[jw2k_fr]

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

Okay, I am going to have to assume you meant you got the unit as 480 GB unit, not factory configured that way. I could be wrong here, and that is very possible on this one, but to the best of my knowledge, none of the 480 GB units were -001 revisions -AND- all of the units above 240 GB had the modification. Again, I could be wrong, but... Something does not seem right here...

This was the reason I guessed at 480Gb factory configured - it says so on the tin


Rev1 hardware, correct?

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

This could be so many things, it would be hard to tell you over a forum with just this knowledge. Bad memory, bad CPU, bad board, bad power supply, bad connection, the list goes on and on...

Yar... I'm only a noob when it comes to SNAP servers, been an MCSE for 10 years, building PCs for longer etc etc blah blah blah. Just wondered whether there were any known propensities for failure.

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

The CPU fan is temp controlled, albeit at too high a temp for my tastes. There is another fan jack (on the opposite side of the memory slot) that you can plug the fan into for it to run constant if you desire.

Great, thanks for that. Will probably look to replace the fan for a quieter one with a slightly longer flex which will reach that far.

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

The Heat Sink is permanently attached (well, without damaging the CPU).

Okay, will not worry based on your comments below.

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

I have not done it, but I have seen several versions of it and can tell you it is not a mod for the novice. I was a certified 2M technician (micro miniature soldering repair) and can tell you this is delicate soldering. It can be done with basic equipment and at home, but not what I would recommend. You really need proper 2M equipment and qualification to be sure of not damaging anything.

Hey, I know which end of the soldering iron gets warm, but maybe I'm not up to the level to do this myself :wink:

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

This has been discussed into the ground here on this forum. Overall, it has been decided it can't be done (or rather, not by the average joe around here). In my opinion, if there is a will, there is a way. All you have to do is find out how to flash the flashram on the unit, do a couple zillion test runs modifying the OS you plan to run getting it small enough and with just the right drivers (which you may have to write yourself) to fit and run from the available flashram, convert it all to intel hex code (or whatever is required for this unit's board), and poof, you got it.

I have a kurobox (hackable version of a Linkstation) - kinda like the NSLU2 and it has given me a good introduction to Linux, but I am only really at the level of being able to follow the path others have already blazed. Having read the exploits of fellow Kuro fans trying to hack that, I know that they had the advantage of a JTAG port and knowledge of the ARM based core it runs on. I shall shelve any further designs I might have on hacking it.

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

Okay, now seriously. I am not one who will willingly tell you something can't be done when it can, and I would bet it could be done, but... The fact of the matter is, it would really take someone who knew what they were doing and a lot of time (read, an engineer most likely). And, in the end, just isn't worth the mass effort it would entail. Fact is, this is a software RAID unit running on a Pentium 233MHz CPU, with a maximum of 256 MB of PC100 SDRAM, on ATA66, with a single 10/100 ethernet port. I mean come on, would it really be worth it?

No!

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

You could build a mini PC or 1U Server and run standard OSes on it much cheaper and easier with better results. I am not trying to be insulting, but this is akin to saying, I have this old CPU laying around, can I build a hardware RAID with it? Sure you can, with some circuit board making skills, some coding of firmware, etc etc etc... But in the end, it would be much easier and cheaper to just go buy a solid hardware RAID card. See? If you or someone else wants to take this project on, more power to you, and congrats if you succeed, but still just isn't worth it, in my opinion. But don't say I said it couldn't be done.

Message received loud and clear

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

As for the other port, it is NOT an IDE port. I suspect it was used for some other funtion at the main board factory, but it is not another IDE port. Maybe snap-tech, if you can get him to ever answer anything without sucking up or paying him, can tell you for sure.

Never mind... see above

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

Define noisy?

Not suitable for residential use....

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

Is the fan going bad or do you just not like the noise it makes normally?

Not going bad, just too noisy for my study

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

If you just don't like the normal noise, then nothing you can (or should) do. There are lower RPM (thus quieter) 40mm fans, *snip*

Given that the fan isn't running normally, I figure that a quieter, lower flow fan running permanently is acceptable. Before the fan kicks in, the heatsink is almost too hot to touch. With the current fan running, the heatsink is below body temp. So a slower speed (quieter) fan running permanently should strike a good balance between the two (imho). I shall investigate...

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

Side note: If you do not like the noise of a SNAP 4100, DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT, buy a Guardian OS unit. They are much louder. As a general rule, most 1U units are just not going to be quiet by nature.

Okay, good to know - thanks for the pointer.

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

There is some gain in performance with going to 128 MB RAM over 64 MB or 32 MB, but the gains are diminishing. 256 MB makes very little difference unless you are running large drives and using JVM a lot.

I may try and snag one if I see one cheap given the size of the array, but it is not going to be a high use item, so I won't worry if I don't.

Originally Posted by Phoenix32

You're stuck with the CPU. A faster CPU would be nice , and the Sofware RAID and LAN would be better, but it's not going to happen. Why? Because the faster Socket 7 CPUs were all K6-2/K6-3 CPUs using a higher voltage and obviously different CPU microcode needed in the BIOS. Since this microcode is not in the BIOS and this voltage is not available, well... There you have it. One guy tried a powerleap adapter, but he was never able to see or verify any change or improvements. I suspect the board is hardwired to a specific speed. Not to mention the height issue for the CPU, HSF, and adapter in this 1U case.

I shall stick with what I have, so long as I can get it to stay up longer than a tart's knickers

When connecting to the debug page:

Product: 2 - "Laser/Spinnaker: 4 drive IDE" - Platform Bytes "2.2.1"
Server-4.0.860, Build Date: Mar 2 2005 17:50:35
This is the NON-Debug executable, and was built by KEVIN
You are logged in as user ROOT (local)


Thanks
J