[SATLUG] fileserver SATA + RAID question

[tokiko at tokiko.net]

> Based on the SATA FAQ, it looks like Intel AHCI is the best SATA
> chipset choice, but I can't find any PCI controllers which use it.

those chipsets are usually built onto intel motherboards. (not usually 
on stand alone cards)

i would suggest using a silicon image chipset based card because they 
are easy to find and inexpensive. generic cards can be found online for 
around $30 or at a local store for a little more.

i bought two adaptec sata cards (that use the silicon image chipset) at 
CompUSA for about $50 each and have been using them for about a year.


> I have also heard the 3ware cards work pretty well, but it looks like
> they're hardware RAID and fairly expensive in addition.

i have a few 3ware cards as well, but i now prefer linux software 
lvm/raid over the dedicated hardware anyway.

-tokiko