RAID Host Bus Adapters With Selectable RAID/BASE Via Jumper
Sans Digital, a leading brand name of high performance storage subsystems, introduced a more convenient way to apply RAID capabilities to a non-RAID storage unit. Sans Digital announced a new set of Silicon Image based host bus adapters with selectable RAID and BASE BIOS jumpers. This new series includes three different models: 2-port eSATA PCIe 1x (2ESPCIE2), 4-port eSATA PCI-X (4ESPCIX2), and single-port Infiniband SFF-8470 PCI-X (INFPCIX2).
Unlike most host bus adapters on the market, the selectable RAID/BASE jumper feature allows the effortless switch between RAID and BASE BIOS by using a jumper. This straightforward selection method allows the user to determine the RAID or BASE BIOS prior to installing the adapter, without the need to change the BIOS firmware using software utilities. This helps the user avoid the tedious process of flash BIOS via Device Manager or DOS, which is not available if the platform is Linux or Mac.
Aside from the innovative RAID jumper feature, this series of HBA embraces the standard feature where RAID information is processed by the adapter's chipset, sparing the CPU for other use. The BASE BIOS of the adapters allows the addition of an eSATA or Infiniband connection to PC or Mac. The RAID BIOS allows the creation of RAID 0, 1, 1+0, and 5 with spare, offering performance and redundancy. The 2ESPCIE2 eSATA adapter is based on Silicon Image Chipset 3132, while the 4ESPCIX2 and INFPCIX2 adapters are based on Chipset 3124. All three models support Port Multiplier, allowing the connection of up to five hard drives using only a single cable. The Port Multiplier feature allows each adapter to connect to ten (2ESPCIE2) or twenty (4ESPCIX2 and INFPCIX2) hard drives simultaneously. "These host bus adapters cards are cost effective means to upgrade the capabilities of non-RAID machines," stated Grandy Chen, Sans Digital's President. "Sans Digital not only supports the popular eSATA connection, it also provides RAID solutions for Infiniband interfaces. The INFPCIX2 uses Infiniband (SFF-8470) as the external connector, and it is compatible with low-profiles bracket for limited spaces." For more details on these HBAs, please visit: www.sansdigital.com/adapters/index.php.
About Sans Digital
Sans Digital is a brand of high capacity, multi-functional advanced storage products. Sans Digital offers hot-swappable JBOD and RAID products for direct attached storage, network attached storage, and storage area network. Sans Digital's single unit towers are designed with mobility in mind to be used in a personal and home environment, while its rackmounts are widely popular in enterprise settings. Sans Digital is a storage solutions provider to consumers, businesses and institutions across the world.
SOURCE: Sans Digital