Re: [9fans] Petabytes on a budget: JBODs + Linux + JFS

[erik quanstrom <quanstro@quanstro.net>]

> > storage vendors have a credibility problem.  i think the big
> > storage vendors, as referenced in the op, sell you on many
> > things you don't need for much more than one has to spend.
>
> Those of us who know something about Coraid understand that your company
>   doesn't engage in fudili practices.

thank you.

> > so i understand one is not inclined to believe a storage guy
> > about the need for something that's more expensive.
>
> Maybe the appliance example was misplaced; no skepticism of your take on
> drive quality was intended. After all, you don't make the drives. I'm
> genuinely interested in the view of a storage systems pro like yourself
> about how an outsider like me who buys drives at tigerdirect can discern
> an "enterprise" drive when I see one.

actually, i should thank you.  you brought
up a point that i've been thinking about
for some time.

i buy my drives online like everybody else.
my personal approach is to select a couple
of good performers in the capacity range
i'm intersted in and sort by (a) mtbf,
(b) ure rate and (c) duty cycle.  i'd stay
away from drives with 4 or more platters
if possible.

finally, beware of tech sites with storage sponsers
that might compromise their recomendations.

- erik