From: Lee W <centos-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Has anyone had any experience of using the Promise FastTrak SX4000 or
> SuperTrak SX6000 IDE RAID Controllers under Centos (if it matters I'm
> using version 4). I've seen it listed on linuxcompatible.org as working
> but would prefer to find out any first-hand experince before I buy.
Avoid the FastTraks. Most are FRAID (Fake/Free RAID), 100% software with
0% GPL drivers.
The SuperTraks are a "true hardware" microcontroller+DRAM solution with GPL
drivers. Unfortunately, they use mega-yesteryear i960 microcontrollers not
able to keep up with today's drives.
When you want ATA and RAID-5, I recommend the LSI Logic with "x" in the
product model to indicate XScale (superscalar StrongARM) microcontrollers.
> If not, can anyone suggest another make of RAID Controller that will
> support upto 4 IDE RAIDS (preferably with support for RAID 5). And is
> also available in the UK.
Is there any consideration driving RAID-5?
For a majority of applications, RAID-0+1 tends to be better.
I prefer 3Ware Escalade 7506/8506 series cards for RAID-0+1.
They use a 64-bit ASIC and SRAM (static RAM).
The 9500S series is still maturing, although they should eventually show outstanding performance.
They add a large amount of DRAM to the existing ASIC+SRAM approach of the earlier Escalades.
--
Bryan J. Smith mailto:b.j.smith@xxxxxxxx
