In fact, they saw throughput figures of 2.23GB/s – that’s 2.23 gigabytes of data every second – using two hardware RAID-0 arrays linked up using Windows’ own software RAID functionality.  Running all the drives from a single Adaptec card with more than the eight ports on offer with the 5805 was another option, but then they worried they might run into PCI Express bandwidth limitations.

Best of all, they didn’t have to put together some barnstormer of a PC to host all this; in fact they used their standard test rig.  That doesn’t equate to a cheap option, though; given the Adaptec cards retail from around $520, and the X25-E 64GB SSDs from $669 apiece, you’re looking at just short of $12,000-worth of hardware before you get to such mundane matters as CPU, RAM and motherboard.

Up to 32 drives can be controlled from one RS2BL080 controller card, assuming SAS expanders are used, while a further option is the Intel RAID Smart Battery, AXXRSBBU3, which maintains power to the module in case of server or power failure.  It connects via a PCIe x8 card slot, and a second version offers Self-Encrypting Drive (SED) support.  The card is already available to order online, priced from around $550.

The RTX400-QR may be relatively dedicated in its purpose, but there’s no shortage of flexibility when it comes to hooking it up. This isn’t a NAS – there’s no network connectivity – but you do get USB 2.0, eSATA, a FireWire 400 and two FireWire 800 ports, the latter of which can be combined for even speedier transfers. Up front there are four 3.5-inch SATA-II hard-drive bays.

Installing drives is particularly straightforward, requiring no brackets, trays or guide-rails. Having slotted in a drive (they’ll only go in the correct way up) the door automatically catches shut, and closing it fully installs it completely. Opening the door again disconnects the drive, allowing you to pull it out. It’s incredibly simple, and we wish all hard-drive bays were designed so well.

Once you’ve slotted the drives into place, the RTX400-QR offers various levels of RAID depending on your backup and data access priorities. RAID 0, 1, 10, 3 and 5 are all supported, together with JBOD (treating all the volumes as one big drive, though at the expense of redundancy). WiebeTech provide a simple configurator utility in order to flick between the RAID modes, though it’s worth noting that this will only function if you’re hooked up via one of the Firewire ports.

Above the drive bays there’s a compact LCD display with a pair of small buttons underneath, which can be used to show capacity, general status, unit temperature and any error messages. Cooling is via two temperature-controlled fans at the rear, which we found to be louder than WiebeTech’s “so quiet they’ll be hard to detect” boasts. Still, they do their job as we didn’t experience any overheating issues during our testing.

We chose to compare the WiebeTech RTX400-QR with one of our everyday local backup systems, the MicroNet Platinum RAID array. With both set up in RAID 5 and connected via a single Firewire 800 connection, a single 12GB file took 3 minutes and 36 seconds to transfer on the RTX400-QR and 3 minutes and 21 seconds on the MicroNet. Times were the average of three test cycles.

WiebeTech are billing the RTX400-QR as a portable backup solution, and while it may seem faintly ridiculous to be toting a four-drive block around with you, they’ve at least made it straightforward to do so. The metal casing is sturdy and flex-free, and there’s a huge handle up top which is well-attached. That’s good, as the array weighs around 21lbs with drives installed (or 16lbs bare).

On the systems we connected the RTX400-QR to, it was immediately recognized and mounted as an external drive; that means you’re free to use any backup app you choose. WiebeTech also provide a copy of ProSoft’s Data Backup, which supports drive imaging, full and partial backups, scheduling and incremental saves.

In all, we were pleased with the performance of the WiebeTech RTX400-QR. It fell a little short of the speed we’re used to from our comparison array, but not by any significant amount, and the ease of drive installation and swapping counts for a lot. The company also deserve credit for including all the necessary cables in the box, and if you buy direct from WiebeTech – complete with drives – they’ll format it in your choice of Windows or Mac setup. At $899 for the empty array (rising to $1,515 for 4TB) it’s not a cheap option, but the RAID flexibility and sturdiness mean you’re getting a serious backup system for your money.

Rating:

4 out of 5 gears

WiebeTech RTX 400-QR quick-look:

Video demo after the cut

Inside – as you can see in the video below – there’s a 128MB SDRAM buffer, SATA-II 3.0Gbps interface and flash memory which PhotoFast claim is good for “at least ten years”.  As with other SSDs its far more shock and vibration resistant than traditional storage.

