Intel Xserve + Xserve RAID + SCSI

Question

Intel Xserve + Xserve RAID + SCSI

I have a requirement for an Intel Xserve system that I can connect an Xserve RAID and SCSI tape autoloader to. It seems that Apple won't let me configure a system with a SCSI card and a fibre channel card in it at the same time, and repeated phone calls to them have yielded precisely nothing (very disappointed with the lack of professionalism and knowledge displayed by the Apple sales and tech staff on this matter).

Can I have such a configuration? It seems that I can only fit a fibre channel PCIe card in expansion slot 1 as it is too long to fit in slot 2 which is limited to 6" long cards. I've seen that Atto do PCIe SCSI cards but there is no mention on their site about whether they will fit/work in slot 2 of an Xserve and emails to them have gone unanswered.

If anyone has any info on this, or could point me in the direction of the info, I would be very grateful. Or if what I want isn't possible, ideas on how to back up a 7TB array without direct attached tape storage would also be appreciated.

Mac Pro 2x2.66Ghz/2GB RAM, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Dec 19, 2006 12:55 PM

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Answer 1

Dec 19, 2006 1:36 PM in response to Michael Jenkins3

Michael,

Here's what you need to do:

* Configure the Xserve with PCI Express riser and U320 SCSI card in slot 1

* Buy the PCI Express FC card as standalone and insert it yourself.

It will fit -- but it's a tight fit. Specifically, it will slightly cover the DIMM ejectors. So I suggest if you plan on adding RAM that you do it before you insert the FC card, as once it's in there you'll have to do some disassembly to add RAM later.

Workable?

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Answer 2

Dec 19, 2006 2:07 PM in response to William Lloyd

That sounds good, Apple told me that the FC card definitely wouldn't fit in slot 2 but they barely knew what an Intel Xserve was until they went to ask a colleague. Thanks very much for your help.

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Answer 3

Dec 19, 2006 2:26 PM in response to Michael Jenkins3

Actually, having just looked at the store, Apple don't seem to offer any PCIe SCSI cards, just a PCI-X one with a PCI-X riser. Would this configuration stop me using a PCIe card in slot 2?

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Answer 4

Dec 19, 2006 2:27 PM in response to Michael Jenkins3

Query

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Answer 5

Dec 19, 2006 2:48 PM in response to Michael Jenkins3

Ah, yeah. Just get the PCI-X card in slot 1, and get a PCIe FC card to insert yourself.

There won't be any issues with having a PCI-X and PCIe card... the slots are totally independent.

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Answer 6

rhwalker

Level 3

589 points

Dec 20, 2006 12:36 PM in response to Michael Jenkins3

Actually, having just looked at the store, Apple
don't seem to offer any PCIe SCSI cards, just a PCI-X
one with a PCI-X riser. Would this configuration stop
me using a PCIe card in slot 2?

Avoid the Apple BTO SCSI card like the plague. It's junk.
It's really a rebranded LSI Logic 22320. Ours never worked
right in our Xserve G5; we replaced it with an ATTO UL4D and
all of our problems went away. The right card for the intel
Xserve is the ATTO UL5D or UL5D low profile (both are PCIe).
Link is here:
http://www.attotech.com/hostadapter.html

The Apple-rebranded LSI Logic 22320 sits on a shelf gathering
dust.

Russ

Xserve G5 2.0 GHz 2 GB RAM Mac OS X (10.4.8) Apple Hardware RAID, ATTO UL4D, Exabyte VXA-2 1x10 1u

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Answer 7

Dec 21, 2006 1:46 PM in response to rhwalker

If your going with all new hardware the PCI-X riser is a waste. PCI-X is dead and those that invested in it, like me, are not so happy. Should have listened to my Linux friend sooner cause almost 2 years ago he said PCI-X is dead.
Anywho ATTO is great, the ATTO UL5D card I have works fine in my Mac Pro OS X Server. Just make sure you install the latest drivers with intel bug fixes. Call Atto if you need to there support staff was wonderful and could let you know if you can fit the card or if you need the low profile. They where very helpfull with my intel driver problems and fast with there fixes.

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Answer 8

Dec 27, 2006 4:24 PM in response to Michael Ojaste

It's not dead in the Xserve, Apple supports a PCI-X riser card, so your previous investment still works.

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Answer 9

Dec 27, 2006 4:27 PM in response to Michael Jenkins3

Why don't you get a FC backup device instead? You can avoid external SCSI altogether, and if you ever get a FC Swich (Qlogic's is $999); all the better.

As your storage needs grow you can then add XSAN.

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Answer 10

Dec 28, 2006 8:32 AM in response to Jack Zahran1

The Xserve may have PCI-X for this revision but if you have 2 cards your still out of luck. Only ONE riser and No other new Macs (lets say you upgrade from G5 to Mac Pro) have PCI-X. PC hardly used PCI-X so it has no resale or use. It was a poor investment and a bad choice by Apple. PCI-X is dead as is this debate as to where you might be able to us it. I think it will work in the trash can. ;-0

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