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Date: Thu, 07 Dec 2006 12:54:23 +0000
From: Alex Zbyslaw <xfb52@dial.pipex.com>
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Subject: SATA server recommendation
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Can anyone recommend a server to run FreeBSD with the following features:=


    1) Supports multiple (say 4 or more) SATA disks (RAID optional) -=20
capacity is more important than speed so SAS disks are overkill.

    2) Decent on-site support for the whole machine, so probably from a=20
big-brand manufacturer.  Separately purchased add-on cards therefore a=20
no-no, so no Highpoint/Areca or other SATA controllers unless they come=20
with the machine.

    3) Tower format.

    4) Working ethernet, preferably twin.

    5) USB would be nice.

We started looking at Dell's, having had success with 2850s, but with=20
the new product line I can't find a suitable controller I know is=20
supported.  The 1900 has a SAS 5/iR for which I can find no definitive=20
information; the 1430 has a SAS 5/i for which again I can find no "it=20
works" info.  (Note: not the PERC 5 range which at =A3300+ are simply=20
overkill).

Has anyone got a Dell like one of these working?  Or an HP?  Sun?  IBM?

TIA,

--Alex