Re: sbc better than soekris?

[Petar Bogdanovic <petar%smokva.net@localhost>]

On Sun, May 20, 2012 at 05:28:57PM -0400, James K. Lowden wrote:
> I could use some advice on replacing/fixing my router.  
> 
> I have a Soekris 4801 with an aging 2.5" 30 GB ATA drive that is
> starting to worry me:
> 
> $ grep geode /var/log/messages
> May 20 15:07:17 cherry /netbsd: geodeide0:0:0: lost interrupt
> May 20 15:07:17 cherry /netbsd: geodeide0:0:0: bus-master DMA error:
> missing interrupt, status=0x1
> 
> These errors send the OS into a tailspin.  The machine stops responding
> even though das blinkenlights show the disk hard on.  Is there any
> reason to think the above messages might be caused by anything other
> than a disk headed south for the summer?  
> 
> The 4801 was the cat's meow in 2004, but it's getting old.  Is it
> fair to expect another 5 years from the electronics, or is it time to
> replace it?

My personal rule of thumb is: as long as it doesnt move, it will very
likely last for a long time.

So why don't you just replace the Disk and pax your data?  You'll get
several hours(/days) to invest elsewhere for free. :)


> Replacing a drive is an option, but only if it's a good one.  Afaict ATA
> drives with a 5-year warranty don't exist anymore, whether spinning or
> solid-state.  If I don't care about shock and vibration, is there any
> reason to believe SSDs last longer than rotating media?  

If you trust their Specs (MTBF), yes.


Also you may want to take a look at the new Soekris net6501 (Intel Atom)
boards.  If my two Alix boards weren't running that well, I'd go for one
of those, especially since they have several Gig-E Ports.

        http://soekris.com/products/net6501.html