Background Info:
After a long delay, I am continuing my "InfiniBeast" project of building a super fast, (5GB+/sec) storage target.
I am basing it on an Ultrastar Data60 Hybrid Storage Platform.
Although I might change this plan, currently, the build will mimic/re-create the build-out outlined in this whitepaper.
(The complete list of reference architecture designs are here - scroll down a bit to "Reference Architecture")
Rationale for this post:
I am looking for advice on obtaining the SAS HBAs required for this build and know that many vendors OEM the LSI/Broadcom/Avago controllers.
This affects pricing quite a bit.
I have a great deal of experience with flashing and using these controllers, so the idea of re-flashing and/or using alternately named cards is no problem for me.
The build I'm looking at calls for using LSI 9400-8e HBA's.
I'm okay using those exact cards.
However, I also know that newer cards have been released, and choosing correctly would allow me to continue to use the HBA's further into the future as I upgrade the storage servers I build to front this platform.
Currently I like the 9500 series since these are PCIe 4.0 and the 9400 series is only PCIe 3.1.
The Question:
What is the best (i.e. easiest and least expensive) way to obtain an LSI 9500, or better LSI card without straying too far from the 9400 series HBA prescribed?
I am drawn to using this table at LSI/AVAGO that outlines their SAS/SATA Storage I/O Controllers (IOCs) to help select my HBA platform.
However, I'm open to other ideas.
After a long delay, I am continuing my "InfiniBeast" project of building a super fast, (5GB+/sec) storage target.
I am basing it on an Ultrastar Data60 Hybrid Storage Platform.
Although I might change this plan, currently, the build will mimic/re-create the build-out outlined in this whitepaper.
(The complete list of reference architecture designs are here - scroll down a bit to "Reference Architecture")
Rationale for this post:
I am looking for advice on obtaining the SAS HBAs required for this build and know that many vendors OEM the LSI/Broadcom/Avago controllers.
This affects pricing quite a bit.
I have a great deal of experience with flashing and using these controllers, so the idea of re-flashing and/or using alternately named cards is no problem for me.
The build I'm looking at calls for using LSI 9400-8e HBA's.
I'm okay using those exact cards.
However, I also know that newer cards have been released, and choosing correctly would allow me to continue to use the HBA's further into the future as I upgrade the storage servers I build to front this platform.
Currently I like the 9500 series since these are PCIe 4.0 and the 9400 series is only PCIe 3.1.
The Question:
What is the best (i.e. easiest and least expensive) way to obtain an LSI 9500, or better LSI card without straying too far from the 9400 series HBA prescribed?
I am drawn to using this table at LSI/AVAGO that outlines their SAS/SATA Storage I/O Controllers (IOCs) to help select my HBA platform.
However, I'm open to other ideas.
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