed on Spiceworks used the B-series software raid. It currently is the replication target and has been running almost continually for almost 2 years. As for running for a small office, I'd be more comfortable with a better card.
https://community.spiceworks.com/topic/453126-a-spicehead-s-review-of-the-hp-proliant-microserver
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How about a supermicro micro tower, hot swap enabled and similar form factor. Here is an image with pricing from the mx supermicro site
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I love those supermicro micro servers.
Just awesome compact units.
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@Romo said in HP Microserver RAID controller:
How about a supermicro micro tower, hot swap enabled and similar form factor. Here is an image with pricing from the mx supermicro site
Have not seen these, that's awesome. What is the hardware RAID option on those? I do love SuperMicro in general.
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@scottalanmiller Don't thinks these have hardware raid by default, so MD raid would have to be used.