Right now the G-Monster V5 only offers RAID 0 for super-fast data access and write times, but PhotoFast are apparently considering a custom version of the RAID controller.  That would allow owners to choose between speed and data redundancy, basically fitting an entire array into a netbook/ultraportable-sized drive.  As it is, the current version of the G-Monster V5 RAID SSD comes in at a not-inconsiderable $850.

Unlike the Acer Aspire easyStore AH340-UA230N also announced today, the SNAP NAS does not run Windows Home Server.  That doesn’t leave it short on functionality, though; as well as RAID 0/ 1/ 5/ 6/ 5 + hot spare, single, JBOD, Online RAID Capacity Expansion, and Online RAID Level Migration setups, it offers AES 256-bit encryption, remote access and more.

The twin ethernet ports can either offer failover provision in case one connection fails, be used with load balancing to increase overall throughput, or even have independent IPs to allow the NAS to be access from two different workgroups.  New drives are automatically included into the RAID array, and there’s a one-touch copy button which transfers files from drives plugged into the front-panel USB port onto the SS-439, or vice-versa.

With four low-power HDDs the SNAP SS-439 Pro Turbo NAS uses just 18W, and the fan automatically responds to temperature to reduce power consumption and noise.  The NAS is available now, priced at around $800.

Press Release:

QNAP Unveils the First 2.5″ SATA, 4-bay, Intel Atom-based SS-439 Pro Turbo NAS

TAIPEI, Taiwan –(Business Wire)– May 21, 2009 QNAP Systems, Inc. today announces the first 2.5″ SATA HDD, 4-bay, Intel Atom-based SS-439 Pro Turbo NAS dedicated to SMB and SOHO users. Designed with Intel Atom N270 1.6GHz CPU, 1GB DDRII memory, and DOM (Disk on Module) architecture, the SS-439 Pro is the most compact, powerful, and power-saving 2.5″ 4-bay NAS that supports RAID 5/ RAID 6 for highly secure data protection. The NAS supports four 2.5″ SATA hard drives which are featured with high stability, low power consumption, low vibration, and longer life expectancy. With excellent cooling and energy-saving design, the power consumption of the NAS with four hard drives installed is as low as 18W. Moreover, the SS-439 Pro supports 3 USB 2.0 ports and 2 eSATA ports for storage capacity expansion and backup destination, and advanced features such as built-in iSCSI target service (max 8 iSCSI devices) with Thin Provisioning, Online RAID Capacity Expansion, Online RAID Level Migration, AES 256-bit volume-based encryption, Wake on LAN, automatic policy-based IP blocking, instant SMS and email alert, BT and eMule download, schedule power on and power off, 2 Giga LAN ports, 4 IP cameras for network surveillance, etc.

“The SS-439 Pro is a compact, silent, and power-saving server which is ideal to work for long hours in the office. When four low power 2.5″ hard drives are installed, the power consumption of the NAS is only 18W, which is almost the same as an energy-saving light bulb. It is an environment-friendly storage solution that largely saves the electricity expense of the users and minimizes pollution to the earth,” says Jerry Deng, Product Manager from QNAP.

The SS-439 Pro is a powerful server of diversified features, e.g. network server, FTP server, web server with built-in phpMyAdmin, Joomla, MySQL/SQLite, editable php.ini, printer server etc. The exclusive QPKG software expansion feature and the Surveillance Station (network surveillance) are also provided.

For more information about the SS-439 Pro Turbo NAS, please visit http://www.qnap.com/pro_detail_feature.asp?p_id=120.

About QNAP

QNAP Systems, Inc. is a dominant provider of Linux OS embedded network-attached storage (NAS) and network surveillance system. We have released numerous NAS and NVR series, providing our customers high performance and high reliability backup and security solutions.

The new mini-SAS ports work by putting four hard drive connections together. This makes data transfers smoother and reduces the chances of failure. This tech is actually intended for high demand needs like Fibre Channel connectivity and video editing.

