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2TB Sata Raid vs. 4TB Sata RAID – some questions about this stuff.
Hi,
we’re doing a documentary and currently trying to put together a decent editing system and drive space. We currently have 120 hrs of HDV pal 1080i footage. Eventually we might end up with 250hrs.
Would it be ok to get a 2TB Sata Raid now to start with and then add another 2 TB later if we need it? Or would that be the same as “daisy chaining”? For financial reasons we’d like to not jump right into the 4TB unless it’s absolutely necessary.
The system i have is the MAC PRO 8-core 2.8 GHz/ 2×1024 MB/320GB/ATI 2600 or GEF8800
Running FCP Studio 2 latest version
For now we want to do just off-line from a home studio – then move the project to a online post house for online finishing.
We looked up a few drives:
Lacie Quadra 4TB for $950 (some folks are saying it’s not really professional)
G-Tech 4TB G-Speed $1900This is very expensive – that’s why we’re wondering if this 4 TB Raid system is over the top for what we need. Could we start by getting e.g. the 2TB G-Tech for less money and add a second one if we need to. What problems might this bring up in consolidating all the footage later. Can we daisy chain Raid5’s ???
What consideration do I need to have for a Sata Card for the Mac Tower?
I’ve been told that’s sold separately for $200-$300?Lastly, where would I get any of these drives, or other decent drives for my needs.
Thanks
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3 Replies
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With something like the G-Speed, you can’t daisy chain it. If you buy the Cal Digit Raid Card and a single HD Element, you will have the option to add two others later. Though I really would take Walter Biscardi’s advice, to calculate how much space you need, then double it. If you try to spread it across multiple drives, and have capture scratches all over the place, it will be a real mess. Also, as Walter mentioned, you’re going to need ample space for render files.
Richard Sanchez
North Hollywood, CA“We are the facilitators of our own creative evolution.” – Bill Hicks
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If you get the correct eSATA box, you can get a four port eSATA card and add up to three more eSATA boxes. Not idea, but better than daisy chaining Firewire drives.
[lisa rolley] “This is very expensive – that’s why we’re wondering if this 4 TB Raid system is over the top for what we need. “
Honestly all RAID systems are dirt cheap today. I paid near $6,000 for a 2TB RAID just a few years ago. For editing a documentary, $1,900 for a 4TB array is really nothing to pay out.
You need to keep remembering to add render files to your equation like I told you in the first thread about your system, which is just a few threads down. Take your 100 hours of footage and add another 75 hours at least for render files. For 250 hours, add 125 hours for render files.
Also, I’m assuming you plan to run RAID 0 then if all you’re going to pick up is 2TB. That means you’re going to have to have a 2TB backup drive anyway to protect that unit in case it goes down. Pick up a 4TB Array with RAID 5 and you’ll have about 3.4TB of available storage with the piece of mind that if any drive in the array fails, you don’t lose your work.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Biscardi Creative Media
HD and SD Production for Broadcast and Independent Productions.STOP STARING AND START GRADING WITH APPLE COLOR Apple Color Training DVD available now!
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This chart will give you a good idea of what you get. The CalDigit RAID Card and HDElement might be a good fit for you.
https://www.caldigit.com/support/HDElement.pdf
Jared Picune
Denver Final Cut Pro UG
Geeky Mac | FCP Tips & Tricks
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