Accusys ExaSAN A16S3-PS review

Is this furiously fast storage array the future for HD video editing?

Reviews
By Dave Mitchell
published

Ready to go

You're ready to go straight from the box as the kit includes an Accusys Z2M-G3 dual-port HBA card and a 2 metre QSFP copper cable. Capacity can be increased massively as the array controller has a mini-SAS expansion port that accepts up to three Accusys 16-bay A16S3-SJ disk shelves.

If you feel the need for more speed, you can connect another A16S3-PS array to the second port on the HBA. By striping RAID across both systems, Accusys claims you can push maximum speed up to 5,000MB/sec.

For a large array, we found operational noise levels surprisingly low although it's not something you'd want on the desk next to you. No problem, though, as you can replace the supplied QSFP copper cable for a longer optical version and Accusys offers 10, 30, 50 and 100 metre cables.

The RAIDGuardX app simplifies array creation and offers a lot of interesting features

Dave Mitchell
Dave Mitchell

Dave is an IT consultant and freelance journalist specialising in hands-on reviews of computer networking products covering all market sectors from small businesses to enterprises. Founder of Binary Testing Ltd – the UK’s premier independent network testing laboratory - Dave has over 45 years of experience in the IT industry.

Dave has produced many thousands of in-depth business networking product reviews from his lab which have been reproduced globally. Writing for ITPro and its sister title, PC Pro, he covers all areas of business IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, network security, data protection, cloud, infrastructure and services.