SATA server recommendation

[Nathan Vidican]

Alex Zbyslaw wrote:
> Can anyone recommend a server to run FreeBSD with the following features:
>
>    1) Supports multiple (say 4 or more) SATA disks (RAID optional) - 
> capacity is more important than speed so SAS disks are overkill.
>
>    2) Decent on-site support for the whole machine, so probably from a 
> big-brand manufacturer.  Separately purchased add-on cards therefore a 
> no-no, so no Highpoint/Areca or other SATA controllers unless they 
> come with the machine.
>
>    3) Tower format.
>
>    4) Working ethernet, preferably twin.
>
>    5) USB would be nice.
>
> We started looking at Dell's, having had success with 2850s, but with 
> the new product line I can't find a suitable controller I know is 
> supported.  The 1900 has a SAS 5/iR for which I can find no definitive 
> information; the 1430 has a SAS 5/i for which again I can find no "it 
> works" info.  (Note: not the PERC 5 range which at £300+ are simply 
> overkill).
>
> Has anyone got a Dell like one of these working?  Or an HP?  Sun?  IBM?
>
> TIA,
>
> --Alex
>
>
>
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>
Sun X4500... holds up to 48 SATA-II drives... Dual Dual-Core Opteron 
2.6ghz CPUS, quad gigabit ethernet Only problem is they are really 
pricey as on can only order them with 48 500GB drives installed afaik.

Personally, I'd take a second look at putting a 3Ware Escalade 
controller into a server yourself... can't beat the cost/performance 
you'll get there. Our servers here are all dual opteron based boxes in 
rackmount configuration with 3Ware Escalade 4 and 8 port S-ATA RAID 
cards in them... knock-on-wood, never had a hardware problem yet.

My two cents anyhow.

--
Nathan Vidican
nvidican at wmptl.com