Project: PrometheusCu

But of course!

I'm searching for a RAID controller.
Here is exactly what I want, in terms of board layout and specs:
Suitable for use with 4x 64GB SSDs
SATA2
Compatibility with Vista Ultimate 64
4x front facing SATA ports

*optional, but preferred* 2-4 rear IO eSATA ports

The card posted above is the Rosewill RC-218 - and although it may seem ideal at first glance it is only a 4-channel card; which means that it can only run 4 of the 6 ports at once (4xinterior & 0xexterior - or - 2x2). Since I'll be using 4x64GB SSDs with the board at all times, that makes the extra eSATA ports entirely useless.

If that's not possible then a 4-channel card with no external IO will do - but it must be 3gb/s, and have front facing ports.

I don't have much experience with RAID controllers, so any advice for things to look for and things to avoid are greatly appreciated.

Thanks a lot in advance!

A long time ago there was a website that had a database where people could add products based on color of PCB and other features. I have not been able to find that website anymore. I cant remeber the name of it. But if you, or anyone else on this forum, knows where it is, it could help you find what you are looking for. And help me find it again .

Wow beautiful work, I am planning on making my own case myself, any suggestions? Also since you had to fabricate alot of parts for your case any suggestions where to get things cut etc? Where do you powder coat stuff etc? Lastly, I drew up a plan, any suggestions on getting it correctly conceptualized, I need someone who knows autocad, etc?

I found these two, only black ones i could find with SATA2 and the one has 2 eSATA but only 2 internal the other has 4 internal but not facing to the front of the case, maybe Ockie could help better finding the perfect one for you.

http://www.ncixus.com/products/33441/SD-SATA-4P/Syba/

Originally Posted by filthysanchez

http://www.ncixus.com/products/33441/SD-SATA-4P/Syba/

Better images here: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16815124020

Not a SATAII card (1.5Gb/s only)

And that card doesn't fit his description, as only two of the ports are front-facing, the other two are horizontal along the top of the card

Thanks for the help guys, I can make things easier on all of us.

***I dont care if it's black or not***


How about this RocketRAID 2310?

just buy the rosewill regardless.... IMO it looks better then the rocketraid card..... and it is black, so thats extra ++ lol

Originally Posted by Langer

Thanks for the help guys, I can make things easier on all of us.

***I dont care if it's black or not***


How about this RocketRAID 2310?

You need something with some onboard memory,
HighPoint RocketRAID 3510
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16816115048

Mini-sas will save you some cable management by the looks of it,

Originally Posted by hstuehmeyer2000

You need something with some onboard memory,
HighPoint RocketRAID 3510
http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product...82E16816115048
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggIma...115-048-13.jpg
Mini-sas will save you some cable management by the looks of it,
http://c1.neweggimages.com/NeweggIma...115-048-14.jpg

That card will kick the other cards mentioned even the RR 2310 because its a real hardware raid card. Langer I recommend getting this^ one.

I'm seriously considering that 3510. It looks to be everything I want, and the price is right @<$400.

I didn't want SAS cables because I've already made custom SATA2 cables... but I can write off that expense and the many hours wasted in the name of performance.

Thanks for the help hstuehmeyer2000! and everyone else who put in their $0.02.

Originally Posted by Langer

... custom SATA2 cables...

What makes them custom, sleeving, or did you get them made with your logo thing?

I've already contracted out custom cables wearing the "PrometheusCU edition" title, with a few special features - mostly, made to specific lengths so there is no slack.... can I get 8.63-10.78" SAS cables?

Since I just ordered the 3510 RAID card I'm going to try and cancel my order for the cables (but I've already paid 1/2).

Originally Posted by Langer

I've already contracted out custom cables wearing the "PrometheusCU edition" title, with a few special features - mostly, made to specific lengths so there is no slack.... can I get 8.63-10.78" SAS cables?

Since I just ordered the 3510 RAID card I'm going to try and cancel my order for the cables (but I've already paid 1/2).

Maybe you can mod the cable that comes with the raid card to use your custom cables?

Not a bad idea actually.
I just cut apart a standard SATA2 cable, and that seems entirely possible - nothing too complicated going on. Only testing will show how much a solder joint slows a SATA2 transfer.

I did just have an idea of how to mod the SAS cable to suit using some of the supplies I already have too - so I have a plan C also.

Originally Posted by Langer

Not a bad idea actually.
I just cut apart a standard SATA2 cable, and that seems entirely possible - nothing too complicated going on. Only testing will show how much a solder joint slows a SATA2 transfer.

I did just have an idea of how to mod the SAS cable to suit using some of the supplies I already have too - so I have a plan C also.

Honestly, I doubt it would affect it much.

Someone mentioned SSDs in 3.5" form factor.

I just stumbled upon some from Imation - quite pricey.

Originally Posted by Langer

Someone mentioned SSDs in 3.5" form factor.

I just stumbled upon some from Imation - quite pricey.

I couldn't find these on newegg.ca but take a look at newegg's us website.
OCZ SSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...TabStoreType=0
They are not as fast as intel but they are fast and a really good price for an ssd.
Intel SSD
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16820167005

I've already ordered 4x 64GB G.Skill drives. But thanks for the link.
I'd love to go intel SSD, but I cant afford that - 1drive is more than my 4 G.Skill ones.

Plus I'll be running them in RAID which will offset any performance lost.

Get a Dell Perc 5/i or Perc 6/i, faster and cheaper than the aforementioned raid cards. Also can run 8 drives if needed.