Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS?

kcrossley · 01-04-2006, 10:57 PM

I currently own a Snap Server 2000 and am wondering if it makes more sense to upgrade my Snap with larger hard drives or purchase a new NAS like the Buffalo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822155306.

Also, what's the best way to configure the Snap 2000 for use as a backup solution–Individual Disks, Data Protection, or One Large Disk?

Thanks,
Kelly

kogvos · 01-05-2006, 08:40 PM

If you simply need more space then it would be beneficial to upgrade the drives depending on how large they are now. If you are sick of the 32 character filename limitation for Mac's then upgrade.

If you're considering the Buffalo then also consider the Infrant X6 which is a similar product. The X6 can be purchased diskless for $599 then you can add up to 4 x 500GB disks as you require. The X6 will rebuild the RAID as you add disks. There is an older model, the 600, which is functionally quite similar but will not automatically enlarge the RAID as you add disks.

Reviews rate the Infrant quite highly. I have a Snap 4100 now and have an XServe. I was going to update the Snap to an Infrant but decided it's not necessary and will probably just hang a couple of big disks on the Firewire port instead.

Regards,

Jamie

kcrossley · 01-05-2006, 08:53 PM

Thanks for the post. I actually only need more space, but I am sick of the filename limitations. Is there anyway around them with the Snap? Also, can you post a link to where you can purchase the X6?

Kelly

blue68f100 · 01-05-2006, 09:07 PM

If you decide to upgrade your 2000. If you decide to install large HD (>137gig.) you will need hardware and BIOS Version greater than v2. The 2000 model uses software RAID. Were the newer 2200 use HW, much faster. The 4100 supports RAID 5.

As for backup, If the data is critical use raid 1 or 5. 5 will give the best performance. If you just need more space and do a regular backup of your server you can use Raid 0 (striping) or JBOD.

I have a 2200 in Raid 1. I use it for backup mainly. I do not use file compression. I like to be able to recovery files with explore. I have had drives fail before. After installing new drives I just needed to issue a line cmd to mirror the new drive. NO DATA LOST.

kcrossley · 01-05-2006, 09:14 PM

I've already upgraded to Snap OS v.4. So what is the new limit on drive size? I have a few other questions that you may be able to help me with.

1. Is it possible to upgrade the 2000's RAM? If so, what is the maximum I can install and what type of chip do I need?

2. If I use 7200 RPM drives will the Snap require additional cooling? If so, where can I purchase a better, higher CFM fan?

3. Is there any command that I can invoke to improve the Sanp Server's transfer speed?

Thanks,
Kelly

blue68f100 · 01-05-2006, 09:35 PM

The 2000 uses a 72pin DIMM (edo) 32 meg. and it is upgradeable.

Use the coolest drives on the maket, ususally Seagates.

The 2000 use a 52x52x15mm size, which is a odd size. Sunon KD1205PHB3, 8.5 cfm, 22.5dba, 0.7w. The fan is only held in place with a 2 screws, so a 50x50 can be made to fit. I like them to run quite.

The 2000 only has a 50w power supply. I had 2 7200 in mine and it worked fine. Till the fan failed and I fried the drives and other parts. I had changed my ISP and failed to change the smtp in the server with the new email settings. If you are going to have heavy use, yes use a high cfm fan, but stay under 30dba, that is when they start being heard.

kcrossley · 01-05-2006, 09:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blue68f100

The 2000 uses a 72pin DIMM (edo) 32 meg. and it is upgradeable.
The 2000 use a 52x52x15mm size, which is a odd size. Sunon KD1205PHB3, 8.5 cfm, 22.5dba, 0.7w. The fan is only held in place with a 2 screws, so a 50x50 can be made to fit. I like them to run quite.

The 2000 only has a 50w power supply. I had 2 7200 in mine and it worked fine. Till the fan failed and I fried the drives and other parts. I had changed my ISP and failed to change the smtp in the server with the new email settings. If you are going to have heavy use, yes use a high cfm fan, but stay under 30dba, that is when they start being heard.

The Sunon KD1205PHB3 fan is still available and is rated at 10.2 CFM. Do you think they changed the specs on what was originally installed in the Snap Server 2000? I have a hardware version 2 model. Is there another higher CFM fan you can recommend? Also, what's the mximum amount of RAM I can install and does it provide any performance improvements?

Thanks,
Kelly

blue68f100 · 01-06-2006, 01:59 PM

Mine was made by Meridian. If your serial no is >27k you have the newer version. If you take the time and read the " hack a snap 1000" mega post, you will see the problems related to the older hardware. Those SN >27k don't have any problems with 4.0.860 update. Check your BIOS and see what version you are at. If it is > 2 you should be able to install hd > 137 gig.
Your ram may have been updated, most only have 32 meg.

kcrossley · 01-09-2006, 10:10 AM

Here's the other option I was looking at instead of keeping my Snap Server 2000. I'm not sure if it's Mac compatibile or will handle 32 character names. Do you have any experience or opinion on this? http://www.buy.com/prod/Buffalo_Tera...tml?adid=17662

Thanks,
Kelly

blue68f100 · 01-09-2006, 02:13 PM

There have been a few that have tried it, I think one returned it because of bugs. I also think you give up your RAID options. I have a old PM7500, SnapAppliance was the only one that suported these old Mac's, MacOS v8-9. I think Tom's Hardware/networking did a review on this unit a while back.

