From the software you can easily check on the status of the RAID array, and individual drives.
You can choose to delete the current RAID configuration and change it to something different, just remember when you do that all your data on those drives will be deleted.
Using the JMicron software was simple, and to be honest you probably will only ever use it to set it initially and to check on the status of the drives (and to replace a drive should one become faulty).
Final Thoughts
My initial thoughts when I took the SU8 out of the box was that it was slim, sleek and looked very cool (which is exactly what I said about the CP30). It is very heavy, but then you would expect that given the material it is made out of! Which is what I also said about the CP30, only this is MUCH heavier – but it also contains 4 hard drives as well!
Setting up and using the SU8 was simple – it really was just a case of plugging it in and switching on. The JMicron RAID software was really easy to use and configure the various storage options depending on your own personal needs with regard to storage and protection.
Price wise, the SU8 costs £749.00 plus VAT at 20% (so that’s £898.80), so like the CP30, it isn’t cheap, but it is extremely high quality, and it does come with 4 x 2TB hard drives.
You can also choose to buy the storage unit without any drives (the SU0) for £334.80 (including VAT), an 4TB version (SU4) for £778.80 (including VAT) or the whopping 12TB version (the SU12) for £1,042.80 (including VAT).
Your best option might be to purchase the SU0 and then buy some drives if you are on a budget as this will save you £564 and you can then search around for the best price for the drives you want to add. Drive prices appear to be dropping again, although they are not yet back at the level they were a few months ago.
Tranquil have also informed me that all orders from the 1st February will also include USB 3.0 ports, so that’s even more connection options and additional storage!
All in all, the SU8 is a great storage device and compliments the Riley CP30 perfectly. If you want a cool looking Windows Home Server 2011 setup then look no further! Just make sure you have something solid and stable to put them both on!
Appalling customer service. Ordered several weeks ago having spoken to a sales rep on the phone. No mention of a delay. Placed order via web, no mention of delay. Took my money, chased them a week later and they said lead time of 3-5 weeks. Now saying 10 weeks. Don’t even have courtesy to explain why. If I hadn’t bought separate hard disks (which arrived from Amazon in 2 days) would cancel.
Appalling customer service. Ordered several weeks ago having spoken to a sales rep on the phone. No mention of a delay. Placed order via web, no mention of delay. Took my money, chased them a week later and they said lead time of 3-5 weeks. Now saying 10 weeks. Don’t even have courtesy to explain why. If I hadn’t bought separate hard disks (which arrived from Amazon in 2 days) would cancel.