NASLite Network Attached Storage

I'm about to build a new server. I was going to add a 5 disk RAID 5 setup to my existing Naslite USB system which would mean some downtime on my server and possible problems with the PSU coping with 8 HDD's. I'm now thinking that i might as well build an additional system, as the HDD software is now available and thanks to the weak dollar it's even cheaper here in the UK. As I have quite a few old hard disks knocking about from old upgrades, i'm assuming i can boot from an IDE hard disk with the data stored on a RAID 5 via an LSI Megaraid card. What's the minimum size disk i can boot from?
I even have my first 120Mb HDD drive in the loft. It would be nice to resurrect it after 12 years.

Sounds like a plan

I tried booting with IDE drive and DOM. Both worked fine. I imagine you should be able to boot from an IDE drive and keep the data on your raid.

It's a brand new RAID setup, so no data to lose. I've got a CF/IDE adaptor lying around somewhere. Might have a play around with a few different configs before i set it to work.

I've just bought a new 1 gig CF card to use as a boot device, however i have an old 16 meg one lyng around. Will the 16 meg card be big enough or is it cutting it a bit fine?

NASLite only creates an 8MB partition, the rest will be unused - my server boots from a 32MB cf card.

Hi NickC
Thanks again - think we must be the only ones on here

Thanks PieterB

Might give one of them a go, found a supplier in the UK no problem.

The 16 meg CF card wasn't having it, but the 1Gb card configured no problem. What i did notice was that it took an age to boot (much slower than the USB stick on the USB version).
Not that i boot the thing that often, but do you think the Flash module would boot any faster or any bit more reliable, as i know compact flash cards can only take a certain number of write cycles?

To your Q:

'Transcend uses only original SLC (Single-Level-Cell) NAND Flash chips in its IFMs, which provide higher writing speeds. Transcend’s 40-pin IDE Flash Modules (Vertical Type) are the perfect choice for those who need performance and reliability. Transcend offers capacities ranging from 32MB to 8GB for different industrial needs'

http://www.transcend.nl/Support/DLCente ... -Flash.pdf

Thanks to your conversation, I changed the setup of my NAS (not build yet). Setup as follows:

a. Intel D915PSYL
b. Processor Socket 775 P4 630
c. 2x 512 Kingston Value RAM KVR400X64C3A/512
d. Asus EN6200LE TC256/TD graphic adapter
e. Transcend IDE flash 32Mb
f. RAID controller: 3ware 8006-2LP
g. Harddisk: 2x Seagate 500Mb Barracuda 7200/10
h. Antec NSK4400
i. Samsung SH-D163B DVD drive SATA

Will let you know how smooth it goes.

PieterB

Just ordered a Transcend 32Mb drive. i should be building my new setup this weekend. Looking forward to the extra space (my existing setup is getting full) and hopefully more reliable booting - i've had a few failed boots / reported failed HDD's with my existing setup.

I'm using a DFI Pentium M board with a 1.7Ghz CPU which i might underclock by lowering the multiplier with an LSI PCI-X 8 port SATA Raid Card with 5x500 gig HDD's

My existing setup uses a Mini-ITX board and would be super quiet if it wasn't for the removeable HDD caddies which must have cheap fans in them which give the dreaded dry bearing whine now and again.

Thanks for the link

Look forward to see how your new setup comes along - case looks pretty good for the price.

After much cursing and pulling of hair (haven't got much left to start with) i managed to configure the hard drives on my LSI RAID card, however now i'm having trouble booting from the compact flash/ CF IDE adaptor. It booted up OK on the old Shuttle SS51G i used to configure the CF card, but now i've fitted it to my DFI Pentium M board it refuses to boot - i just get a SYSTEM DISK error. The BIOS shows it as a CF card in the 'standard CMOS features' section, and i've set it to boot from the CF Card in the relevant BIOS screen.
Is anybody else booting from CF and what settings are you using?

Any input would be appreciated.

TIA

Is the CF / IDE adapter first in the HDD boot list?

In the BIOS on my ASUS, I have to select boot from HDD in one menu and select the boot HDD from a list in another menu.

my thougths exactly: is the IDC/CF adapter master on IDE-0 ?

Yes i've got it set as boot from hard disk, the hard disk as first boot device, and the cable in IDE-1

If the CF/IDE adapter is anything like mine, it has a jumper to select Master / Slave - does it, and is it in the right place?

Oh, and the obvious question: is there power connected to the CF/IDE adapter?