[KLUG Members] New or Used SCSI Boards

[Adam Tauno Williams]

>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

All but one of the four SCSI boards in my box are used,  I wouldn't hesistate to
buy used so long as they come with a not-DOA guarantee.  Then stick them in your
box and use them extensively when they first show up.  If they work for the
first 24 hours they will probably last for years.

I have an Adaptex 29?? ultra-narrow controller - In the old days Adaptec support
was very dubious.  Now I have several large boxes using the aic7xxx module and
haven't had any problems (since about 2.4.3).  Strongly recommended.

I have a Future Domain (TMC-18C30) - This board works great,  but seems a little
more sensitive to termination/power issues than the others.  But it can keep a
scanner, two tape drives, a CD-Writer (albiet a slow one), and a CD Reader all
chugging at the same time.  Mildly recommended.

I have two IBM ServerRAID III - There are hardware PCI RAID boards each with
three UW-SCSI channels,  you can find these on e-bay for $50-$75 and they are a
steal.  Fastest I/O I've ever seen.  Internally they have three HD68 connectors,
and one external connector each.  Build in PowerPC processor and 4Mb of RAM. 
But they don't support CD-ROMs, etc...., just disks.  Exstatically recommended.

This gives me a total of eight SCSI interfaces, and the ability to support four
external cabinets,  for certainly less than $200 in controllers.  This is the
only way to go, IMHO.

I also have what came in a TekRam box but is actually a Symbios Logic 53c875 in
my workstation at work.  I'd recommend this card to but I don't recall the exact
name from the box.  Seems to perform pretty well.

Systems and Network Administrator
Morrison Industries
1825 Monroe Ave NW.
Grand Rapids, MI. 49505