Which SCSI HBA for tape drive on this DL380 G5?

[Hannes van Zyl]

Hi

I've got an old DL380 G5 that I want to set up as a backup server. I want to connect two StorageWorks Ultrium tape drives (3 & 4), and I need to purchase two SCSI cards for them.

The one PCI-Express slot is in use by the RAID controller, and I have three slots available on the riser card. I'm not sure what these slots are, and which SCSI card to buy that will fit in them?

The riser card's part number is 391722-001. Am I dealing with PCI-X or PCI-E slots here? There are 2 long slots and 1 short one.

I'm getting confused when it comes to the different sizes and versions of these bus architectures and need some help. The SC11Xe HBA was suggested by a supplier to be compatible with the DL380 G5, but I want 100% surety before we buy two of them.

thanks

[Mi6t0]

Hello, Hannes,

I think your riser cage is PCI-E. So you might need to purchase this option kit:

Riser Cage Options

Mixed Riser Cage Option Kit (PCI-E/PCI-X)
410570-B21

Additionally - here's a list with the controllers:

SCSI Controllers for External Drive/Storage Support
NOTE: All Ultra 320 controllers are PCI-X and require the Mixed Riser Cage Option Kit (PCI-E/PCI-X).
 
Smart Array 6402/128 Controller
NOTE: Ultra320 SCSI.
273915-B21
Smart Array 6404/256 Controller
NOTE: Ultra320 SCSI.
273914-B21
Smart Array 642 Controller
NOTE: Ultra320 SCSI.
291967-B21


You can find additional information in the quickspecs here:

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12477_div/12477_div.html

Wish you good luck!

[Hannes van Zyl]

Thanks for your reply.

I'm wondering now, if my riser cage is PCI-E, and I buy the SC11Xe cards (which is also PCI-E), will they fit? It doesn't look like those slots are the same?

Riser card: http://serverparts.com.au/images/391722-001.JPG

HBA: http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/adapters/sc11xe/index.html

I realize the picture of the riser is not exactly what I have but the slots look just like that.

thanks!

[Mi6t0]

That's a good point! I've overseen it, sorry for that. In your case it will be much better (at least it will be cost-effective).

You can double check the quick specs here:
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12566_div/12566_div.html

It says that it's fully compatible. It's PCI Express x4 so it should perfectly fit to your riser cage.

[Zygmunt Krawczyk]

You can consider dual channel U320 PCI-Express HBA

AH627A HP U320e SCSI Bus Adapter

- one card for two drives.

[Hannes van Zyl]

Thanks Zygmunt, I think that is exactly what I need. One thing though, on the spec sheet for that card it isn't explicitly mentioned that it can connect to a standalone Ultrium drive, only autoloaders and libraries. It does connect using the standard SCSI interface though so my guess is that it will work - am I right?

http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/quickspecs/12690_na/12690_na.HTML#Options

[Zygmunt Krawczyk · Accepted solution]

Yes, you are right. If HBA works with tape libraries, it will work with standalone drives also.

[Hannes van Zyl]

Thanks for all the help!