Synology 410, 411+ or 411j (and which 2tb drives) for a photographer?

[aaandre]

Hi, I am a photographer and it's time to move my archive to a reliable storage solution.

I intend to add 4 2TB drives in RAID5 or RAID10.

Currently I have 1TB of images and would be adding 10-20GB weekly.
My workstation has a 1000 Gb/s ehternet connection as well as esata.

What's important:
1. fast read+write access
2. possibly connecting to workstation via esata and to home network (which goes through a 10 Gb/s router)
3. possibly streaming video/audio content over the home network.

#1 is the most important.

I am wondering which one would be best for me? If money was no issue I would buy 411+ but I'd like to stay around $1000 for the nas + drives.

And secondly, which drives would you recommend? Reading Newegg's horror reviews has me freaked out about almost all 2tb drives. I am considering 4 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM drives. Slower than 7200 but should be OK in RAID10?

Bonus networking question: What should I do if I want both a fast connection to my workstation and a connection to the rest of the network? Can I connect my workstation to the NAS using gigabit ehternet and the NAS to the slower home network? The workstation is connected to the home network but has one unused gigabit ehternet port.

Thank you in advance and Happy Thanksgiving!

Andre

 

[claykin]

First off, make sure you select a disk model that is on the Synology compatibility list.

http://www.synology.com/support/hd.php?lang=us

The Samsung model is on the list for the 411+ but its a desktop class disk. I always recommend people serious about their RAID to use Enterprise disks. Enterprise disks are normally better designed for 24/7 operation, they have better error recovery (though some desktop disks are now matching error recovery), and often have a longer warranty.

I would recommend wither the Seagate Constellation ES ST32000644NS or the Hitachi HUA722020ALA330 as my two preferred choices. The price may not be appetizing, but how much is your time and data worth when having to deal with issues?

 

[ginopilotino]

Hi, I am a photographer and it's time to move my archive to a reliable storage solution.

I intend to add 4 2TB drives in RAID5 or RAID10.

Currently I have 1TB of images and would be adding 10-20GB weekly.
My workstation has a 1000 Gb/s ehternet connection as well as esata.

You can't use esata to connect nas to workstation

What's important:
1. fast read+write access

You have to chose an atom nas.

2. possibly connecting to workstation via esata and to home network (which goes through a 10 Gb/s router)

You can't use esata this way

3. possibly streaming video/audio content over the home network.

No problem for any nas.

#1 is the most important.

I am wondering which one would be best for me? If money was no issue I would buy 411+ but I'd like to stay around $1000 for the nas + drives.

I suggest you synology 1010+ or 710+, so you can add extra storage via dx510.

And secondly, which drives would you recommend? Reading Newegg's horror reviews has me freaked out about almost all 2tb drives. I am considering 4 SAMSUNG Spinpoint F4 HD204UI 2TB 5400 RPM drives. Slower than 7200 but should be OK in RAID10?

I don't know

Bonus networking question: What should I do if I want both a fast connection to my workstation and a connection to the rest of the network? Can I connect my workstation to the NAS using gigabit ehternet and the NAS to the slower home network? The workstation is connected to the home network but has one unused gigabit ehternet port.

You have to use a decent gigabit switch.

 

[apbtlvr]

+1 on the GB switch.
I have a D-link DGS-2208 (8port). It is not only cheap but reliable. The bulk of my data to back up is comprised of photos. At present, I've got 367GBs of images.
+1 for checking on supported drives.
So far, I have backed only up to individual external drives and that's been ok. I am now adding a NAS into my equation (DS-209) with 2/ 1TB drives. The Western Digital WD1001FALS-00J7B01TB Desktop (Caviar Black) has good ratings for reliability and is supported by Synology. That's what I bought and the DS209 is halfway through formatting the 2nd drive right now.

Thus far, no issues with installation (from OS X 10.65) but everything is still in it's infancy. My volumes will be set up as basic (no RAID). and I'll continue to do an additional back up to a dedicated external drive.

My needs are modest compared to yours but I'm in complete agreement with the recommendation to add a switch and verify HD compatibility before purchasing.

 

[kamina]

Seems the F4 has been taken off Synologies supported drive list due to firmware issues (data corruption).