Hello. Does anyone have any thoughts about NAS versus servers? This is an architectural office, and we only hit the server to grab or save CAD files. I have a 3 year old Dell Poweredge 3300 that is almost full with data. Should I add an NAS box with a 10/100 switch and continue to use the 3300 as my only server, or buy a new server with a bigger processor, (maybe dual), more RAM, and max out its storage? I would downgrade the 3300 to an exchange server. Where should I spend my money? Processor? RAM? Bus speed? I'm not tied to Dell, but they have a good track record in this office.
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server vs nas
- Thread starter dbgodfrey
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If all you are going to do is dump files to the server NAS might be somewhat cheaper then maxing out a Dell server. What is your expected growth? Problem with NAS is if you fill it up, you have to buy another for more space. With a server if you buy one with 8 36GB disks, and you need more space later in life, you can (Usually) upgrade all the disks to the next larger size supported by that Dell server. Personally I would go with the server because it allows for growth. not to mention CAD files tend to grow really quick.
We use some PE4400's here, although we are looking at some of the 2500's, with 6 HDD Bays (8 max) I would order it in a 2x3 backplane with 3 73G HDDs in it and leave the second backplane open for future use... adding 3 73's in RAID5 would give ya 146gb leaving room for more later if you need it or you have the option of just purchasing an additional server later... You can get a decent Dual Processor 2500 series for about 6g...
Mike
Mike
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