These models support SAS, SATA or 3Gbps hard drives and more. The TR4X features one mini-SAS connection that can handle 400MB/s with the four-bay tower. The TR8X, on the other hand, has two mini-SAS connections and is an eight-bay tower, allowing for speeds up to 750MB/s. You can get the updated TR4X and TR8X now for starting prices of $325 and $545, respectively. Black and silver color options are available.

It’s called the G-Monster-Promise PCIe SSD and rather than a 750MB read/write speed, this one ponies up an impressive 1,000MB/s. And while this certainly isn’t the fastest available in the entire world, it’s still definitely worth paying attention to.

You’ll be able to get your hands on the G-Monster-Promise right now, though it will only be available in Japan. Sizes expect to range from 128GB worth of storage all the way up to 1TB. Pricing is high with the 128GB model going for the equivalent of $1,600, the 512GB model going for $2,000 and the 1TB model going for $4,500.

[via Engadget]

So, what does this mean, exactly? If you buy this storage device now, it comes with support for USB 2.0, FireWire 400, FireWire 800 and eSATA interface ports. But expanded connectivity is not all that you’ll get with this device. Other new features include expanded energy efficiency for an energy savings of up to 40%! It also creates less thermal emissions and includes a “smart fan” that’s super quiet.

It’s capable of holding two drives of up to 2TB each–hence the “mirror” part. You have your choice of 10 different models when buying the Guardian MAXimus RAID 1 Mirror. It’s compatible with Apple OS 8.6 – 9.2.2 and MAC OS X 10.0 and up. Pricing starts at $230.

These new models are geared towards creative professionals who need the storage space for large amounts of HD content. The 4big Quadras come in 8TB configurations which allow combinations of up to four to achieve the 32TB of storage. The Quadras are also promised to be up to 50% quieter than other comparable systems, and are designed to save space and energy, incorporating features like automatic standby to conserve power.

The LaCie 4big Quadra Bundles will be available through the LaCie Online Store and through resellers starting at $1999. The 8TB LaCie 4big Quadra and 32TB LaCie 4big Quadra Bundle will be available in May. Rescue kits consist of a spare hard drive and power supply and are included with the 16TB and 32TB for fast, on-site repairs so there is no disruption in productivity or storage. The three bundles are listed below:

8TB LaCie 4big Quadra Bundle:
2 x 4TB LaCie 4big Quadra, LaCie eSATA II PCI Express Card 3Gb/s – 4Ports

16TB LaCie 4big Quadra Bundle:
4 x 4TB LaCie 4big Quadra, LaCie eSATA II PCI Express Card 3Gb/s – 4Ports, and LaCie Rescue Kit

32TB LaCie 4big Quadra Bundle:
4 x 8TB LaCie 4big Quadra, LaCie eSATA II PCI Express Card 3Gb/s – 4Ports, and LaCie Rescue Kit

The NS4600 offers NAS and media server capabilities and makes it possible to play iPhone-friendly video. It has iTunes Digital Media Server support plus SmartNAVI for getting at all of your media from a web browser. Other features include Remote Access Media Center, which makes it possible to access media from anywhere and Apple Time Machine Support.

The NS4600 can also connect to your network by means of a gigabit Ethernet connection and can host eSATA and USB 2.0. You can get this model for $500 without any drives in it. The DS4300 is of a much simpler sort and is easier to set up thanks to One Touch Configuration. It will cost under $400 and both will be available around the middle of May.

[via Engadget]

The Enclosure version is equipped with USB and eSATA connectivity. Both versions support a host of RAID configurations from Raid 0, 3, 5, 10 to disk spanning. It doesn’t require software app, Raid function is selectable by dialing an onboard rotary switch. It’s not only compact, but also supports many advance features you wouldn’t normally expect from a port multiplier, and the $89 asking price makes it 10 times more attractive!.

The press release stated “superior performance” but there were no scores to support its claim, that usually means moderate speeds. I wouldn’t hold my breath for a $89 raid controller.

