[Beowulf] RAID storage: Vendor vs. parts

[Alvin Oga]

hi ya greg

On Tue, 22 Feb 2005, Greg Lindahl wrote:

> >  How frequent do RAID controllers go bad compared to disks, power
> > supplies and fan modules?
> 
> Which of these can you buy at Fry's?

if you're buying parts/systems from "fries" or compusa/dell/etc..
than one is in deep kaka ...

 	- consumer grade parts is not as good as "industrial strength"
	that does not necessarily mean higher prices
	
	- fries et.al carry the lower grade junk of the same parts

	marginal mtbf parts of the same identical items, sold by
	higher end distributors vs retail store

	my conspiracy theory about why the same Model xx from Manufacturer
	are good for some and bad for others 
	( it'd depend on where you bought it )

- most consumer stores carry 3ware cards ... but not necessarily
  adaptec/lsi raid cards but some do carry all 3 of um but none
  carry the $1K - $20k raid controllers in stock

c ya
alvin