Compaq Array/controllers connected to PCI Express?
 

I've the option to grab some end of life Compaq drive arrays populated with older SCSI drives. I'll need an array controller to connect them up. Server hardware uses (I think!) PCI-X interface array controllers natively.

My HP XW6200 workstation has only 4 x PCI slots, one PCI Express X16 and one Express X4.

Any know their hardware? Is there a card out there that will let me hook these two up?

My server guys don't think so, saying the BIOS would probably need to support array controllers too.....so they offer me an old server to go with the drive array......I don't need the noise....suppose I could reduce my heating bill :D

Any ideas?

Thanks, Richard

The HP Drives are just SCA which you can use with an adaptor on an std scsi controller, but you may need to enable spin up.

FWIW the 10k and 15k drives are noisy and dont run cool..

You could put a HP smart array in if they have any kicking about,

Im just using an adaptec 2960 iirc with mine :)

"You could put a HP smart array in if they have any kicking about" - the physical drive array, or the controller?

We have lots of drive arrays, but my guys are telling me I'll need an array controller that will likely only fit into a server. Looking online, seems servers use PCI-X and PC's the PCI Express interface.

I'll go down and get the drive array model numbers today I think.

Thanks, Richard

what do you class as a drive array?

A disk shelf such as an MSA20 / MSA500 / MSA1000

if so you need an HP Smart Array controller, otherwise you wont see the disks.

David

Whatever would be used as a drive array to connect to older DL380's or 58x's.....I've no idea ;)

Bugger - we've a nice Storageworks 4300, but it has a dual channel IO port and half the disks connect to one channel, half to other.

So I need a dual channel SCSI adaptor in my PC.

I have a PCI single channel no-name item, or a PCI-X dual channel Adaptec. Who knows about PCI-X - I assume it is server hardware only :(

If yes, what is the cheapest PCI dual channel SCSI adaptor available?

Thanks :)
Richard

They wont work!!

Been there tried that.. Needs to be HP to see the Drive Array's Controller.

I may be able to help you out :)

Unless you have a fibre option on the shelf?

Yeah, there's fibre there too....but then I'd need a fibre channel card for my PC and I want to do zero cost :) Reading up, the dual channel is an Adaptec 39320A-R - it will fit into a standard PCI slot, so methinks it may well work. Have to play I think.

Cheers, Richard

Ah, but your saying the IO port on the storageworks wont talk to a standard SCSI adaptor? But it has standard SCSI ports if so.......

PCI-X host adaptor would fit into my PC OK, and talk to the Storageworks. But.....it drive array is too bloody loud! :)

I'll check fibte channel options next week - I assume I could then dump it in the attic and run a long cable.

Cheers, Richard

I might be able to help you there ;)

probably best via emai, david@wallis2000.co.uk

dont fork out for an adaptec, as you wont be able to create the array. You Need to use a HP Smart Array 641 or similar to talk to it :) Been there Done that!!

David