Ok, I'll take a last stab at this think but I am thinking about this subject wayyyyyyyy too much
For brevity I am just going write a few thoughts between the Supermicro device on this thread and the (
Amazon.com: Lycom 171s (mSATA to SATA DOM -Disk on Module- Adapter): Computers & Accessories) adapter.
Disadvantages to adapter :
* Height - will not fit in a 1u chassis
* Width -
Potential, as these look wider (from the pictures) than the Supermicro SATA DOM this thread refers to. If two if these are used side by side (my motherboard has two yellow sockets that are near each other)
* Initial cost - though perhaps not as bad as you might expect - see below
* Thickness -
Potential, not sure about two of these being back-to-back. The combined thickness
might not be accommodated
* Must attach power cable - I saw nothing that suggested this adapter will get power from the propitiatory Supermicro SATA port
* Relatively limited availability - You may not be able to replace the adapter if something goes wrong
** I saw sno.cn's note above (thanks BTW! Good to know and perhaps you can give us some of your experience)
Advantages:
* Cost - Ya, I know it is listed above but hear me out. Just to round up lets say the cost of the adapter is $20 (perhaps you need another power cable so will round up), that leaves about $40 for the drive. I did a quick search on ebay for
128GB mSATA drives (
msata 128gb | eBay) finding quite a few that were in the $30 to $40 range. Even if you wanted something other than a no-name drive and were willing to spend a few more bucks on it you would still come out ahead (in terms of space) compared to the drive Supermicro drive. Basically, (assuming the disadvantages don't rule you out) you can either get the same amount of space for less, and have an adapter allowing you to more likely upgrade to a cheaper drive (than an equivalent Supermicro SATA DOM, assuming they are made in the size you want) in the future. Or, you can double the space (and
perhaps get more endurance) and get the adapter. Hmmmmm.
* Upgradeable - Sorta covered this above but mSATA drives are available, to the best of my knowledge, up to 1TB. If for any reason you need (want) the additional space, you can take advantage of price drops along the way.
* mSATA drive availability - As long as the adapter lives I'm willing to bet more mSATA drives will be available over the long term, and in a far greater number of price points, and in a far larger variety of sizes than Supermicro SATA DOMs.
I am sure other advantages and disadvantages exists for each specific use case. The cost of the adapter is high (in my mind) but still worth it, and it looks like other companies are starting to sell it so I suspect the price will come down in the not too distant future.
Based on my above dialog I'm quickly talking myself into getting a few of these adapters and seeing how it goes. No, I don't have any relationship with the company that makes these things, I've just gotten some good advice this site and thought I would at least provide a perspective...your mileage may vary!
Now that I have beaten this poor horse to death, lit the animal on fire, and shot it into space as it is time to thing about something else other than adapters!