RAID card alternatives?

[9Charms]

I'm getting a new Mac Pro, and I really want a RAID 5 setup. The RAID 5 will be for Time Machine backups, and archives of my files. So nothing I need access to immediately, but still, every now and again I grab something off the drive. It's not going to be my system drive, or my working drive.

I've thought about a Drobo, but the USB connection is holding me back, plus, it's just more clutter. I figure since I paid all this money for a tower, I might as well have everything be internal.

Sooo, my question, is what's the best RAID 5 card on the market? And is it worth paying apple $800 for theirs?

[Toups]

Unfortunately at this time, there are no 3rd party supported either officially or unofficially at this time :-(

[9Charms]

Unfortunately at this time, there are no 3rd party supported either officially or unofficially at this time :-(

Come on now, we all know that's not true (http://www.hptmac.com/US/categories.php?compatibility=4).

[davidwsica]

Come on now, we all know that's not true (http://www.hptmac.com/US/categories.php?compatibility=4).

Apparently, you can't install the OS on their RAID volumes though.

[Toups]

Come on now, we all know that's not true (http://www.hptmac.com/US/categories.php?compatibility=4).

It is true unfortunately if you plan to run the OS from the RAID unfortunately. Keep in mind, if you are looking for an enterprise 256mb cache RAID card from a 3rd party, prices range from 250 for the low end up to 1000+