Date: Tue, 7 May 1996 12:58:24 +0500 From: "Bryan J. Smith, E.I." <b.j.smith@ieee.org> To: questions@FreeBSD.ORG Subject: New computer ... hardware choices ... Message-ID: <199605081753.NAA19426@sundial.sundial.net>
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New computer ... hardware choices (CPU/Disk) ... If you have any recommendations or comments to any of these questions, please respond. I'm building a new PCI system. I'm worried about the compatibility/performance issues with FreeBSD & Linux. - I'm thinking of using a Cyrix 686 processor (any problems?) and maybe even the future AMD/NexGen Nx686-180 (when it comes out). - Hard Drives / Controllers (this is long!) I'm going to keep a Seagate ST-31200N (1.25GB SCSI-2 Fast) so I'll definately need a SCSI-2 Controller (I'd like a Wide or Ultra-Wide, but a plain SCSI-2 Fast Controller will do). Does anyone have a recommendation for a SCSI-2 controller than will work with FreeBSD and Linux? I know AdvanceSys has a SCSI-2 Fast HA for $99, and I've heard of Buslogic having a UW for $250 (what model number though?). What about the NCR 815/825 (I heard the 810 doesn't have BIOS support). I'm debating whether or not to use the EIDE controllers on board (the SCSI controller will work secondary, of course) with either (2) 2.1GB Seagate or (2) 2.5GB Western Digital PIO Mode 4 EIDE drives. I'm wondering will I have a boot problem if I boot from a cylinder above 1024 (even if the MB BIOS supports the true drive parameters -- i.e. it states the true number of cylinders/heads). Okay, if I go SCSI instead (and not use the EIDE channels), will the SCSI BIOS allow me to boot from a cylinder higher than 1024? What SCSI-2 drives do you recommend (Fast, Wide, UW)? I'd prefer at a 3.5" HH or LP (1") drive with 2-4GB capacity. Also, anyone have any info on the IOmega Jaz and/or SyQuest SyJet drives (no Zip or EZ13t please! Too small). Thanx in advance ... A happy FreeBSD user (who had to chuck Linux because of Adaptec AHA-2842VL boot problems). ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ "I am Pentium of Borg. Precision is futile, you will be approximated." -- Stan "The Man" Buchanan, Jr. ========================================================== BRYAN J. SMITH, E.I. b.j.smith@ieee.org Systems Engineer http://www.sundial.net/~bjsmith/ ---------------------------------------------------------- - NSPE/FLBPR Certified Engineering Intern (E.I.) - IEEE Central FL Branch Secretary ---------------------------------------------------------- 1006 Teague Court Home: (407) 366-4620 Oviedo, FL 32765-7002 or: (407) 365-4693 ==========================================================
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