How can i use a SCSI hard drive?

MedicBob

Diamond Member
Nov 29, 2001
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A SCSI controller.

There are alot of websites on SCSI and all their versions, types, etc. Search Google.
 

Sunner

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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$10(eBay) and up.
You could probably find some decent U160 controller for $50 or thereabouts, just make sure what interface you have on your drive before you buy the controller.
If you have some old server disk for example, chances are it'll be SCA(a rather wide connector sitting right in the middle of the drive, 80 pins, includes power and all), in which case you'll need a converter as well.
 

willtriv

Member
Oct 21, 2005
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u need the right kind. scsi has 50pin ribbons much like pata, 68 pin ones that are narrower and much denser and 80 pin which is like a slot thing and 80 pin drives have no molex power connector, power is in the scsi connector for them. 50 pin controllers are like 50c, 68 ping 40mb controllers are like 99c and 80 pin or 68 ultra scsi ones can range anywhere from 25 bucks to 2500 bucks. So GL on ebay or fs/ft threads :)
 

compuwiz1

Admin Emeritus Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Why do you want an 80 pin? Aren't most modern controllers 68 pin? If you get an 80 pin drive, you'll need an 80 to 68 pin adapter.
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
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Yeah, no such thing as an 80-pin card or cable, you use an SCA adapter for that. Post the brand and model name or part number of the drive and we'll tell you more about it.
 

Sunner

Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: compuwiz1
Why do you want an 80 pin? Aren't most modern controllers 68 pin? If you get an 80 pin drive, you'll need an 80 to 68 pin adapter.

Indeed.
80 pin SCA connectors are used with server, and the servers have backplanes that will fit said drives.
There's no performance benefit in it whatsoever, the benefits are in the ability to hotplug them above all(needless to say, that's rather important for a server).

If you're set on SCSI, don't get an SCA drive, that'll just be wasting your money for no benefit.
 

MedicBob

Diamond Member
Nov 29, 2001
4,151
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Agreed with Sunner. Get 68 pin stuff. Check EBay and here most of what I put together was under $300 USD. I have 2 controllers, 6 HDD and 3 DVD drives. For HDD if you are just playing with SCSI to learn more ask around here for any freebies if you pay for shipping. I know I have stuff sitting around that I don't and won't use.

I guess the biggest thing is, why do you want to run SCSI?
 

Steve

Lifer
May 2, 2004
15,945
11
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No problem getting an SCA drive if the price is right. I have a bunch of 'em, adapters are $5-$10 each.