External storage - recommendations

[jgauthier]

Greetings,

Completely new to FreeNAS - in fact I've not even installed it yet.
However, I would like to use it as a datastore for an ESXi cluster. I'll do this with NFS or iSCSI.
However, the real question is this:
I have many hard drives I want to use. More than can fit in a server (mine has 5 bays). So, I was thinking about using external storage, and maybe using multiple devices that support 4 drives each.

Can anyone recommend an external storage platform, that is reasonably priced? Additionally, what interface is recommended? I read some concerns about eSATA cards providing multiple ports, but I'm not sure if that was still a relevant issue.

Appreciate any advice on this as I get ramped up!
Thanks!

 

[MatthewSteinhoff]

We use HP storage arrays such as the D2600 and D2700. They typically run $300-500. Here is on on eBay for $400. Pair an external storage unit with an HBA that has external ports and you've got a lot of expansion capability.

Cheers,
Matt