Dell Poweredge 6600 backplane question

[Automatic Jack]

I've got a gutted Poweredge chassis that I want to use. But the 8 bay U160 backplane doesn't really offer economic storage. I've looked all over Dell's site and couldn't find it so I'll assume it's a no go, but has anyone ever heard of retrofitting sata/sas backplanes into the Dell servers?

TIA

 

[vectravl400]

I've been thinking about trying something similar with a 4600, but you'd need to have a backplane that would fit the drive layout in that particular chassis.

My plan was to avoid the backplane altogether and just install a sata/sas controller card and run individual cables to the drives instead. This seems like it should work, but it would require modifications to the existing power cable. However, if the wires running to the existing backplane contain the standard voltages, it shouldn't be too difficult.

 

[Automatic Jack]

Yeah, I've been daydreaming how I'll do the power supplies because I'd love to be able to use what's in there. at least the PSU enclosures and mod some 750w PCP&C 750s in there

We shall see if my dreams reach farther than my ability though

It looks like I'll probably end up going along the same lines as what you are thinking and just running individual cables. At least the drives will be removable from the front.

Thanks for the comments.