SCSI Gurus - Difference Between Adaptec 2944 and 2940?

[Modus]

Despite all rational sense, a customer of mine has decided to pursue a SCSI solution

I can get an Adaptec 2944 controller kit, including cables, for about $70 less (CDN) than the cost of a bare 2940 controller. Both claim UltraWide 68 pin support, but the 2944 specifically states support for "High Voltage Differential (HVD) devices with cable lengths up to 12 metres." The 2944 is also categorized by Adaptec as a server-oriented card.

Will the 2944 support ONLY these HVD devices (whatever they are) or will it support standard non-HVD SCSI devices as well? All I need is 68 pin UltraWide support for a KT133 board (and I don't want to bother with the Microstar K7T-Master because it won't really save me money.)

Also, would I see any loss in performance or reliability going with an equivalent NCR SCSI card for much less money? (My gut says no -- it seems the SCSI market is very dry and Adaptec/Tekram leech most of the profits artificially, leaving a few smaller companies to offer big discounts.)

Thanks in advance guys.

Modus

 

[Que-TiP]

2944 is for differential drives, 2940 is not. just remember that you will need to buy differential harddrives for the 2944. this is not interchangable. you either get the 2944 and differential harddrives, or the 2940 with conventional scsi harddrives. performance is the same if i remember correctly, but the differential will let you use much longer cables. since i didnt need the harddrives to be in a seperate room or anything, i got the 2940uw..i guess its up to you.

as for using an ncr adapter, thats up to you...i'd rather use adaptec or tekram

-Alex

 

[Modus]

Thanks Que-tip, that's exactly what I needed.

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