For those looking for lots of storage in a compact rack, CalDigit, a media storage provider, is now shipping its eight-bay HDPro RAID storage array. It’s available in configurations of 2.0 TB to 8 TB, at under $2 per GB—including host interface card and accessories.
The HDPro offers RAID 0, 1, 5, and 6 protection and a 3-year warranty. With a 20 Gb storage interface, it can deliver up to 300MBps throughput in RAID 5 and up to 400MBps in RAID 0. Prices start at $3,999 for a 2 TB system, which includes a CalDigit controller card.
The HDPro array is compatible with Apple MacPro and G5 computers, Mac OS X Server, Windows, and Linux workstations as well as other platforms.
The system features SATA 3 Gbps throughput and up to 16 MB cache drives. Each 7200 RPM SATA hard drive connects to a dedicated SATA channel to eliminate bottlenecks and maximize the 3Gbps native SATA connection. With up to a 20 Gb interface to the host, the HDPro offers 2.5 times faster bandwidth than 4 Gb Fibre Channel, according to the company. You can add drives to increase capacity and performance.
With single parity in RAID 5 mode, the HDPro features an advanced distributed parity algorithm, accessing data and parity blocks across all the drives in the disk array. This enables HDPro to rebuild itself in the event of one drive failing.
When configured in RAID 6 mode, the CalDigit RAID engine places the parity information for any given block of data on two drives separate from those used to store the data itself. This double protection ensures no loss of data, even if two drives fail.
In the event of a fan or drive failure, the HDPro will notify you audibly through your computers speakers and also generate an e-mail detailing the problem—even if you are offsite.
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