On Fri, Dec 12, 2008, Ray Van Dolson wrote:
Fellow server-builders out there, this is for you. :) I was trying to build a cheap JBOD type storage solution running CentOS. Ended up snagging a Supermicro SC826TQ-R800LPB 2U case (12 drives slots) and a Supermicro X7DBE-O motherboard. Unfortunately, without thinking I snagged a 3ware 9650SE-12ML SATA RAID card which is a full height card and thus does not fit in my case.
I have a few options here:
- Go with a 3U case instead. Now I have a 16-drive case with only a 12-way card. :-)
- Return the 3Ware and order two of the 8-way cards which are half-height. This means I love some of my space now however as I have to have an extra spare drive per card.
- Get a PCI-E riser.
The riser option I like, except I also have the BBU unit for my RAID card meaning I need to ensure that I have enough clearance and support for it when the card is mounted horizontally. You can mount the battery elsewhere, but not the logic module...
You might check with Silicon Mechanics as they build a lot of Supermicro boxes with 3Ware cards. I have a couple of 2U boxes here that I'm preparing to deliver to a customer which have them.
http://www.siliconmechanics.com/
You may be able to find Supermicro parts on eBay as well. I have a 2U server here that I got on eBay which is working nicely.
Bill