Need suggestions for RAID 5 or 6

[Photobug]

I am trying to build a Server from my old computer parts. This will be mostly used as a media server with possibilities for streaming and as a web server. I have been playing around with Windows Home Server 2011 as my operating system.

I have an ASUS A8N-SLI-Deluxe motherboard
and a HighPoint RAID card.

Since I have not heard good things about the HighPoint card (in particular the card I have HP1740 prevents HDs from being re-purposed) I opted to use just the on-board RAID instead. I am trying to get 3 2-TB HDs running in a RAID 5 array, however I have found the setup on the RAID tops out at a size of 1.7 TBs. I think this is just the size limitation from the driver from this RAID system and I can't find a way to get past this limitation.

I would like to find a way to get past this limitation on RAID size, either as a workaround with the onboard RAID or by purchasing a hardware RAID controller that might work with my motherboard. Because this will be just used at home with 2 users, I am in no need to have a super fast server. It will be used primarily to store photos, and stream media.

I think an older card that is SATA I or II compatible would work for me and might be cheaper than the $500 controllers I see listed. I would appreciate any suggestions of cards that will work for my motherboard or driver workarounds for the on-board size limitations.

 

[Cerb]

What OS are you using? In general, you shouldn't need to pay more than $150 for a no-cache no-BBU RAID card, though (IE, big vendor LSI pull).

 

[Gillbot]

What OS are you using? In general, you shouldn't need to pay more than $150 for a no-cache no-BBU RAID card, though (IE, big vendor LSI pull).

You can get a Dell PERC via ebay with cables, a BBU and cache for under $50 usually.

 

[Cerb]

You can get a Dell PERC via ebay with cables, a BBU and cache for under $50 usually.

Got a link? I have yet to see that (and did not, with a quick eBay search, just now). Usually, the cables need to be replaced, if it comes with them, which adds to the cost.

 

[Gillbot]

Search. I bought a Perc6 myself for $12 (No BBU) but it didn't have the PCI bracket so I took the bracket from my Perc5 and used it. Bought the cables separately for $4 each. My total cost was actually ~$25. Never bothered to get the BBU since I didn't need it.

They are there, you just need to watch and be patient.

 

[Gillbot]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Dell-PERC-5...sk_Controllers_RAID_Cards&hash=item3a851a99bb

 

[Cerb]

Search.

I did. Buy it nows went to $170 before including cables that could work with SATA drives, with older PERCs. $50 (not less) w/ a BBU and useless cables (for regular SATA drives) is easy, though, so long as you're cool with an older non-LSI card, such as the PERC 5i.

 

[beginner99]

It's for home use. forget about raid and just use plain HDDs + proper backups. It's not worth the hassle. RAID is for up-time and that's pretty much irrelevant in home use.

 

[Gillbot]

I did. Buy it nows went to $170 before including cables that could work with SATA drives, with older PERCs. $50 (not less) w/ a BBU and useless cables (for regular SATA drives) is easy, though, so long as you're cool with an older non-LSI card, such as the PERC 5i.

Mine was a PERC 6 and came with the proper cables. As I said, you have to LOOK and be patient. They pop all the time on there. Not to mention if you get the bare card, the breakout cables themselves can be found cheap.