server parts - help

[kentuckyser]

Hi,

I need to build a server/domain controller to hose 10 workstations. I'll probably use 2 dual-core Xeons, 4 GB ram, and (3) 320 GB Seagates in Raid 5 for network storage.

My question is, can anyone recommend me a good backup for this. I need something like a tape drive I guess. I want to be able to back it up every day, or once a week, something like that.

Thanks for the help.

[glc]

You need more than three drives for reliable and well performing RAID 5. Look at a minimum of 4 drives in array, plus one or more hotspares if your controller supports it.

How many GB of data do you anticipate having to back up? I'd recommend one of the Exabyte VXA tape drives from a cost, capacity, and speed standpoint.

I've done SATA RAID 5 before. I will not trust it to any integrated motherboard controller. I will only use Adaptec controller cards and WD Raid Edition drives. I also use a separate drive for the operating system and software.

Adaptec has an outstanding 8 port SATA RAID controller for PCI-X slots. I'd use that and make sure your motherboard has at least one PCI-X slot for it. (PCI-X is not the same as PCI-E)

[kentuckyser]

Thanks for your help. I anticipate having to backup around 200-300GB. Would it be more feasible to get an external e-sata hdd to backup?

You responded to my previous post about setting up a domain controller. I think I will take your advice and use the printers on the LAN itself and just install the drivers on each workstation. I didn't realize you could do that. Right now, I have the printers installed on one workstation, then the other workstations are sharing those computer from that workstation. But, the catch is....to be able to print from the other workstations, that ONE workstation must be turned on. I hate that.

So that being said, I think I just need to build another workstation that simply acts as network storage. We are using a snap server now, but we are borrowing it, not to mention it's only 175 GB.

We don't necessarily need a domain controller. I just thought we did to be able to share printers, and have network storage. What are your thoughts on building a pc for simply network storage? Raid 5 setup? Would it be fairly fast with just being connected to the switch with one giga-nic? Our current snap server is setup with just one giga-nic.