SCSI Setup

[Submit]

I would like to add a SCSI drive to my system. I currently have and ECS K7S5A board, thus I understand I will need to get a SCSI controller. I plan on running windows XP so I need something that is compatible with it.

In the future I plan on replacing my other devices with SCSI as well. My question is which controller (s) should I avoid which one(s) should I consider? Can I use and SCSI controller with any SCSI drive (Hard Drive, CD-ROM Drive)? Can each controller support the same number of devices of does it differ from one to another?

I will have the OS and my programs installed on this SCSI drive and any storage will be done on an EIDE drive.

Also is there anything else I am forgetting? I have heard people talk about terminating a SCSI array, is that for a RAID setup only?

Thanks in advance.

 

[RSMemphis]

<< I would like to add a SCSI drive to my system. I currently have and ECS K7S5A board, thus I understand I will need to get a SCSI controller. I plan on running windows XP so I need something that is compatible with it. >>


correct


<< In the future I plan on replacing my other devices with SCSI as well. My question is which controller (s) should I avoid which one(s) should I consider? Can I use and SCSI controller with any SCSI drive (Hard Drive, CD-ROM Drive)? Can each controller support the same number of devices of does it differ from one to another? >>


There aren't even that many out. Adaptec is probably the most widely used controller. But expensive.
I think the Tekrams do a good job too. I had an ASUS SCSI card based on the Tekram, and it worked beautifully.
The Tekram DC-390U3 Series has U160 support.
Yes, they can all address the same number of devices.
On the 8 bit channel (max. of 20 MB/s) you can have 8 devices, actually 7, because the controller counts as one, too.
On the 16 bit channel, you can have a max of 15 devices.
The total max for a single channel controller is 15 devices + itself = 16 devices.



<< I will have the OS and my programs installed on this SCSI drive and any storage will be done on an EIDE drive. >>


Check to make sure that your BIOS has an option "Boot from SCSI". Most bios's since the early Pentium days, do.



<< Also is there anything else I am forgetting? I have heard people talk about terminating a SCSI array, is that for a RAID setup only? >>


I think SCSI array is meant as SCSI raid. Controller cards are expensive though.

If you want fast HDs on this system, get a U160 controller - it will serve you will for the future.
Also, you can only have 1 chain per controller, although most controllers have 3 connecters (2 internal, 1 external). 1 internal is typically 8bit Ultra, the other is Ultra2-LVD or U160, and the external can be either.
You can only use two of them at any give time.

If you have more questions, please post them.

 

[Submit]

Controller

I was thinking about the Adaptec 19160 for $145. Specs are here but I can't make sense about a few things. With the controller above it doesn't say anything about 8 or 16 bit and I am confused about connector. It has three, which ones would I use for what ?


Hard drive

I was thinking about the Seagate ST318451LC, 15000RPM SCSI, spces here for $239, is this a good match for the above controller or could I do better?

Any advice welcome.

 

[bozo1]

The Adaptec 19160 will do the job for you nicely. You have an internal 68-pin connector to connect your LVD devices. You have an internal 50-pin connector to connect legacy devices. (CDROM, etc.) You have a 50-pin external connect for anything external you may have - scanner, cdrom, etc. The 29160 gives you all that with the addition of an internal 68-pin non-LVD connector in case you have any internal ultra-wide devices.

Make sure you get an LVD cable with your adapter - these normally don't come in OEM packages and can run you $25+.

 

[GoSharks]

if you plan on using any non-windows OS, i would get the 29160 as the 19160 has no alternative OS support. the 29160 does.