[KLUG Members] New or Used SCSI Boards

[Dirk Bartley]

"Bryan J. Smith" wrote:
> 
> Bruce Atherton wrote:
> > I have found two different sources for Adaptec 2490 SCSI boards, one readily
> > admits that it is used. The other is questionable. The question is:
> > Is it ok to use used boards? Or should I keep on looking for a different
> > source altogether?
> 
> When you're talking Linux, I _avoid_ Adaptec cards like the black
> plague.
> 
> I prefer Advansys (the first vendor to support Linux, back in
> 1994/95 days) as well as any card that uses Symbios Logic chips
> (like the TekRam DC-390 series).  The nice thing is that they are
> usually cheaper than Adaptec, and a tad faster.  Advansys products
> even have the Adaptec-like BIOS/config setup as well.
> 
> TekRam also has a "low-cost," BIOS-less UltraNarrow controller, the
> DC-315U, which can be had for $20.

I have this 315U and it does work.  The 3*5 models with the 1040 chip were not
supported as of 2.4.5 in the mainstream kernel.  You can get the source for it
but it is not labeled as stable yet and was not an easy patch to install for
me.  The 3*0 with a different chip are probably a much safer bet.

Dirk