Which disk type should be recommended for a low I/O file server with budget constraints?

SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) disks are the most suitable option for a low I/O file server with budget constraints. This type of disk is designed to provide a cost-effective solution for data storage, making it ideal for environments where high performance is not a critical requirement.

SATA drives are generally less expensive than other options like FC (Fibre Channel), SCSI (Small Computer System Interface), or SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), allowing for greater storage capacity at a lower cost. Given that the scenario specifies a low I/O file server, the slower performance of SATA compared to the other technologies is perfectly acceptable, as it aligns with the expected usage patterns which typically involve sequential read and write operations rather than requiring high-speed transactional processing.

In this context, FC drives are tailored for high-speed and high-performance applications, which would be overkill and unnecessary for a low I/O file server. Similarly, SCSI and SAS also cater to higher throughput and performance needs suited for enterprise environments where speed and reliability are paramount. However, they come at a higher price point, making them less favorable for budget-restricted scenarios. Thus, choosing SATA aligns well with both the performance requirements and budgetary considerations of the file server in question.