Which to buy at ebay SnapOS or GuardianOS

[thundercat3121]

New here and this is for my home. What model should I buy at ebay if I decide to purchase one?
I was thinking Guardian models. I'm looking for an older model. I don't want to go over maybe 250 $. Any help or guide ?

Thanks

[bitor]

Hello thundercat and welcome to the forum. This is directed to you only.

I'd say go for the snap4200 or snap4500. Make sure they have the sleds in them. Ask the ebay seller many questions about the unit.(Is it in working order,sleds,gos..etc.)
If you can get one with the drives and the GOS already installed that would be great too. If you cannot get the drives with GOS installed then it cost money for the OS. Before you buy anything on ebay, check Overstockstorage.com and ask them how much the GOS will cost. Do not buy any of these without all four of the sleds. Unless you find a source to buy sleds for these individual models.

You can also buy a snap4400 too. This unit is not as upgradable as the other two above. However, it should be less money to buy but not always.
There is also the Adaptec File Saver for PC users(ESA1500).
All the units above are 4 drive units.

You will have to shop hard to find one for $250. You can find some deals if you wait and check often on ebay. Another thing to note is that these units use PATA/IDE drives and these drives are on the way out. SATA is the new replacement drives now and will not fit in the above units unless you make some modifications to it. The modification is not rocket science, but it's not child's play either.

Drive mfg.,make and models are also things to consider. If you are going to buy drives try and get the server editions if you can afford it. Non raid/non server drives will work, but it's a shot in the dark if you will have problems with them or not down the road in a RAID X. Some work some do not. Better to be safe and use the server edition drives.

Do your research not just here , but also at other sites and the mfg. sites for these units.

Anyway, use this input of mine how you like or not at all. In the end...the final decision is yours not mine. So research, study, and make your own mind up what you think is best for you. Don't take one person's advice...gather many here and at other places..then and only then make your decision. Because it is your money.

Long winded and good starter info to pick out...I hope it helps you and come back often if you would like.

bitor

Originally Posted by thundercat3121

New here and this is for my home. What model should I buy at ebay if I decide to purchase one?
I was thinking Guardian models. I'm looking for an older model. I don't want to go over maybe 250 $. Any help or guide ?

Thanks

[blue68f100]

If your using any OS > XP ( > v9 for Apple) you will need to go to a GOS unit. I would not consider a SnapOS unit they are just to slow for today computers. The GOS units will cost you, Make sure the unit is complete and working with the OS or pass. Sleds cost about $100 each, the OS is pricey. The GOS units are design for Server rooms and are noisey.

[thundercat3121]

wow thanks bitor and blue...great information to consider. Looks like I will have to start looking on ebay to snatch one up. I am in no hurry so......once I get a snap server 4200-4500 I will know were to come to for help if I need it.
I am going to spend some time looking around the forum while I wait for one to come up on ebay for me to purchase.

Thanks again... you guys are great!!!