Pci-e Sata Raid?

[timb]

Anyone have leads on a Mac Pro compatible PCI-E SATA RAID card? I have three SATA 150 10k RPM Raptors sitting here I'd *love* to hook up in RAID-5 on my new Mac Pro, though I'd settle with RAID-0.

 

[jdwl]

This Silicon Image controller has universal os x drivers:
http://www.siliconimage.com/products/product.aspx?id=32
And supports RAID5 - so a card built on it should work...

 

[voyagerd]

Sonnet makes a PCI-e card.

Internal Ports: http://www.sonnettech.com/product/tempo_sata_e4i.html
External Ports: http://www.sonnettech.com/product/tempo_sata_e4p.html

 

[timb]

I found what appears to be a seller on eBay, from Hong Kong, selling the SiL reference boards for $30: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120015596082&category=74941

My only question now is... Would this be bootable?

Thanks!

 

[voyagerd]

I don't see that the one you are showing has Mac support.

 

[YoYoMa]

I am also considering a bootable RAID card for my Mac Pro. Are there any out there that are highly regarded among the competition without costing more than they're really worth? Like Raptors with hard drives?

 

[timb]

I don't see that the one you are showing has Mac support.

Look at the link in jdwl's post.

The card in my link uses the SiL reference chip, and seeing as how SiL provides drivers on their site, it should work. The only question is wether you can boot or not with it. It's $30, so I'm ordering one to try.

-Timothy

 

[Chaszmyr]

I haven't seen a Mac Pro in person yet, but judging by the pictures, I'd say that given the way the hard drive bays are set up there would be no viable way to use those bays for a RAID array.

 

[Sun Baked]

Keep an eye on Macintoshian Achaia, there are a few RAID threads running.

 

[MaxPower2k6]

I haven't seen a Mac Pro in person yet, but judging by the pictures, I'd say that given the way the hard drive bays are set up there would be no viable way to use those bays for a RAID array.

That was my impression, too. The SATA connections are built into the drive bays; there's no way to route them to a different controller. I'd love to be wrong, though... A RAID5 setup in there would be fantastic.

 

[timb]

Well, they do seem to be hard wired into the drive bay, however they DO go to a plug on the motherboard. You could adapt that to a normal drive somehow I suppose.

I guess what I really want is a bootable RAID 5 card... In time I suppose.

 

[jdwl]

Why would the drives have to be inside the computer? e-sata is just as good (better for heat issues really)...

 

[timb]

Why would the drives have to be inside the computer? e-sata is just as good (better for heat issues really)...

Then I'd have 4 drives sitting on my desk buzzing in my ear, and that's just not cool.

 

[jdwl]

nah - e-sata cables can be looooong - put them in a cupboard, or just on the floor

 

[converterera]

PCI-E SATA Adapter

PCI-E To ESATA SATAII

http://store.era-ele.com/computer-adapters-pcipcie-idesata-c-12_40.html

 

[eMagine]

Anyone have leads on a Mac Pro compatible PCI-E SATA RAID card? I have three SATA 150 10k RPM Raptors sitting here I'd *love* to hook up in RAID-5 on my new Mac Pro, though I'd settle with RAID-0.

I use firmtek seritek. but hardware RAID only works in Windows.

 

[kittiyut]

Can I install the one below in my MP and hook up eSATA drives and do bootcamp? I want to install Vista Ultimate 64bit.

Sonnet makes a PCI-e card.

External Ports: http://www.sonnettech.com/product/tempo_sata_e4p.html

 

[nanofrog]

Can I install the one below in my MP and hook up eSATA drives and do bootcamp? I want to install Vista Ultimate 64bit.

From a quick glance at the Sonnet, I wouldn't think so. It doesn't seem to be hardware RAID. (Needed for multiple OS use). You can always contact the manufacturer. In my experience, they will respond.

Bootcamp causes problems with some cards.

There are a few other threads about, where the bootcamp issue has been discussed in depth.

Barefeats is about to release a review of the CalDigit RAID card. Possibly the RocketRaid 2640x4 as well.

Good Luck,
Nanofrog.