Features :

* Connect up to 4 SATA I/II hard drives to computer via eSATA or USB port
* Compatible with CF memory card or Micro Drive™ using Addonics SATA CF adapters (ADSAHDCF or AD2SAHDCF)
* Compatible with any SATA controller (RAID or non RAID) or USB port
* Integrated hardware RAID controller to maximize performance
* Supports FAST2 (2 drive RAID0 Striping), FAST4 (4 drive RAID0 Striping), SAFE2 (RAID1 Mirroring), SAFE FAST (Mirrored Striped), BIG 2 (2 drive Concatenation), BIG 4(4 drive Concatenation), RAID 3+S, or RAID 5+S using built-in hardware RAID
* RAID configuration via rotary switch, no software required
* RAID volume can be used as a boot drive or as additional storage
* Multiple units can be daisy chainned
* System version mounts in any standard height or low profile PCI slot
* Enclosure version designed to fit Addonics Storage Tower, Mini Storage Tower, Storage RAck or multi-bay drive enclosure with SCSI-1 (Centronic 50-pin) back panel
* Support hot swap
* Multi-function LED Pin Headers for Host link, RAID status, individual drive activity, power, system ready and RAID diagnostic
* OS independent: DOS, All Windows, Mac OS X, Linux kernel 2.6 and above, Solaris 10 and above

Specification :

* 4 internal SATA port for SATA / SATAII storage device
* SATA connector for host connection on system model
* Shielded and durable eSATA connector eSATA port for host connection on enclosure model
* 1 USB type A connector and 1 5-pin header USB connector for host connection
* LED Pin Headers for Host, 4 SATA devices, RAID status, Power On & System Ready, and RAID diagnostic
* Auto-negotiation support for 1.5Gbps and 3.0Gbps SATA
* Compliant with SATA II external specification
* Integrated hardware RAID controller supporting
o Disk striping with distributed parity (RAID 5)
o Disk striping with dedicated parity (RAID 3)
o Disk striping (RAID0) for maximum performance
o Disk striping with mirroring (RAID 10)
o Disk spanning for large capacity single volume
* Support for hot spare disk
* Support Hot-swapping
* Hardware RAID rebuild engine (up to HDD transfer rate)
* Sustained transfer rates in excess of 240Mbytes/s (limited only by HDD or interface transfer rates)
* USB mass-storage class compliant
* 48 GPIO (24 dedicated, 24 multiplexed)
* Maximum power consumption ~ 1 Watt
* Control board dimension (W x D x H) – 3.4 x 2.2 x .9 in. (85mm x 55mm x 23mm)
* Weight: 1.2 oz or 33g (without the mounting bracket)
* Operating temperature range: 0 °C to +70 °C
* Operating humidity range: 5% to 90%
* Storage temperature range: -40 °C to +85 °C
* Storage humidity range: 5% – 95% (non condensing)
* 1 year warranty

SAN JOSE, Calif. –(Business Wire)– Feb 25, 2009 Addonics Technologies (www.addonics.com) today announced the 4X1 eSATA/USB Hardware Port Multiplier (HPM), which has an integrated RAID controller for superior read/write performance.

The 4X1 HPM can connect up to four SATA / SATA II hard drives to a host via a single SATA port or USB port. These connected drives can be easily set to different RAID configurations by dialing an onboard rotary switch. There is no driver or software installation required, thus making the addition of RAID storage to any system simple no matter what the operating system.

The RAID volume, once created, appears to any OS as another hard drive. It can be used as a boot drive in application servers or mission critical equipment. The 4X1 HPM is ideal in high capacity storage applications such as video storage, data archiving, home entertainment or multi-tera bytes storage farm.

The 4X1 eSATA/USB HPM comes in choice of the system version or the enclosure version. The system version enables multiple hard drives inside a system to be connected together to form a RAID volume.

The enclosure version fits perfectly into the Addonics family of Storage Tower, Storage Rack and many standard multi-bay enclosures with standard SCSI-1 connector cut out. The four hard drives inside the drive enclosure, connecting to this HPM, can form a high performance and reliable external RAID system that can be attached to any computer via high speed eSATA or USB 2.0 ports.

Other features include compatibility with any SATA controller (RAID or non RAID) or USB port; compatibility with CF memory card or Micro Drive™ using Addonics SATA CF adapters; use of RAID volume as a boot drive or as additional storage; the ability to daisy chain multiple units; hot swap support; system version mounts in any standard height or low profile PCI slot, and multi-function LED pin headers for host link, RAID status, individual drive activity, power, system-ready and RAID diagnostics.