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I DIDN'T get scammed on Facebook Marketplace! - NetApp DiskShelves For Your NAS

Linus Tech Tips・2 minutes read

Encountered a NetApp storage appliance for sale, negotiated down to $1,000 from $100,000, questions regarding functionality and value due to lack of testing before purchase. Challenges in obtaining software updates and licenses from NetApp, limiting the appliance's practical use, leading to consideration for repurposing or disposal.

Insights

  • NetApp storage appliances, despite their enterprise-grade design, face limitations due to licensing and ownership restrictions, hindering practical functionality and prompting considerations for repurposing or disposal.
  • Upgrading to SAS 6 gigabit modules can significantly enhance the throughput of disc shelves, necessitating the replacement of old controller modules for increased bandwidth and efficient operation.

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Recent questions

  • How can I connect servers to a NetApp storage appliance?

    The setup process involves connecting servers to controllers and daisy-chaining disk shelves. Ensure proper power supply and data connections for functionality.

  • What is the significance of redundant components in a NetApp storage appliance?

    Redundant components like controllers, power supplies, and cables ensure uninterrupted operation in case of failures, maintaining high availability design.

  • What is the "NetApp tax" associated with NetApp systems?

    NetApp systems restrict the use of non-NetApp firmware drives, imposing a cost on users. However, the hardware can be repurposed with non-NetApp controllers for home lab use.

  • How can I resolve drive detection issues in a NetApp storage appliance?

    Issues with drive detection may arise due to power supply configurations and drive types. Using interposers when mixing SATA and SAS drives on the same backplane is recommended for voltage compatibility.

  • How can I upgrade the throughput of disc shelves in a NetApp storage appliance?

    Upgrading to SAS 6 gigabit modules can double the throughput of the disc shelves. The process involves replacing old controller modules with new ones for increased bandwidth.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

"NetApp Storage Appliance: Functionality and Limitations"

  • Encountered a NetApp storage appliance on Facebook Marketplace, originally priced at $100,000, now offered for $5,000, eventually negotiated down to $1,000.
  • Uncertainty regarding the appliance's functionality due to lack of testing before purchase, questioning its current operational status and value.
  • NetApp storage appliance structure includes a controller box and four 24-bay disk shelves with 600GB 15,000 RPM SAS drives, emphasizing the enterprise-grade design.
  • SAS drives connected to a backplane in the disk shelves, linked to the controller through external cables, ensuring data connectivity.
  • High availability design of the appliance with redundant components like controllers, power supplies, and cables for uninterrupted operation in case of failures.
  • NetApp systems restrict the use of non-NetApp firmware drives, imposing a "NetApp tax" on users, but the hardware can be repurposed with non-NetApp controllers for home lab use.
  • Detailed setup process of connecting servers to controllers and daisy-chaining disk shelves, ensuring proper power supply and data connections for functionality.
  • Initial power-up and configuration process, including troubleshooting steps like checking power switches, link lights, and boot drive presence.
  • Challenges faced in obtaining necessary software updates and licenses from NetApp due to ownership restrictions, limiting the appliance's functionality.
  • Despite efforts to set up and configure the appliance, limitations in licensing and feature access hinder its practical use, prompting consideration for repurposing or disposal.

14:29

Enhancing Disc Shelf Performance with HBA Adapter

  • To make a disc shelf work with a different computer, you need an HBA (host bus adapter) with external connectors.
  • Internal to external adapters can be used to connect disc shelves to the HBA if the connectors do not match.
  • Each disc shelf requires a separate connection, and cascading them may result in slower bandwidth.
  • Upgrading to SAS 6 gigabit modules can double the throughput of the disc shelves.
  • The upgrade process involves replacing old controller modules with new ones for increased bandwidth.
  • The setup process involves plugging in the disc shelves and ensuring all drives are detected.
  • Issues with drive detection may arise due to power supply configurations and drive types.
  • Switching to TrueNAS Scale, based on Linux, resolved drive detection issues experienced with TrueNAS Core.
  • Special NetApp firmware drives may require sector size adjustments for compatibility.
  • Using interposers is recommended when mixing SATA and SAS drives on the same backplane for voltage compatibility.

28:14

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  • Over 2,000 pieces of data removed for a customer in the first two years.
  • To remove personal information from web search results, visit joindeleteme.com and use code LTT for a 20% discount.
  • Recommended video to watch next is about setting up the Mother Vault, known for being quiet enough to be placed under a bed.
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