You could try using a cable from an onboard SATA port to an external port.
Dell doesn't offer (certify) any eSATA controllers, so if you can find one that works you're doing good, but Dell doesn't give any guarantees about any cards they didn't certify working in specific systems.
Member since 2003
Dev MgrYou could try using a cable from an onboard SATA port to an external port.
Although this might work, it generally isn't recommended because of shielding issues.
Another problem with this procedure is the missing HotSwap- respectively HotPlug-ability - the eSATA-card I'm trying to use (respectively the corresponding driver) supports HotSwap/HotPlug like USB and offers the possibility of "safely remove" an attached drive via Windows without having to reboot.
Dev MgrDell doesn't offer (certify) any eSATA controllers, so if you can find one that works you're doing good, but Dell doesn't give any guarantees about any cards they didn't certify working in specific systems.
Could it be that the server mainboard somehow checks for some special features of plugged PCIe-Cards - like some hardware protocol for extra data integrity? This would explain why the 3ware SATA-RAID-Card works; It is build to be used in a server enviroment. The eSATA-Card is a very low-cost item for desktop usage (price about 10 $).
If so, can I disable hardware checks somewhere and convince the server/mainboard of accepting the card?
Even though generally PCI/PCIe follows standards, the bios does need to allow for certain features (memory addresses, etc). When Dell designed the server they probably only had certain expansion cards in mind and only took those requirements into account for the bios and 'overlooked' other cards' requirements.
This is why a different card may work. You could consider looking at an LSI solution as Dell's own PERC cards are LSI based, so it's more likely that an LSI solution would work fine with the server.
This info will hopefully help others in the future as there were a few posts about this over the last few weeks.
I have heard that some SATA controller cards don't work with PowerEdge servers. I think it has a lot to do with who makes the card, and not just the controller chip that is used. In particular, I was looking for a card that uses the Silicon Image 3132 (Sil3132) chipset as it has great support for hotplugging SATA devices in Linux. Some people got cards using that chipset that didn't work in PowerEdge systems. I was fortunate enough that I did find one that does work. The Part number for the SATA card I found is:
SD-SA2PEX-2IR
Brand is a bit unknown as I think it is pretty generic. The PCB board has print that says "Designed in Japan" but the cardboard box it came in has printed "Made in China". Regardless of its origins or brand, this card works flawlessly in my PowerEdge 2900 III so far and hotplugging went without a single hiccup under CentOS 5.3. I found this card on ebay for $20 and just ordered another one for my PE1800.
Just thought I would contribute to the list. I think it would be great if people can post and create a list of SATA controllers that are known to work.
I have the same problem to solve but I've been unable to find a U.S. reseller for this card. Would you share your source and cost with the forum please?
I'm trying to build an SBS 2003 SP2 eSATA backup solution involving 1TB HDDs. I'm using Vantec NexStar 3 enclosures but they overheat after a few days and so I've ordered new enclosures from Thermaltake that have internal fans.
Right now, I'm plugged into one of the motherboard SATA ports but it's not a satisfactory solution because swapping drives is problematical. It's doable without a reboot but it's awkward and spawns useless Event log entries.
eSATA support is much to be desired. However, this might circumvent DELL marketing of its Backup products. I happen to feel these aren't at all cost-effective and the platform cries out for an inexpensive high-speed manageable backup solution. eSATA drives are going to work on this. I backup 48GB in 1 hour and 15 minutes including verify time using NTBACKUP. But without a reliable eSATA adapter, this may remain a laboratory curiosity owing to its management difficulties.
WyeKnottI have the same problem to solve but I've been unable to find a U.S. reseller for this card. Would you share your source and cost with the forum please?
Ummm, maybe re-read my post? (hint: $20 on ebay)
WyeKnott I have the same problem to solve but I've been unable to find a U.S. reseller for this card. Would you share your source and cost with the forum please?
If you are referring to the DeLock-JMicron-Card: According to the DeLock "Find a dealer"-section they just sell their products in Europe. I bought it in a German online shop (http://www3.computeruniverse.net/products/90255795/delock-pci-express-karte-1x-esata-ii.asp) for 12,50 € (about 18 $).
So you will either have to try to get one from an european online shop that ships to the USA or try to find this JMicron-based card from another brand which is identical in construction - I suppose "DeLock" is just a brand name and they just import/distribute and put their label on that stuff, but don't really build their hardware.
This Google result may help some.
Thanks, I went over to eBay and found a dealer called Novatech88 who had a card based on the JMicron JMB360 chip. Packing slip says "Novatech Technology, Inc." and says it's in California. Card came via USPS, 1st Class. I ordered it on 8/28 and it arrived on 9/3.
This card has only a single eSata port but that suits my purposes since I only want to use it for backup drives anyway.
I downloaded drivers from the JMicron web site, unzipped to a folder. I did NOT use the drivers that came on the CD.Then, I shut the T300 down, installed the card and on re-boot, disabled the "F" SATA port I had been using for backups.
The card was recognized right away and the driver went in nicely. I turned on the external HDD but didn't get any reaction. I re-booted the T300 and after awhile, the HDD was recognized and -- wonderfully -- it had the "Removable" attribute. I tested removing it and replacing it safely and it all worked neatly and with no real delays.
I'm running a backup as I type this just to see that it's going to get through it but it looks good.
The brand name on the box seems to be "Best Connectivity". First I've heard of it. Has a sticker on the box reading "JMicron JMB360".
I think I paid the asking price which was about $13.89 through PayPal.
If this works as it looks like it will, that's a heckuva deal I'm thinking.
Thanks to all posters who helped make this happen.
Wye
Hi, I've got a sil3132 PCIe controller in an R300 - the card is recognised if I use R300 BIOS v1.2.0, but not with BIOS v1.4.3 (latest at time of writing).
I've tried using the following Silicon Image firmwares on this device:
7.4.05
7.7.02
I downloaded the latter from http://www.siliconimage.com/docs/SiI3132_7702.zip and programmed into the device using flashrom from flashrom.org
HTH,
Tim.