RAID controller w/best manufacturer support?

C

cjlindem

n00b
Joined
Apr 28, 2010
Messages
5
I have an Areca ARC-1222 8 port sas/sata, PCIe controller card. It was great while it was working. A bit less than a year since I purchased it, it's dying. I've found that Areca offers no Advance Replacement option for their warranties. Their US distributor, Tekram, does offer advance replacement but only if you purchased the product from them within 30 days. I'm coming across many horror stories online about just how long Areca warranty repairs can take, and the likelihood that the card comes back just as broken.

My options have become
1) buy a 2nd identical card to get my server back up and running quickly, have the original warrantied and when/if it comes back, keep it as a spare. Feel resentment knowing that Areca's poor support has caused me to spend another $400+ on them.

2) cut my losses with Areca, buy a replacement product specifically for its manufacturer's excellent RMA policies. (advance replacement, fast shipping, etc.)

I think I'm going to be going with option 2.. Can anyone make recommends on what is the best addon RAID controller manufacturer, when taking excellent customer service / Warranty policies into account?

Thanks for any help!
 
Honestly most companies producing RAID cards seldom care about the end user as the bulk of their sales is to OEMs and other business customers. I know LSI offers advance RMAs though, but it will set you back $50.
 
Hmm, yeah that's what I was starting to worry about. With how bad Areca seems to be with end user support, and they're a -big- name.

Is LSI's $50 a fee they charge any time an advance replacement is done?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top