Thanks for the replies (and thanks Matt, PCI-e is indeed what I meant –brain freeze moment), I realise “linux dd” works –and is in fact how I’ve installed CentOS 5, but unfortunately I require a card (PCI even!) that will not require driver updates every kernel update and support a minimum of 6 ports in RAID 1.

Being a noob at Linux I’m having trouble sourcing a card that is supported in the 2.6.18 kernel without the need to install drivers, and replies from manufacturers either evade the question or require a Masters degree in Linux, so I thought I’d tap into the combined knowledge of everyone here!

So I’m still open to suggestions!

Cheers

Steve

> I would recommend PCI-E if you want the fastest card available, and 

> using the 'linux dd' option before you install CentOS 5 allows you to 

> load the 3ware kernel module prior to installation which is what I 

> did to get my 9650SE-16 working. ;-)