[iyonix-support] Re: Large drive installation

In article <Marcel-1.53-0926082415-0b0pErr@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>,
   Chris Evans <chris@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> On Thu 25 Sep, A W wrote:
> > 
> > I was thinking about storing very large amounts of data and files
> > original or backup on my Iyonix. Is it wise to get a second hard
> > disc for an Aria cube and what is the storage limit of an Iyonix?
> > Also, would i need to take the computer back to Castle or are there
> > case opening/installation instructions?
>
> IIRC the limit is 256GB

I think that is correct, though some parts of the OS seem to have the
capability to go up to 4 TeraBytes (I have seen the Free display flash
to that figure momentarily when updating via a ShareFS copy causes it to
hesitate).

> but the iyonix can only access 128GB of any drive at full speed[1]

Yes.  It's a hardware issue to do with DMA access. Beyond that point,
accessing the drive slows down drastically.

> When 120GB drives stopped being available Castle started fitting
> 160GB but formatting them down to 120GB!

Note that APDL have the done same for at least a couple of years, but
they format them down to the full 128 GB of which our "DMA systems" are
capable.  My two local backup drives (one in a RiscPC, the other in the
Iyonix) are such.  If buying one from them, specify which type of
computer it is, as APDL have found different drives better suited for
one than the other.

> Having backups outside the box is preferable, an NAS (Network Attached
> Storage) unit is a good choice (which we just happen to sell)
> Especially if you have more than one computer.
> Some NASs can also can act as Print servers and be set up to be
> accessible from anywhere in the world

Their only problem is that (as I understand it) they are effectively
permanent fixtures.  Personally, I have those pocket-size lightweight
Freecom USB hard drives, so that I can keep at least one offsite at any
time.

In fact, I have three 80 GB models and two are at separate offsite
locations at any moment, so that even if a meteorite were to hit my
house (hopefully I'd be out at the time!) my data, apart from the most
recent, wouldn't be lost and could be installed on another computer
elsewhere. It's what is known as "disaster planning", and has the
advantage that if one has taken precautions, it probably won't happen.
Such catastrophes tend to hit those who are unprepared.

> [1] RISC will not use up the fast access 128GB first so it could well
> mean that your !Boot sequence is put in the slower access area.

Now there's a good point!  It could happen...

-- 
John Ward in Medway, Kent - using RISC OS since 1987
Now using an Iyonix, an A9home, 2 RiscPCs and Virtual-RPC!
Acorn/RISC OS web page: www.john-ward.org.uk/personal/john/computers

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