How to build a massive storage to archive all video files?

[xcool]

I have almost 2 TB of video files want to store. Since a 200GB HD is about $100 each, 10 200GB HDs should do the trick. But my PC only have 1 free slot left. So I want to buy something like a external HD enclosure for that purpose, but HD enclosure only allow you to put in 1 HD. Is there anything (enclosure, case...) out there look like a PC minitower but not actually a PC case, which allow you to put in 10 or more HDs and can be connected to your PC by Firewire or USB2?

I don't need anything expensive, or file server. Just a firewire or USB2 device to put in 10 HDs (or maybe some CD/DVD-ROM/drives). I prefer it looks like a minitower. Of course it should come with fan(s) &well ventilated.

Where can I get one?

[elmotheteapot]

MAxtor do external 500gig enclosures.

[parsonsj]

Here ya go Try this

http://www.aberdeeninc.com/abcatg/backup-server.htm

[Bob W]

http://www.spacecentersystems.com/catalog/product_info.php/products_id/7586

[painkiller]

Nice thought, but what do you do when the drive/server fails?

For fixed, or removable, hard drives - this wouldn't be a good idea (in the long run) to store your only copy of video files.

For me, I would prefer an optical disc farm/raid collection rather than that of hard drives.

Just thinking out loud, folks.

[handyguy]

Why not chain Firewire drives? You can chain like 60 of them & get about 6TB?

[RabidDog]

Any external usb device... 256 allowed. perhaps. get a NAS or SAN ..server farm 2terbytes is too much for win/me .. it will take 27mins to boot up and 476 hours to defrag. Also explorer will take 11 mins to show a dir listing

[andkiich]

Here is yet another option.

Network attached storage from Linksys. I have one of these myself. I have it running off the router and linked to all 5 machines in the house.

http://www.linksys.com/products/product.asp?grid=35&scid=43&prid=555

[xcool]

Thank you all for the suggestions.

RAID or file server is too expensive/complicated for me, and too many individual external HDs all over the place is messy/expensive; I know because already own 2 200GB firewire Maxtor &WD external HDs. So I would rather have 1 large external device to deal.

I guess I am looking for a firewire/USB2 barebone case to put 10 cheap 200GB HDs (maybe 2 CD/DVD-ROM drives) in it.

If there is no such thing, then to all the entrepreneurs out there, please invent it. I will be your first customer. Who knows, this thing could be a hot item since disk space is never enough when in the video world. Man, who would thought a 60 min .avi file is 12GBs.

[BJ_M]

just set it up as JBOD (just a bunch of drives) instead of raid ....and add your hard drives or buy a system preconfigured:

FIRE Vue™ RAID Cases With Power Supplies:

1180 2 Drive Case only with 60 watt PS $99.00

5170 4 Drive Case only with 200 watt PS $179.00

1190 8 Drive Case only with 300 watt PS $279.00



2334 2 Drive Rack only with 300 watt PS $199.00

2333 8 Drive Rack only with 300 watt PS $399.00

http://www.granitedigital.com/catalog/pg22a_firewireidehotswapraid_1.htm

[xcool]

BJ_M, thanks a lot. That is exactly what I need.

I will go for the "8 Drive Case only with 300 watt PS" for a cheap $279.

One more question, is it possible to replace the Hot-Swap Tray with a CD/DVD-ROM drive?

[BJ_M]

BJ_M, thanks a lot. :D That is exactly what I need.

I will go for the "8 Drive Case only with 300 watt PS" for a cheap $279.

One more question, is it possible to replace the Hot-Swap Tray with a CD/DVD-ROM drive?

ussually yes