01-04-2006, 10:57 PM	#1
kcrossley Cooling Neophyte Join Date: May 2003 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 60	Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? I currently own a Snap Server 2000 and am wondering if it makes more sense to upgrade my Snap with larger hard drives or purchase a new NAS like the Buffalo http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16822155306. Also, what's the best way to configure the Snap 2000 for use as a backup solution–Individual Disks, Data Protection, or One Large Disk? Thanks, Kelly

01-05-2006, 08:40 PM	#2
kogvos Cooling Neophyte Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Brisbane Posts: 4	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? If you simply need more space then it would be beneficial to upgrade the drives depending on how large they are now. If you are sick of the 32 character filename limitation for Mac's then upgrade. If you're considering the Buffalo then also consider the Infrant X6 which is a similar product. The X6 can be purchased diskless for $599 then you can add up to 4 x 500GB disks as you require. The X6 will rebuild the RAID as you add disks. There is an older model, the 600, which is functionally quite similar but will not automatically enlarge the RAID as you add disks. Reviews rate the Infrant quite highly. I have a Snap 4100 now and have an XServe. I was going to update the Snap to an Infrant but decided it's not necessary and will probably just hang a couple of big disks on the Firewire port instead. Regards, Jamie

01-05-2006, 08:53 PM	#3
kcrossley Cooling Neophyte Join Date: May 2003 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 60	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? Thanks for the post. I actually only need more space, but I am sick of the filename limitations. Is there anyway around them with the Snap? Also, can you post a link to where you can purchase the X6? Kelly

01-05-2006, 09:07 PM	#4
blue68f100 Thermophile Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 3,135	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? If you decide to upgrade your 2000. If you decide to install large HD (>137gig.) you will need hardware and BIOS Version greater than v2. The 2000 model uses software RAID. Were the newer 2200 use HW, much faster. The 4100 supports RAID 5. As for backup, If the data is critical use raid 1 or 5. 5 will give the best performance. If you just need more space and do a regular backup of your server you can use Raid 0 (striping) or JBOD. I have a 2200 in Raid 1. I use it for backup mainly. I do not use file compression. I like to be able to recovery files with explore. I have had drives fail before. After installing new drives I just needed to issue a line cmd to mirror the new drive. NO DATA LOST.

01-05-2006, 09:14 PM	#5
kcrossley Cooling Neophyte Join Date: May 2003 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 60	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? I've already upgraded to Snap OS v.4. So what is the new limit on drive size? I have a few other questions that you may be able to help me with. 1. Is it possible to upgrade the 2000's RAM? If so, what is the maximum I can install and what type of chip do I need? 2. If I use 7200 RPM drives will the Snap require additional cooling? If so, where can I purchase a better, higher CFM fan? 3. Is there any command that I can invoke to improve the Sanp Server's transfer speed? Thanks, Kelly

01-05-2006, 09:35 PM	#6
blue68f100 Thermophile Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 3,135	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? The 2000 uses a 72pin DIMM (edo) 32 meg. and it is upgradeable. Use the coolest drives on the maket, ususally Seagates. The 2000 use a 52x52x15mm size, which is a odd size. Sunon KD1205PHB3, 8.5 cfm, 22.5dba, 0.7w. The fan is only held in place with a 2 screws, so a 50x50 can be made to fit. I like them to run quite. The 2000 only has a 50w power supply. I had 2 7200 in mine and it worked fine. Till the fan failed and I fried the drives and other parts. I had changed my ISP and failed to change the smtp in the server with the new email settings. If you are going to have heavy use, yes use a high cfm fan, but stay under 30dba, that is when they start being heard.

01-06-2006, 01:59 PM	#8
blue68f100 Thermophile Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 3,135	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? Mine was made by Meridian. If your serial no is >27k you have the newer version. If you take the time and read the " hack a snap 1000" mega post, you will see the problems related to the older hardware. Those SN >27k don't have any problems with 4.0.860 update. Check your BIOS and see what version you are at. If it is > 2 you should be able to install hd > 137 gig. Your ram may have been updated, most only have 32 meg.

01-09-2006, 10:10 AM	#9
kcrossley Cooling Neophyte Join Date: May 2003 Location: Annapolis, MD Posts: 60	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? Here's the other option I was looking at instead of keeping my Snap Server 2000. I'm not sure if it's Mac compatibile or will handle 32 character names. Do you have any experience or opinion on this? http://www.buy.com/prod/Buffalo_Tera...tml?adid=17662 Thanks, Kelly

01-09-2006, 02:13 PM	#10
blue68f100 Thermophile Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 3,135	Re: Upgrade SNAP 2000 or New NAS? There have been a few that have tried it, I think one returned it because of bugs. I also think you give up your RAID options. I have a old PM7500, SnapAppliance was the only one that suported these old Mac's, MacOS v8-9. I think Tom's Hardware/networking did a review on this unit a while back.

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