Looking to build a new nas

[Angelo]

Hey guys, i'm looking to fix up my nas by outright upgrading or swaping parts. currently using the lasi 9211 and 8 ports just isn't enough anymore. ( 16 in total). Looking at what I can buy is can someone explain my options.

Should I get several older 6gbps bus lsi cards (9211 generation) maybe with more ports?
Should I get 12gbps bus lsi cards? I think these are hit and miss atm?
Should I build small boxes for specific storage tasks?
Should I invest into fiber channel?
is software or hardware which is better now?


trying to get facts before I commit everyone is giving their own advice. Not sure what would be the fastest for read speeds. My goal is to run vsphere from my nas storage. This is for home use.

 

[Angelo]

Also there used to be a list here of support raid cards does anyone have a link?

 

[pirateghost]

Why not get some SAS expanders?

 

[cyberjock]

Also there used to be a list here of support raid cards does anyone have a link?

See the FreeBSD 9.3 hardware compatibility list.

I'd buy multiple 9211-8is or a SAS expander. I actually use a SAS expander. ;)

The 12Gb SAS is pre-alpha with regards to the driver.. so not something I'd recommend in the slightest.

 

[Angelo]

Bandwidth wise will there be a advantage or disadvantage to multiple cards or a SAS expander?

Currently I own a expander however it's not in use due to motherboard in use. I plan to upgrade to a eat or at supervisor with perhaps ddr4 ecc. Right now it's a consumer motherboard and I got reboot issues.

Reason for a full upgrade and why I considered the 12gbps cards.

What would you recommend in my case?


Current setup
Boots off USB for os
4 we re4 blacks 1tb should these be removed? Sata
4 we re4 blacks 2tb sas
3 Seagate 1tb constellations sas
2 we red 3gb sata
4 Seagate 4tb has sata
1 256 ssd 750 Evo sata

I think that's it for drives I got