PCI-E RAID controller suggestions?

[TheInternal]

The short:

I'm having trouble finding reviews and information on PCI-E hardware RAID controllers capable of running 8 drives in a RAID 10 array. The array is for storage of video in a dedicated video editing workstation.

The long:

I may have bitten off more than I can chew. (Especially considering the amount of research I've ended up doing for free. Yikes.)

A potential client wants a rather modest core i7 based system for video editing (which I can handle) in Premiere and After Effects, BUT... despite my suggesting an external storage solution, they really want data redundancy via an in-system RAID array... that can hold at LEAST 14 TB of data (mostly video / production content). They don't want a rack mount. This will be in addition to a 256 or 512 GB SSD OS drive, and a 1 TB SSD scratch disk drive.

I'm leaning towards eight 4 TB drives (probably the WD RE line) in a RAID 10 array since they are very concerned about drive failure and having redundancy. I'm also under the impression that SAS may be the way to go based on what I've read thus far.

Any suggestions on a good PCI-E controller card for the array would be appreciated.

Suggestions on another are parts welcomed.

Current Proposed System:

Core i7 5930k
Corsair h100i or Scythe Kotetsu
ASUS X-99 Deluxe
32 GB RAM (undecided on speed / brand)
Geforce 980 ti (possibly 970 or quadro k2200)
SAMSUNG 850 Pro 256 GB - OS / programs
SAMSUNG 850 Pro 1 TB - video scratch disk
unknown RAID controller
8 x Western Digital RE 4 TB SAS drives
BD-RW drive
Antec nineteen hundred (one of the few cases I could find with enough drive bays)
1000 watt PSU

 

[TheInternal]

I'm starting to wonder if SAS is a bad call... I've been flabbergasted that retailers of hard drives and RAID controllers don't provide the connector types. Being unable to clearly determine what friggin' CABLES I need to connect the 4TB WD RE SAS drives (model WD4001FYYG) to a RAID controller (such as a an intel RS3WC080) is hair-pulling.

 

[XavierMace]

I'm starting to wonder if SAS is a bad call... I've been flabbergasted that retailers of hard drives and RAID controllers don't provide the connector types. Being unable to clearly determine what friggin' CABLES I need to connect the 4TB WD RE SAS drives (model WD4001FYYG) to a RAID controller (such as a an intel RS3WC080) is hair-pulling.

On the controller side the type of cable you need would depend on the controller you get. On the drive side those are dual port drives designed to be plugged into a backplane that supports two HBA connections. Since you don't have an expander you'll either need two controllers or a higher end controller if you want all the drives on the controller. Would running the SSD's off the onboard controllers and the mass storage on the add on controller be an option?

If they are spending the money on good SAS drives, and a good controller, they should spend the money on a suitable case. The Supermicro SC747TG-R1400B-SQ would get you an 8 drive hot-swap backplane, then toss the two SSD in an adapter. If they aren't willing to spend the money, I'd just go with standard SATA drives and keep a couple of spares on hand.

 

[TheInternal]

Thanks for the suggestion on the case. Yes, I planned on operating the two SSDs from the motherboard. I only planned on using the RAID controller for the HDD array. What sort of cable would I need to run from the Intel controller to a back plate like that and/or where could I find out that information?

 

[XavierMace]

That controller has a pair of SFF8643 connectors on it, although that information was surprisingly hard to find. Personally, I stick with LSI controllers.

You'd need two of these for the case I suggested: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA0ZX2C40664

 

[bigi]

I run 3ware9650SEwith 8 HDDs and dedicated battery backup.

It's been running non-stop for 6 years w/out single failure.

 

[Railgun]

I've been running Areca for years. Currently an 1880i. Does the job for what I need.

As you know what you want from a capacity perspective, and I presume you have a price in mind, just shop around. Areca, LSI, 3ware, Adaptec...there are plenty of brands and reviews out there.

 

[tweakboy]

ASUS all the way.. imo... BUt its going to cost more,, but you get better quality parts etc..