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mr_eko

2 Posts

8468

October 18th, 2006 08:00

Difference between Perc5i and Perc5e?

Hi, just about to order a Poweredge 840 server for my office.
 
We plan to install 3 SATA disks as RAID5 (and partition separately for OS and data). 
 
Can anyone tell me the difference between the "Perc5i" and "Perc5e" controller cards though?  The Dell configuration tool gives me the option of purchasing either card but I'm not sure which one I should select.  Also, if it makes any difference, we don't want a hot-swappable configuration - just regular SATA drives/cables.
 
Thanks in advance :)

countryman73460

81 Posts

October 18th, 2006 10:00

The PERC 5/i is the internal (embedded) controller which is activated by adding the Raid On MotherBoard (ROMB) key. The PERC 5/e is the external, PCI PERC Controller.

The PowerEdge 840 has 4 SATA II ports and a 2 port internal SATA controller. You can have up to 4 500 GB SATA drives for a maximum internal hard drive storage capacity of 2.0 TB.

mr_eko

2 Posts

October 18th, 2006 12:00

Thanks for the info, but which controller will be adequate for our needs then?
 
As I said, we intend to have raid 5 with 3 regular SATA disks.  Will the PCI "e" version be OK then and will it be more reliable?
 
thx

countryman73460

81 Posts

October 19th, 2006 01:00

I have no access to the pricing of the PERC 5/e vs. what the components to enable the embbedded PERC 5/i would be. In order to enable the PERC 5/i, I believe you would need the ROMB Key, Raid Dimm, as well as a ROMB battery. Reliability? I can't really pick one over the other. To be honest, I haven't had to provide any support yet for a failed drive on either of these controllers. The majority of time when I have seen RAID issues, it is simply due to a drive falling offline, not the controller itself. I would contact sales and get a bit more information about pricing, then make a decision.

at5147

884 Posts

October 20th, 2006 00:00

Actaully, the PERC 5/e is a card with connectors only on the outside whereas the 5/i card has connectors only on the inside (see http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/storage/RAID/PERC5/en/ug/chapterb.htm#wp1053529). Its the PERC 5/iR that is intergrated I believe. They went off and changed the naming conventions.

Message Edited by at5147 on 10-19-2006 08:39 PM

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