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Hard Drive-Server-help me understand

SAS, SSD, RAID, onboard vs Card controller, cache, firmware....omg...decisions, decisions. Hep a hillbilly?

Building a server that will be SBS 2011 Hyper V and SQL on main install, want to use SSD's in RAID 1, but have many telling me to not be stupid, go with SAS. Would like to read up on the following, can you guys give links to reading/videos to help me understand:

cache and the possible use of SSD as cache
RAID controller and how to use SSD as cache?

Am I barking up the wrong tree?

Or, if I buy a SAS with big cache, does that server the purchase of the SSD as cache idea?

SOLUTION

David

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rymeat

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EugeneZ

ssds are much faster than sas drives for almost everything
if you have $$ for SSD - go for it
more
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2042790
http://www.webhostingtalk.com/showthread.php?t=1047853

also just FYI
check

High Performance Storage Systems for SQL Server
https://www.simple-talk.com/sql/performance/high-performance-storage-systems-for-sql-server/

wfcrr

ASKER

So, if I buy this thing, then what?

Fusion-io SSD 160GB SLC ioDrive FS1-004-160-ES-0001 A4781300

EugeneZ

install and test

Fusion IO SSD Drive First Tests
http://sqlasylum.wordpress.com/2010/01/22/fusion-io-ssd-drive-first-tests/

EugeneZ

one more
Performance Evaluation of Hosting TempDB on FusionIO
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/hh240550.aspx

wfcrr

ASKER

So, will this one do the same thing?

OCZ Technology OCZSSDPX-1RVDX0100 100 GB Internal Solid State Drive

and, can you give a few tips on how to configure one server to run:

OS and SQL server and Exchange and file serving and DNS? Is it realistic to run Hyper V on one server and see OS and SQL benefit from this card? I am thinking this card for the OS and then use other drives for the rest

wfcrr

ASKER

Thanks for that share. I just finished reading the Performance Evaluation of Hosting TempDB on FusionIO. That is so cool. Now where would I go to get help to do that on my next server, for which I am currently plunking about?

EugeneZ

do you have sysadmin who can build this server or you wish to build server by your self?

OCZ.. yes but all depens..
fusion-io-vs-ocz.

http://itopsmgr.blogspot.com/2011/01/fusion-io-vs-ocz.html

X-Case System Build - Dual Xeon with 48 SSD HDD Chenbro 416
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oB8KpCJTr-U

David

micron has a $3500+ family of PCIe - based SSD solutions that has built-in RAID protection. These are enterprise class. But many to choose from. Goto ssdreview.com and shop carefully.

wfcrr

ASKER

Doh! EugeneZ, you are sick. That vid is ridik! Dang! And I am over here playing with marbles...

wfcrr

ASKER

dang, I think my brain is on fire...so many videos.

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EugeneZ

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wfcrr

ASKER

can you also go to this question:

Server RAID card with NAND or no?