SCSI external vs internal storage

[elzmaddy]

I'm not too familiar with scsi technology but I have a quick question about internal vs external scsi storage. Say I get a card like the LSI U160 64-bit SCSI card and plug it into a 32-bit slot (I believe that's OK). Then rather than connect drive(s) internally, I connect an external cable to a case that holds drive(s). Is there any performance difference?

 

[stranger707]

I am not sure about the LSI adapters, because I have always used Adaptec SCSI adapters. But with the Adaptec products the external connections have the same throughput as an internal drive. I have set up external drives in external cases and they hummmm. You probably should send an inquiry to LSI.

 

[beatle]

You'll need a 64 bit slot for the 64 bit card. Some slots are 32/64 bit, but you can only use a 64 bit card in a slot that's made for it.

 

[dexvx]

^

All 64bit PCI cards are backwards compatible with 32bit cards, as long as the voltage is the same. Same goes with PCI-X.

 

[Chaotic42]

You can use 64-bit cards in 32-bit slots. I've done it with that exact adapter.

The downfall? Your available bandwidth is cut in half.