Re: RAID HBA options

I get what you're saying about the software. i really like the ATTO cards, but their software interface is a bit behind. all the needed info is there, but as an example, i think CalDigit's interface software is better. i would still buy the ATTO R380 over the CalDigit though.

as far as feedback, thats a function of how well the card works with the enclosure. this is just a case of getting on the phone with the companies and seeing if one plays well with the other. if the support is there on both sides, then go for it. this is where all-in-one solutions from companies like Maxx Digital can be worth the money. they guarantee that everything works together and can support you when it doesnt. in the case of a separate card and enclosure, it make take a bit longer to troubleshoot a communication issue.

Barracuda drives. i'm not going to get into the Seagate thing here, but one thing that differentiates the all-in-ones from the "byo" is the firmware on the drives. companies like CalDigit, Apple and Promise will put their own firmware on the hard drives. this increases the feedback to the enclosure and the card. you can get more valuable data on the health of your drives. they also do extensive testing to make sure the drives working together wont have latency issues (Seagate) and will customize the firmware to increase certain aspects of performance.

don't underestimate the importance of support for these critical systems. i'm learning hard lessons on that front everyday.

as far as ATTO vs. Areca. i've been using ATTO for years since i started with SCSI and everything has been 100%. never used Areca before so i have no experience.

e