Why not use a Smart Array 5i instead of a Smart Array 5300 ?

[Davey Jones]

I have an DL380 G3 with a Smart Array 5300 Controller and Smart Array 5i and 6 x 36.4 Gb Ultra 3 SCSI internal disks running RAID 5

The 6 x 36.4 Gb Ultra 3 SCSI internal disks are attached to the Smart Array 5300 Controller

Can someone pls explain if the Smart Array 5i is capable of running RAID 5.... and if so wouldn’t it make more sense to connect the 6 x 36.4 Gb Ultra 3 SCSI internal disks to the Smart Array 5i

This would then free up both ports on the 5300 controller (actually its s 5304)

Or am I missing something ?!

[Michael Duke_1]

The 5304 controller has more features and performance than the 5i.

That being said there is no reason why this cannot be done if you need all 4 external channels for something else.

[Oleg Koroz]

Difference, DL380 as STANDART comes wit low size cache accelerator and no BBWC (orderable) read 100% only, build in Array Controller utilize bus 0, along other components use same bus.
5300 use separate bus, bigger cache, BBWC, Option for ADG, additional external Port(s), read/write options.