What RAID 5 controller PCI-e x16 to go with?

[0100]

I need a RAID 5 controller for 4 sata 500gb drives.

I am looking for a PCI-e x16 controller.

I would like to stay under $250.

Any suggestion is much appreciated.

Thanks!


Q6600
8600GT
8gb ram
Haven't decided on a mobo yet but it will have (2) PCI-e x16 slots

 

[chookman]

I replied to your post in the motherboard memory forum but thought id list some go-ers here

Adaptec 3405 - Bit over budget but a great card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816103085

Promise TX4650 - Cheaper no onboard RAM
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816102117

Promise EX4650 - Over budget but awesome card
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816102114

3Ware 9650S - A little over again but... its a 3ware 😉
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816116042

Areca 1210 - Still a little over... but again its Areca awesome controllers here
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16816131003


Hope that helps a little.

 

[0100]

Awesome!

I think I am going to go with the Areca 1210. 256MB on-board, great review, and $284 shipped is not too bad.

Big thanks!

 

[systemlord]

Double post >>

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/248064-30-raid-controller-mobo-raid

 

[chookman]

Double post >>

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/248064-30-raid-controller-mobo-raid

Hmmm sort of agree, in the other one its asked if mobo or controller is the way to go... what config etc... whereas this one is a continuation and asking for what controller i should get... could have been consolidated i spose.

0100:

Let us know how it goes when you get it all together. Dont hesitate to ask some more questions if you get stuck 😉 Good Luck

 

[Eclipse1024]

None of those cards are x16. The Areca and the higher-end Adaptec's are x8 but thats the quickest I could find myself (in December).

 

[shdowflare]

Has anyone found any PCI-e x16 RAID controllers yet? I'm getting ready to pounce on one, so I'd like to get the fastest available!

Thanks,
B

 

[HerrRML]

Hi Shd,

Why should you want to use a PCIe 16* (if they do exist)
when looking at the typical max transfer rate of PCIe 16*

PCI Express 16x 4000 [8000]* MB/s

In theory (not looking at overhead) you shoudl be able to saturate
~4000/50 MB = 80 spindels. I dont how many spindels you want to use but on average PCIe 4* is used for internal and PCIe 8* is used for external cascaded JBODs. Im using currently a smartarray P400 (PCIe 8*) in my workstation.
Using 4 spindels.Gives me a very good performance. I wouldnt notice a difference if the P400 was equiped with a PCIe 4* bus.

It shouldnt be the bus speeds to look for but more functionality.
Both PCIe4* and PCIe 8* are fast enough for usage in a PC/ workstation.

Regards