SATA-Controller for my box.


Recommended Posts

Hi!

 

In my current built I use a Supermicro C2SEE. I'm quite happy with this mobo. Nevertheless I used all of the six onboard controller and I want to expand the array. I have a few questions regarding buying two new SATA-Controller.

 

I want to buy two 8 port controller to be able to max out unRAID. Right now I can add up 9 drives to the machine. Sooner or later I want to buy three of theses 5 in 3 backplanes (15 drives max.).

 

It is also possible that I will replace my current case with a bigger one. Maybe a Lian Li PC-P80.

 

Right now unRAID doesn't support 3 TB drives. Maybe this will change with version 5. I asked myself if the support for these drives have only something to do with unRAID itself? Or do it need a special SATA-Controller to run these drives with my current mobo? Or maybe I have to buy a new mobo for that purpose?

 

What would be the best choice of SATA-Controller regarding my questions?

 

Bye.

 

 

Link to comment

If you need to buy a new controller right now buy a single Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 and 2TB or smaller drives. No one currently knows how the industry will solve the 3TB drive issue.

 

As I understand it, a (u)EFI bios is required to boot from drives >2.2TB (UnRaid boots USB so non issue).

GPT support, this is the issue for UnRaid. I believe UnRaid only supports MBR entries. This means changes to emhttp and the MD driver.

 

In a year or so when the dust has settled and we have a clear answer as to the way forward, Tom will implement the required changes.

Link to comment

Limetech is looking to finalize the 5.0 series soon and then start development on the 5.1 series which will have support for >2TB drives as a feature. This would put large drive support within the next 6 to 9 months, perhaps sooner depending on how development and testing goes.

Link to comment

If you need to buy a new controller right now buy a single Supermicro AOC-SASLP-MV8 and 2TB or smaller drives. No one currently knows how the industry will solve the 3TB drive issue.

 

As I understand it, a (u)EFI bios is required to boot from drives >2.2TB (UnRaid boots USB so non issue).

GPT support, this is the issue for UnRaid. I believe UnRaid only supports MBR entries. This means changes to emhttp and the MD driver.

 

In a year or so when the dust has settled and we have a clear answer as to the way forward, Tom will implement the required changes.

Does this imply that with current SATA hardware (motherboard/controllers) we use for unRAID  it will support the newer drives by updating the unRAID software only? Or are there hidden obstacles in the way such as BIOS upgrades?

 

Thanks, BonieNL

Link to comment

Or are there hidden obstacles in the way such as BIOS upgrades?

 

Thanks, BonieNL

It is entirely unknown at this time which SATA controllers will need BIOS upgrades. (and for some, if they can be upgraded at all)

 

As I understand it, BIOS updates are only needed to BOOT from large disks. The data sheet for the Hitachi 3T drive listed a number of compatible controllers to use the disks as data drives. The list was encouraging and included ICH5+ motherboard ports common to most (all?) Intel compatible motherboards. The supermicro SAS controler wasn't specifically mentioned.

Link to comment

Be careful when you read the Hitachi 3TB controller testing lists as some controllers are marked as only supporting upto 2.2 TB.

 

It mentions that the manufacturer provided drivers are limited to 2.2T, but the controllers themselves are compatible and that Microsoft drivers should be used. Not sure what this means for Linux.

Link to comment

Indeed. It really ought to be interesting for LimeTech to do their 3TB drive testing on various hardware they might have around.

 

Now if only someone would have a list of hard drive software that is or is not compatible with > 2TB drives. This is what might cause some endless hours of heartache, using some non-compatible hard drive software tools with the potential high risk of data corruption.

Link to comment

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.