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<blockquote data-quote="milhouse" data-source="post: 355359" data-attributes="member: 26653">[USER=84979]cheeseman[/USER]Addressing your questions out of order, since that's how I work...1) OCE is needed to EXPAND an array when adding drives one at a time.&nbsp; A few options you have:&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; -As you state, you could break the array, rebuild with one more drive, and rebuild.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; -You could use Linux software RAID.&nbsp; I didn't use this options because a) if I have to admin it, I want something I have a reasoinable shot at fixing, and I don't know Linux, and b) if it's Windows it can also serve as my TV Server.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; -You could shell out for hardware-based RAID supporting OCE&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; -(what I do)&nbsp; Buy new drives 5 at a time and add a whole new array.&nbsp; Since the drives are bigger each time I do this, I COULD move all the files off the old array onto the new, then pull the old old drives if I needed the physical space.2) The 5-in-3 drive cages are nice - I love them.&nbsp; But they are also quite pricey.&nbsp; The 5-in-3 I used are $110.&nbsp; But you can get a 4-in-3 for $22 made specifically for the Stacker case.&nbsp;&nbsp; (There may be other, cheaper 5-in3s available now?)<a href="http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817993002" target="_blank">Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER STB-3T4-E3-GP 4-in-3 Device Module Hardisk Cage - HDD Accessories</a>3)&nbsp; There are HACKS that give XP the ability to do RAID-5.&nbsp; Haven't tried them, since I have access Server 2k3.&nbsp; At your own risk, though I've seen plenty of people on the net get it to work without trouble.4) The Lian-Li looks like a very nice case.&nbsp; And you don't have to move the power switch like I did.&nbsp; I have the power button INSIDE the case.&nbsp; <img src="data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP///yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7" class="smilie smilie--sprite smilie--sprite10" alt=":oops:" title="Oops!&nbsp; &nbsp; :oops:" loading="lazy" data-shortname=":oops:" />&nbsp; I would think any drive cages should fit.&nbsp; I went with the hardware I did primarily because I found a review that specifically said my 4 drive cages would fit in my cage.&nbsp; I'd go with the Lian Li today, I think, and gamble that the cages would fit.I see the Lian-Li also supports 2 power supplies.&nbsp; A nice feature when you are expecting to load up with a ton of drives.5) Using this thing as an everyday PC - I just want to make sure you understand just how BIG and LOUD these things are once you've got the extra 4 fans from the drive cages.&nbsp; May not be a comfortable work environment.6) Motherboard - I'd still recommend the one I used.&nbsp; A bit pricey, but had two PCI-X slots to fit the SATA controller cards.&nbsp; Make sure you PLAN AHEAD and that you'll actually be able to have enough ports to support all the HDDs you may eventually have.&nbsp; I have 2x8-port PCI-X cards, and still need 4 of the 6 ports of the motherboard.&nbsp; Leaving 2 extra in case a pair go bad.&nbsp; I haven't shopped around much lately, though.&nbsp; Plan the SATA cards first, and find a motherboard to support is my advice.Good luck!</blockquote>

[QUOTE="milhouse, post: 355359, member: 26653"] [USER=84979]cheeseman[/USER] Addressing your questions out of order, since that's how I work... 1) OCE is needed to EXPAND an array when adding drives one at a time. A few options you have: -As you state, you could break the array, rebuild with one more drive, and rebuild. -You could use Linux software RAID. I didn't use this options because a) if I have to admin it, I want something I have a reasoinable shot at fixing, and I don't know Linux, and b) if it's Windows it can also serve as my TV Server. -You could shell out for hardware-based RAID supporting OCE -(what I do) Buy new drives 5 at a time and add a whole new array. Since the drives are bigger each time I do this, I COULD move all the files off the old array onto the new, then pull the old old drives if I needed the physical space. 2) The 5-in-3 drive cages are nice - I love them. But they are also quite pricey. The 5-in-3 I used are $110. But you can get a 4-in-3 for $22 made specifically for the Stacker case. (There may be other, cheaper 5-in3s available now?) [url=http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817993002]Newegg.com - COOLER MASTER STB-3T4-E3-GP 4-in-3 Device Module Hardisk Cage - HDD Accessories[/url] 3) There are HACKS that give XP the ability to do RAID-5. Haven't tried them, since I have access Server 2k3. At your own risk, though I've seen plenty of people on the net get it to work without trouble. 4) The Lian-Li looks like a very nice case. And you don't have to move the power switch like I did. I have the power button INSIDE the case. :ooops: I would think any drive cages should fit. I went with the hardware I did primarily because I found a review that specifically said my 4 drive cages would fit in my cage. I'd go with the Lian Li today, I think, and gamble that the cages would fit. I see the Lian-Li also supports 2 power supplies. A nice feature when you are expecting to load up with a ton of drives. 5) Using this thing as an everyday PC - I just want to make sure you understand just how BIG and LOUD these things are once you've got the extra 4 fans from the drive cages. May not be a comfortable work environment. 6) Motherboard - I'd still recommend the one I used. A bit pricey, but had two PCI-X slots to fit the SATA controller cards. Make sure you PLAN AHEAD and that you'll actually be able to have enough ports to support all the HDDs you may eventually have. I have 2x8-port PCI-X cards, and still need 4 of the 6 ports of the motherboard. Leaving 2 extra in case a pair go bad. I haven't shopped around much lately, though. Plan the SATA cards first, and find a motherboard to support is my advice. Good luck! [/QUOTE]

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