It appears clear that the 36TB version of the ReadyNAS 4200 (RN12T1230) has full support for 3TB drives across all slots. However, it is unclear to me whether the other versions do, and whether there is a version of the 3200 that does. What I would like is to be able to buy a 12TB ReadyNAS 3200 with 4 3TB drives that will enable me to add more 3TB drives later... but if I can only get that by buying a 4200, I'll go ahead and do that instead, however, it is going to be a lot harder to justify buying 36 TB of storage space right off the bat, when I'll be barely using more than 5-6 TB of it. It would be much easier to argue for a 12TB device that can sale to 36TB.
The 4200v2 supports 3TB drives. The 36TB 4200 is a 4200v2. Even if the change to a v2 has been made in some of the other 3200/4200 models (one would hope that the old SATA controller is no longer being used in any new models produced), it could be a while before there's no stock of the v1 around at any resellers anymore.
The 4200 supports optional 10Gbit NICs and is much faster than the 3200. It's a much more future proof investment than a 3200.
The 4200v2 supports 3TB drives. The 36TB 4200 is a 4200v2. Even if the change to a v2 has been made in some of the other 3200/4200 models (one would hope that the old SATA controller is no longer being used in any new models produced), it could be a while before there's no stock of the v1 around at any resellers anymore.
The 4200 supports optional 10Gbit NICs and is much faster than the 3200. It's a much more future proof investment than a 3200.
Yes, well... is the implication of this that the part number is not being revved for a 12TB 4200 that is a v2 model? Is Netgear intending to ship 12TB models with 4 3TB drive, or 6x3 18 TB models? I don't see a part # corresponding to that configuration at this point. It is stuff like this that makes me antsy about dealing with Netgear equipment. It makes no sense to me that they can't ship a 4200 (or even a 3200) other than the fully decked out 36GB box that we, as end users, can be CERTAIN will handle 3TB (and larger) drives. Yeah, it's only 8GB of raw capacity today, but down the line it could be a lot more.
Contrast this with a certain other company's newly released product that very clearly enables usage of 7200 RPM 3TB drives in a 4x3 configuration, as well as a number other interesting features (including the use of SSDs)...
Just glanced at a couple online sources and most still have -100NAS (v1) series in stock. One (CDW) listed the RN12T1230-100NAS (36TB) which of course does not exist (the RN12T1230 by definition only exists as a -200NAS). Most of the older models only had 1TB and 2TB drives in various configurations.
From the Netgear product listing there are models with 6x2TB, 12x2TB, 12x1TB and 12x3TB. I would suppose you could start with a 12TB 6x2TB model and then start adding 3TB drives when you needed more than 8TB of volume (assuming dual redundancy). Just make sure that you find a -200NAS.
Just glanced at a couple online sources and most still have -100NAS (v1) series in stock. One (CDW) listed the RN12T1230-100NAS (36TB) which of course does not exist (the RN12T1230 by definition only exists as a -200NAS). Most of the older models only had 1TB and 2TB drives in various configurations.
From the Netgear product listing there are models with 6x2TB, 12x2TB, 12x1TB and 12x3TB. I would suppose you could start with a 12TB 6x2TB model and then start adding 3TB drives when you needed more than 8TB of volume (assuming dual redundancy). Just make sure that you find a -200NAS.
I don't see a single product listing anywhere in Google Shopping that lists anything as a -200NAS. I see neobits selling the RN12T1230-100NAS and that's it.
I'd buy a 12TB model and throw away the 2TB drives when I needed to replace them, if I could be confident I'd get a 4200v2 when I placed my order (it's stupid, but probably by the time I need to replace them, the 3TB drives will be cheaper anyway)... that's my whole point. Unless I buy the thing that already has 36GB of drives in it, I don't see any way I can be sure of what I'm getting... other than ordering something, ripping open the box, and ... looking at the serial number plate? Booting it up and looking to see what the firmware says? How?
Just glanced at a couple online sources and most still have -100NAS (v1) series in stock. One (CDW) listed the RN12T1230-100NAS (36TB) which of course does not exist (the RN12T1230 by definition only exists as a -200NAS)
Incorrect. It's the first 36TB 4200 model offered so it's a "-100".
Note that in the new second gen Pro Series, the Pro 4 is a RNDP4000-100. The first gen was only a 6-bay model RNDP6000-100 which has been replaced by the second-gen 6-bay model which is the RNDP6000-200.
I think the 2100v2 (has 64-bit CPU vs 32-bit CPU in v1) is being sold as a "-100". So I guess if NetGear sees the change as minor they don't increment the version number.
If you purchase a v2, it should definitely show in Frontview and in RAIDar. I don't know where else it can be determined.
