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Forum Discussion
ReadyNAS Ultra 2 as Media Server
Hello, I have to admit, that I'm not really a veteran on these matters, but I want to learn. The idea is to have a NAS that I can use as media server. It needs to be fast enough to not cause pro...
First of all, you can ignore the -600 and -300. No mechanical drive is fast enough to saturate SATA-300, and the NAS runs SATA-300 anyway. (SATA-600 is compatible though).
Second of all, for streaming BluRay you really don't need a fast disk. BluRay data rates are 50 mbits/sec, which is about 7 megabytes/second. All of these drives are much, much faster than that.
Third, the WD30EZRS is not designed for NAS use. Even though it is on the HCL I would avoid it.
The Ultrastar and the Constellation are enterprise drives. Enterprise drives are designed to be working 24/7, and they are designed to handle vibration from nearby drives well. They generally also have 5 year warranties. Those features are what make them more expensive. The Barracuda isn't an enterprise drive, but it is a high-performance consumer drive.
The WD30EFRX is specifically designed for consumer NAS use, and has a three year warranty.
The WD30EFRX uses the least power and is the quietest (leaving out the caviar green). The Constellation and Ultrastar have higher performance and longer warranties, but also use more power and are noisier. The Barracuda is similar to the enterprise drives, though I think I'd choose the Constellation over it, given the small price difference.
Personally I'd get the WD30EFRX. It is more than fast enough, is cheapest, uses the least power, and is the quietest. I am using them now, and am happy with them.
However, the Ultrastar and the Constellation also have good reputations. Note that Hitachi's disk division is now owned by Western Digital.
BTW I agree with mgdm that a 4 or 6 slot unit would be better than the ultra-2. At 20-30 titles per TB, your BluRay library will fill up the NAS fast.
Second of all, for streaming BluRay you really don't need a fast disk. BluRay data rates are 50 mbits/sec, which is about 7 megabytes/second. All of these drives are much, much faster than that.
Third, the WD30EZRS is not designed for NAS use. Even though it is on the HCL I would avoid it.
The Ultrastar and the Constellation are enterprise drives. Enterprise drives are designed to be working 24/7, and they are designed to handle vibration from nearby drives well. They generally also have 5 year warranties. Those features are what make them more expensive. The Barracuda isn't an enterprise drive, but it is a high-performance consumer drive.
The WD30EFRX is specifically designed for consumer NAS use, and has a three year warranty.
The WD30EFRX uses the least power and is the quietest (leaving out the caviar green). The Constellation and Ultrastar have higher performance and longer warranties, but also use more power and are noisier. The Barracuda is similar to the enterprise drives, though I think I'd choose the Constellation over it, given the small price difference.
Personally I'd get the WD30EFRX. It is more than fast enough, is cheapest, uses the least power, and is the quietest. I am using them now, and am happy with them.
However, the Ultrastar and the Constellation also have good reputations. Note that Hitachi's disk division is now owned by Western Digital.
BTW I agree with mgdm that a 4 or 6 slot unit would be better than the ultra-2. At 20-30 titles per TB, your BluRay library will fill up the NAS fast.
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