Intel Rapid Storage technology failed me twice - huge data loss!!

[Dimos]

Hi, I wanted to point out that Intel Rapid Storage Technology failed me twice, resulting in data loss. First time was randomly and second time was after I upgraded BIOS. I got a notification that my RAID 0 (2x HDD) configuration failed and I had to re-create it. There was no option other than recreating it, so I lost lots of data. Both drives are 100% functional and the problem was clearly in the software. I am highly disappointed with this software and wouldn't recommend it to anyone.

PS: Before formatting the new RAID, I used a software to recover data and I saw all file names and sizes to appear correctly. However, when I tried to recover them, contents were corrupted: photos were showing a small part and the rest was noise, and videos were corrupted and wouldn't play (64KB size). Probably because with RAID-0 the file blocks are stripped among available storage volumes.

Thanks,
Dimos

 

[RealBeast]

I would not suggest using Dell for any storage or high speed networking (10GbE) parts -- they are cheap because they only work with limited equipment, and that pretty much means Dell, including cables and connectors.

Of course the only exception is if you have all Dell equipment already.

 

[Dimos]

That's good to know, luckily I didn't buy that Dell!
The Adaptec are more pricey, but then I will avoid buying two RAID controllers to support 2 independent RAID arrays. Does the 6805 also support 2 independent arrays?
I need to have a RAID 5 with 3xSSDs for the OS and another RAID 5 with 3xHDDs for data.
For the reference, IRST with RAID 0 and 2xSSDs gives me really good performance.
Here is the output of winsat:
> Disk Random 16.0 Read 284.38 MB/s 8.0
> Disk Sequential 64.0 Read 956.38 MB/s 8.4
> Disk Sequential 64.0 Write 651.80 MB/s 8.2

I have IRST RAID0 with 2 x SSD Kingston KC300 240GB and CPU i7 5820k.

 

[RealBeast]

A 6805 can support up to 64 independent arrays/volumes per card, so 2 is no problem.

They are not cheap and there is some learning for you to do, which is one of the best parts IMO, but you can probably find the best prices on EBay. For example, a quick look I found a new 6805 with 2 fanout cables that you must have is only $370 (I paid around $600 although that was 5 or so years ago). THIS is the link so that you can see exactly what you are getting into. Note that it needs at least an x4 PCIe connector, which practically means one of the 16x since most non-enterprise boards have 1x or 16x, thus it will use the second video card slot. I've run this card on every ASUS board from z67 to the latest without issues, and I would expect that it will work on any comparable board.

 

[Dimos]

If you go for used or refurbished you can get it for around $100.
How about the 5805?
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816103098

I see it supports 3Gb/s per port (SATA II) , instead of 6Gb/s of the 6805. Is it true that the 6805 supports up to 6Gb/s per SATA port?

 

[RealBeast]

Yes, 6805 is SATA III (6Gb/s).

I would consider refurbished if the price is good, but I would not go back to the 5805, as it had a lot of issues and does not work well with newer boards.

Just be sure that it is a 6805 not a 6805E or 6805T, which are neutered versions.

 

[Dimos]

What do you mean neutered versions?

Most of the ones I find are 6805T and according to the manual they have same specs, just different placement of the mini-SAS Ports:
http://download.adaptec.com/pdfs/user_guides/adaptec_raid_controller_iug_12_2011.pdf

 

[RealBeast]

The T are okay -- they just do not come with a cable set, but the E does not do RAID5.

 

[Dimos]

Great!
How about the HP P812?
http://h20564.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c02019041
It says 6Gb/s for SAS connections and 3Gb/s for SATA. Does that mean if I connect SATA drives via a SAS to SATA cable I will have 6Gb/s, or 3?

Adaptec looks awesome but prices are way too high even for refurbished or used!

 

[Dimos]

I just asked HPE and they say it supports up to 3Gb/s if you connect SATA with mini-SAS to SATA converter...

 

[Dimos]

Have you heard of the HighPoint Rocket RAID?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/837153-REG/HighPoint_RR2720SGL_Rocket_SAS_6Gb_s_PCI_Express.html

 

[RealBeast]

Have you heard of the HighPoint Rocket RAID?
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/837153-REG/HighPoint_RR2720SGL_Rocket_SAS_6Gb_s_PCI_Express.html

I am aware of their existence but have no experience with them.

 

[Dimos]

OK got the Adaptec 6805 from an ebay auction, let's see how easy it is to set it up! Thanks for the help!