Is Adaptec RAID compatible with Compaq Server

[bennyberunia]

i am planning to purchase an Adaptec 2100S SCSI RAID controller for a Compaq Proliant ML370 server. my vendor says the card won't work with the server and that i should instead purchase the optional "Integrated Smart Array Controller" from Compaq. is this true? can't i use any other RAID controller for this server aside from the one from Compaq?

 

[TheLad]

From my point of view, there is no physical reason why the Adaptec RAID controller won't work in a Compaq server - essentially the Compaq RAID controllers are based on Adaptec technology anyway.

I have loohed up the Adaptec RAID controller on the Adaptec website and would compare it to the Compaq Smart Array 431 controller as they are similarly spec'd. -----------------------------------------------------
"It's true, its damn true!"
-----------------------------------------------------

 

[ntinlin]

Hi Benny,

TheLad is correct. However if you use a non-Compaq RAID controller you lose the benefit of the Insight Management agents for notification of drive faults, SMART warnings etc.
The ISA is quite expensive for what you get but probably worth it in the long run.
Compaq board will also help when setting up server since you can use Smartstart to help rather than do everything manually.

Please note that I'm not really a Compaq evangelist. :-D

Neill
p.s. Buying the Compaq one means you'll have an 'integrated' warranty as well