dgingeri
2[H]4U
- Joined
- Dec 5, 2004
- Messages
- 2,830
I got a coupon from Newegg for 20% off LSI array controllers. I've had really good luck with my current 3Ware 9650, but I want 6Gb/s capability for a future (within the next 8 months) upgrade. I've been debating between the LSI 9261-81 (which has the same board layout as the 3Ware 9750, and all the stats seem to be the same. I find no differences between them.) and the LSI 9260-4i.
For now, it would only be used to control a 2X Vertex2 120GB RAID 0 for my main drive and another 120GB Vertex for a secondary. When I decide on which 6Gb SSDs I'll get to replace the Vertex 2 drives, I'll be upgrading to 6Gb/s. They'll likely be Vertex 3s, but could potentially be C400s. However, it would likely be used later, as my 3Ware 9650 is, as the controller for my storage server with anywhere from 3 to 8 drives. So, if I go with a 4 port card, they'd get used now an in the near future, but it would limit my far future (3-4 years from now) storage on my storage/virtual server.
This is all for personal use, but I do use this equipment to train on advancing my career. I like running VMWare Virtual Server and running several servers for training my Windows and Linux knowledge. The 9650 works great for this, and I'd expect nothing less from the 9260.
The difference in price ~$136 with the coupon. Is it worth the extra money for 4 more ports? Do I restrict my future usefulness for saving a little money now? It's not an insignificant amount of money.
(Actually, just noticed that the coupon covers 3ware controllers as well, so I'll be going with the 9750 controllers instead, as I like 3ware's control system better. They're the same prices, so no real difference in the above information.)
For now, it would only be used to control a 2X Vertex2 120GB RAID 0 for my main drive and another 120GB Vertex for a secondary. When I decide on which 6Gb SSDs I'll get to replace the Vertex 2 drives, I'll be upgrading to 6Gb/s. They'll likely be Vertex 3s, but could potentially be C400s. However, it would likely be used later, as my 3Ware 9650 is, as the controller for my storage server with anywhere from 3 to 8 drives. So, if I go with a 4 port card, they'd get used now an in the near future, but it would limit my far future (3-4 years from now) storage on my storage/virtual server.
This is all for personal use, but I do use this equipment to train on advancing my career. I like running VMWare Virtual Server and running several servers for training my Windows and Linux knowledge. The 9650 works great for this, and I'd expect nothing less from the 9260.
The difference in price ~$136 with the coupon. Is it worth the extra money for 4 more ports? Do I restrict my future usefulness for saving a little money now? It's not an insignificant amount of money.
(Actually, just noticed that the coupon covers 3ware controllers as well, so I'll be going with the 9750 controllers instead, as I like 3ware's control system better. They're the same prices, so no real difference in the above information.)