Quote:
|
Originally Posted by minimike1
I'm glad you mentioned the drive size limit Phoenix as I was just about to bid for a 4000 unit (actually a re-badged Dell705N) and I thought that because it had software 4.0.860 it wold allow me to put 300gig drives in it , so Im glad as you have just saved me buying another unit which wouldn't suit me  |
Okay, I think you meant a Dell 705N turned into a 4100, not 4000 there. But, just to make sure, a Dell 705N is the same as a 4100, not a 4000.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by minimike1
I take it you guys are in the States ? getting second hand snap servers here in oz is very hard to do , I jagged getting my 1100 cheaply and 4000s are rarely seen which is a pity as I'd really like to turn my pc off but still access my files over the network.
|
Yes, we are in the States, but truth is, 4000's are not that easy to come by here either, at least good ones...
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by minimike1
I have tried all connector and drive combos to see if the unit would work any differently btw , no luck unfortunately.
Looks like I'll be contacting Northwest for a new mobo , I hope that the OS is on them and that they will allow me to arrange the courier to collect it.
|
Without touching it myself, I cannot say for 100% sure, but at this point is does sound like you have a bad main board (or a power supply that is too weak to even run a single drive). As for buying a new board, well, I like the guys over at NW Tech and recommend them, but not in this case for your situation. As I said before, the board will end up costing you near what you could have gotten another 4000 for (maybe a little less). But what if the power supply is bad or something else, more than just the board? You don't know. Then it is more money down the drain. Your best bet is another 4000. Be patient, pay attention to what you read, ask questions, and you will get a good one, and have some spare parts in case they are needed maybe. Hell, if the power supply is good, you might be able to sell it for close to what you pay for the new 4000, they are rare as hen's teeth (I think Matt needs one, hint hint).
I just moved up to a 4500, so I have some damn good 4000's I am going to be selling (in various configurations), but as you know SNAP servers are not light by any means. I am afraid shipping to AUS would be brutal, so I doubt I can be of much help to you.
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by minimike1
Unfortunately getting my money back from eBay isn't an option , after carefully reading his advert it stated that there was no warranty , this was a hard lesson to learn.
|
I hear this way way way too often and it pisses me off. Not at the people I am hearing it from, but the people doing it. I am going to give some really good advice here, even for you veteran eBayers, so
PAY ATTENTION.
Like many veteran eBayers, I have spent a lot of time on eBay. As you may know, each type of items carry their own risks and problems on eBay. The SNAP Servers are no different. I have bid on and purchased, for myself and for others, a great many SNAP servers on eBay. Now let me tell you this straight up as facts.
- The majority of SNAP Servers being sold on eBay are being sold by people who got them in bulk auctions and know little or nothing about them. FACT!
- The majority of SNAP Servers being sold in eBay have "something" wrong with them. FACT!
Now this "something" might be as simple as cables missing, wrong cables, bad fans, or what have you. But, it can also just as easily be missing drive trays (which can be replaced, but are not cheap), bad power supplies
EVEN IF IT POWERS ON (which are very hard to get and very expensive), missing memory, missing CPU, bad boards, etc etc etc etc... It happens, A LOT! You can believe me or not, but I am telling you how it is (hoping you won't be the next victim).
- The majority of SNAP Servers on eBay are in need of OS updates. FACT!
- The majority of SNAP Servers on eBay are sold AS-IS (even if you don't see it easily in the add). And, even if they will give you a non DOA, remember, they won't pay shipping either direction. In case you have not noticed, shipping is usually very high on SNAP Servers. It's going to cost you if you make a bad deal, period.
- More often than not, the SNAP Server you see in the picture is NOT the unit being sold.
There are other things, but that is the highlights. Notice I said majority above, not all. There are some good SNAP Servers on eBay, and some good deals, but they are NOT the majority. Look for them you will find them.
My advice, read the adds closely. Either don't pay much for it or only buy when you are pretty sure it is a good unit. Pay attention to who is selling it. Not just the feedbacks, but if they are a wholesaler or someone who actually knows something about a SNAP and can tell you if it really works or not. ASK QUESTIONS! LOTS OF THEM! Ask for pictures of the actual unit for sale. Go with your gut feeling. And remember what I have told you here.
I hope this helps someone...