V12v12

Does anyone have any experience with this HP 64 Bit PCI 6 Port SATA RAID controller 377597-001

Card? I'm looking to add some additional JBODs (1-2TB) to my old NF7-S v2.0 case and have been told that (according to the seller) Windows 2003 32bit drivers would work with this server grade card...?


It's either the HP card or a Promise Fasttrak S150-TX4?

I'd like to get the HP, but it's $40 Vs the Promise@ $25... I know the promise will more than likely work no probs, but the HP; I'm not so sure bout it. (These are ebay auctions btw, so price is of concern)

Thx and any thoughts?

__________________
NF7-S v2.0
2GB OCZ4001024ELPE@12x200/2-3-2-8 (weak!?!)
Raptors/5000AAKS/7200.12
7800GS OC@460/1350

$$$My SuperTightBudget FULL sys Build$$$ -- -- --> http://www.overclock.net/intel-build...9-2-build.html

ComGuards

The HP card is supposedly associated with the Proliant ML110 G3 server. They have driver support for that server line for Win 2003 Server, but the page doesn't specifically provide a driver for that particular card. Probably just have to dig a little deeper.

I'd probably go with the Promise just because it's less likely to get rejected by the system (i.e. run into problems )

Zzyzx

Does your motherboard have any 64-bit PCI slots? I'm not sure if they're backwards compatible.

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V12v12

1st off; thanks a lot for replying, guys!

2nd: Yeah I'm leaning towards the Promise TX4 since I know it'll work for sure... But I really wanted that HP; the guy said he'd throw in 6 Sata cables and 2 Molex-to-Sata power splitters! Who includes stuff like that these days in auctions, ha!

3rd: DOH! 64-bit PCI... forgot all about the server grade diffs between the 32-bit consumer. I've been looking, but I doubt the NF7-S v2.0 supports 64-bit PCI...

Guess my decision has been made; been rather rough finding detailed reviews about whether or not I can boot from onboard Sata AND still run JBoDs off the TX4; some people have had problems... but I guess for $25, it's worth giving a try eh?

Update: A 64-bit PCI card features 184 pins for mating with the appropriate slot on a system’s motherboard, but can generally fit into a 32-bit slot as well, as long as features on the motherboard do not interfere. When installed in a 32-bit slot, data transfer on a 64-bit card will be limited to 32-bit.

So if I'm comprehending this correctly, the HP card will; 1) fit in a 32-Bit PCI slot, and 2) Will run in 32-bit speed, so long as; the mobo supports the required voltage of either 3.3 or 5v; however, older 5 volt only PCI slots will not accept 3.3 volt 64-bit PCI-X cards. They're keyed, and the card won't fit.

Eh... digging for drivers and hoping it's going to work isn't worth $40 imo; I'll just get the promise... since my intention was just to add another 500GB and 2TB HD(s) for extra space... And still boot from the Mobo's Raptor...

Thx...

__________________
NF7-S v2.0
2GB OCZ4001024ELPE@12x200/2-3-2-8 (weak!?!)
Raptors/5000AAKS/7200.12
7800GS OC@460/1350

$$$My SuperTightBudget FULL sys Build$$$ -- -- --> http://www.overclock.net/intel-build...9-2-build.html

ComGuards

If that's your intention, you should be able to find a cheap, $20 silicon image-based SATA controller card just to add SATA ports, since it sounds like you're not running RAID...

V12v12

That's why I was going to get the TX4/min-4 port card; for when I get another drive, so I can eventually set up a Raid-5 or 0+1. Was also going to get an Sata Burner and rid myself of my ailing Pata drives... When I get a another box, I'll just transfer everything over and use my oldish drives in the NF7-S rig.

Dang I was really hoping that HP card wouldn't be a PITA to deal with compatibility issues!

Anyhow, thanks for the reply.

__________________
NF7-S v2.0
2GB OCZ4001024ELPE@12x200/2-3-2-8 (weak!?!)
Raptors/5000AAKS/7200.12
7800GS OC@460/1350

$$$My SuperTightBudget FULL sys Build$$$ -- -- --> http://www.overclock.net/intel-build...9-2-build.html