OpenBSD wrote:
Hello,
I'm trying to replace the Adaptec RAID card inside the Dell PE 1650 with
a supported card like an LSI. It seems raid cards like PERC 3/SC and DC
are PCI, while 1650 has a ROMB - Raid On Motherboard. I don't see
anything inside the server (a scsi connector) to where to connect the
PCI raid controller to with a scsi cable. How do people go about this,
is there a way to use another raid card in this server?
Thanks.
Use another RAID card? sure. Plug it in the PCI slot.
Your actual question is more likely, "How do I get the existing hot-swap
drive bays attached to my add-on PCI card". That's a trick, 'specially
in a 1U box. I don't have a 1650 handy, it is entirely possible there
is no cable, and even if there was, you would need a longer one to reach
all the way to the PCI slots (MOST Dells do have a cable between the
SCSI back plane and the controller, but it is possible a 1650 is an
exception)
That thing is an old, power-hungry pig, and I think a much better plan
would be to unplug the ROMB do-hicky and use it as a standard Adaptec
SCSI adapter (which it will be, if my memory serves me correctly). Use
softraid if you need it, or just periodically sync the data between disks.
If you are going to invest the money on a RAID controller, I'd suggest
investing the money on new hardware all around, you will be much happier
with the results. Hey, I am a world champ at reusing old crap for new
apps (and I've used a recycled, RAID-less 1650 before -- it was an old,
slow, power-hungry pig three years ago when I did that!), but the point
is to do it without investing more money in the old pigs. Use the pigs
as they are (or strip them down), don't add perfume. :)
Nick.
