suggestions for multiple-disc machines

[.VWV.]

Hi to all.

Having read of a lot of problems, I write you a suggestion for the hardware
configuration of a high-end workstation, also valid for small server
purposes.

If you like ATA-RAID, start with the Abit 'AD7-RAID' motherboard. This is
the real 'core' of your computer, not the intercheangeable processors. Add
on some good Corsair Memory modules. If you like excellent cooling, choose
the 'ALPHA PAL6035' 60 mm heatsink, with the 'FUNNEL' adapter on the top, to
fit the 'DELTA SHE' 80 mm. - http://www.1coolpc.com/ -. The noise is reduced
by the funnel itself. Connect the Delta to the power cables, never to the
board's pins. You also can't connect the rpm detection connector, otherwise
it crashes the bios, even if without damages.

If you like SCSI-RAID, start with the simple Abit 'AD7' motherboard, plus
the ICP-Vortex SCSI controller 'GDT6523RS' -
http://www.icp-order.com/32_bit_controllers.phtml -. Same instructions as
above as for the cpu cooling.

Theese Abit motherboards have the fully supported Winbond ethernet LAN
controller, plus a good audio device. You need nothing else, except of the
video card - maybe a Matrox 550.

I also suggest you to learn how to manage the 'dump', instead of building
unuseful RAID mirrorings. The controllers are managed now in jbod mode, the
disks can be connected or disconnected as you like - pay only attention to
set their check option to zero in /etc/fstab and set noauto, if you plan
disconnecting one disk.
With dump, you can make backups at the desired times, without depending from
the controller's bios restrictions. You can use 'restore' to resume your
data everywhen you need.
Moreover, a severe system crash affects both of the disks on the mirror,
whilst a dump backup keeps the dumped stuff untouched. Mirror RAID is useful
only with high-stressed disks on a very stable system, it prevents only from
hardware failures.

No panic if an Abit board doesn't boot: just return it to the reseller,
WITHOUT ANY ADDITIONAL STUFF: only the board with its envelope. The best
electronic components, sometimes don't boot at all, but in the most cases
run a lifetime.
¡Overall, never make striping without mirroring!

Ready to go...

VITTORI