Anyone work with the new Mac Mini Server?

[DRR]

Just remember, the theoretical limit on FW800 is 100MB/s. I've never broken 65MB/s or so over FW800.

Contrast that with internal RAID over SATA I, which would give you much more headroom - 375MB/s in a 2 drive configuration.

In other words, past a certain point (easily reachable) FW800 is going to top out. Internal RAID 0 is going to go as fast as the drives you put in it, without bottlenecking them.

[silvarios]

I've seen benchmarks of 80MB/s for FW800. But yes, RAID 0 on the internal SATA bus will be much faster.

[jdc]

how much data on the mini's internal drive?

How about a SSD instead?

64 gig drive is running $125-150 and would give a huge increase in disc speed -- if thats all you are after.

[Doc]

silvarios wrote:
I've seen benchmarks of 80MB/s for FW800. But yes, RAID 0 on the internal SATA bus will be much faster.

Which brings us to the next fun option: Run a cable out to an external 3.5-inch eSATA drive. Then you can approach the full speed of the drive.

You should be able to shave the edges off the SATA side of a flat SATA/eSATA connecting cable and run the cable through one of the vents in the back. Some people use a Dremel to widen the security slot for the mod, but physical alteration of the case is almost certainly not necessary.

[Trouble]

jdc wrote:
how much data on the mini's internal drive?

How about a SSD instead?

64 gig drive is running $125-150 and would give a huge increase in disc speed -- if thats all you are after.

That would be cool, but I am trying to save money. It may not seem like it by purchasing a new computer, but that is only because I am getting a great price for my current mac mini.

[jdc]

Even a striped RAID isnt as fast as a SSD...

although older tests, still relevant:

in a MBP vs 500 gig seagate (one of the fastest) http://www.barefeats.com/hard121.html

in a Macpro vs 10,000 RPM Velociratptors: http://www.barefeats.com/hard118.html

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.as...6820227394

[tahoedrew]

All this talk about RAID-ing the dual 500GB internal drives of the mini server: isn't that still a SOFTWARE RAID configuration?! I thought software RAID arrays get nowhere NEAR the speed of a hardware RAID array?

~A

[silvarios]

Hmmm. Saw a benchmark with a Mac mini server with dual 500Gb drives RAID 0, and speed was about 110-114MB/s. Still pretty fast.


Nathan

[silvarios]

DRR wrote: Contrast that with internal RAID over SATA I, which would give you much more headroom - 375MB/s in a 2 drive configuration.

What drives? I haven't seen speeds that fast in the various benchmarks.


Nathan

[Filliam H. Muffman]

RAID 0 SSD in a MacBook.

http://www.barefeats.com/mbpp13.html