I'm a newbie with array controllers, but am preparing to install on a DL380 G1 (2x933MHz, 1GB). Besides serving files, the target OS (Win Server 2003) will run SBS2003. ONLY 4 INTERNAL DRIVES WILL BE USED, along with a SCSI DAT tape and a SCSI CD writer. No external drives. I have both an integrated SmartArray Controller and a SmartArray 3200 Controller (with 2 internal ports) available. I tentatively lean towards the integrated controller, as it is smaller and simpler (less to break, requires no slot, etc.). Can anyone advise me as to whether (and for what reasons) I should use the 3200 instead? The intended disk configuration will be Disk 0 (SBS2003 & apps, not RAIDed), and Disks 1-3 (72GB each) running RAID5 for a 140+ GB NTFS data partition. Any helpful advice will be appreciated. Thanks.
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Choice of Smart Array Controller on DL380 G1
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Definitely use the 3200 controller. The integrated controller has no write caching which makes it horribly slow because the OS has to wait for write acknowlegements.
For example, I ran a database on a DL380 with dual 933MHz P3s and the integrated controller was much slower than the same database running on an old ProLiant 800 with dual 200MHz PPros and a Smart2-DH controller. I threw a SA5302 in the DL380 and it screams.
-Jeff
For example, I ran a database on a DL380 with dual 933MHz P3s and the integrated controller was much slower than the same database running on an old ProLiant 800 with dual 200MHz PPros and a Smart2-DH controller. I threw a SA5302 in the DL380 and it screams.
-Jeff
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Speaking of Proliant 800's . . .
I have a Proliant 800 that I'm using as a bare bones web server. I want to put an array controller in but can't decide what would be most suitable and cost effective. I have several 9.1 GB 10K Ultra2 drives that I want to use. I know the machine was supposed to have a Smart Array 431 controller originally. It has none now and I'm looking for a replacement. Advice would be most appreciated.
Brian
I have a Proliant 800 that I'm using as a bare bones web server. I want to put an array controller in but can't decide what would be most suitable and cost effective. I have several 9.1 GB 10K Ultra2 drives that I want to use. I know the machine was supposed to have a Smart Array 431 controller originally. It has none now and I'm looking for a replacement. Advice would be most appreciated.
Brian
Brian,
You can usually pick up Smart-2DH controllers on Ebay for $10-$20 which work great with the Proliant 800. If you want to spend more and squeeze a bit more performance out of the machine, a 3200 or 4200 will work too. Expect to pay around $70 for them on Ebay.
-Jeff
You can usually pick up Smart-2DH controllers on Ebay for $10-$20 which work great with the Proliant 800. If you want to spend more and squeeze a bit more performance out of the machine, a 3200 or 4200 will work too. Expect to pay around $70 for them on Ebay.
-Jeff
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