Smart Array controllers in DL servers

[Artem Trunov]

Dear experts
I would like to ask if there is a significant advantage of using a Smart Array P212 or P410 controllers vs. embedded sata conroller for non-raid configuration with 4 disk drives per system? I know that the standard controller is 3Gb/s (vs. 6Gb/s) and doesn't provide a hot swap fcuntionality.
But performace-wise, real life situation - does the upgrade bring worthy benefits?

[wobbe]

Yes there is.
The sata contollers suck big time don't go there, especially if you intend to run linux.
Google fakeraid.

[TTr]

> Smart Array P212 or P410 controllers vs. embedded sata...

> ...for non-raid configuration

You did not mention if you will be using the same 4 SATA disks with the SATA and the SAS controllers. If so, I would expect little improvement coming from the fact the the SA controllers have dedicated ports for each disk and more caching and processing power than the SATA controller.

And if the embedded SATA controller is fakeraid, (which server are you talking about?) the performance improvement will be much higher.

[marcus1234]

hi
"embedded sata conroller for non-raid"
these are plauged with issues

If data is important go with a real hardware raid controller ,

more stable as the installed OS drivers etc have little influence on hardware raid
slight increase in speed
more expansion possibilities "future proof"

at some time data ways becomes important

this is where hardware raid stands up for itself..

enjoy :)