Very Computer

I'm putting two SCSI cards in a new server. The primary controller is an
Adaptec AHA-2940UW, but  I need a second controller to run a tape drive, some
CD-ROMs, and a couple of slower disks.  The NCR 53c8xx chipset seems to be
well regarded, and sounds like it would work in this application at lower cost
than buying another 2940, but I'm having trouble finding a source for one of
these cards.

Any recommendations on a brand name/model number for one of these cards, and a
US mail order dealer who can supply it?  Or, for that matter, any other
recommendations for a reasonable performance, reasonable price PCI adapter to
use under Linux?

Thanks,

John Ackermann

On Wed, 15 Apr 1998 15:18:53 GMT, John Ackermann

http://www.megacom.com has the SuperMicro Ultra/Wide SCSI controller
for around $120.  The biggest difference between that and the Diamond
is that it has the Wide-SCSI external connector while the Diamond has
the Narrow-SCSI external connector. So it depends on what you want on
your external bus. I have a tower case and no plans for external RAID
arrays or etc. so the Diamond works for me.

If you find a source of "generic" (non-name-branded) cards let me know. I have
been favorably impressed by my little Diamond -- I get the same performance
as with a $260 Buslogic without the price. (Admittedly, this is under a light
load, the Buslogic may very well be more reliable and faster under a heavy
load, your mileage may vary, etc. etc.

--

Systems Specialist               Educational Administration Solutions
 "We believe Windows 95 is a walking antitrust violation" -- Bryan Sparks

TC Computers http://www.tccomputers.com has the
Promise SCSI-Plus (narrow) $109  and the
Promise SCSI-Ultra (fast-wide) $169

These are essentially generic 53c8xx based cards.

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As a followup, I found the Tekram DC-390F (ultra/wide) at 5 O'clock Computers
here in the Dayton, OH area for $85.00.  Don't know if they're on the net or
not.

John Ackermann

----

John,

We changed our name from NCR to Symbios Inc. Soon we will change our name to
Adaptec (pending government approval) since they bought Symbios from
Hyundai. Check out this page for info about Symbios host adaptor cards.
http://www.symbios.com/scsichra.htm

Les

Since you say "we" may I assume that you work for Symbios/NCR?

If so, I hope you can answer a question that has been on my mind as well
as the minds of many others.

NCR/Symbios has a reputation of readily releasing the specs on their
products to people writing drivers for Linux and other "alternative" os's.

On the other hand, Adaptec has the reputation of putting up *major*
obstacles to driver writers trying to obtain their specs.

As a result, the Linux drivers for Adaptec products tend to be
of not-so-great quality, as the driver writers are forced to
"reverse engineer" the hardware.

Whereas the drivers for Symbios based SCSI cards are very good, since the
specs are easily obtained.

When Adaptec buys Symbios, will the Symbios product support staff
adopt the Linux hostile attitude of Adaptec?

Just wonderin'

(Posted and mailed since I am sure this question is of wide interest)

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