SCSI & PCI-Express

Question

Hi,

I don't know if it is just me or what. I basically, I am trying to add an internal Plextor SCSi CD-RW drive into my poweredge 2600. Unforunately, the PE2600's only have SCSI inputs for the hard drives and not any actual other devices. So I figured I just need a controller card, right? Wrong.. I can't seem to find any controller cards that the manufacturer's know for sure will work with the PCI-Express technology that is incorporated into the PE2600's motherboard. In addition to that, my plextor internal scsi drive needs power. Hmm..no power connectors coming off of the power supply that I can see are usable, unless I missed something. Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

freakyshiat · Answer

The 2600 doesnt have PCI Express, it has PCI-X slots. Any pci scsi card should work. Not sure what to do about power.

cdhitman · Answer

Okay, so I've got the PCI-X fugured out, but what about the PCI-X slots...do they all clock down to 33mhz to work properly with the currently available cards? Thanks.

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi,

The PowerEdge 2600 has 2 Scsi / Raid channels on the motherboard. If you do not have both set to raid and connected to the SCSI Backplane, one should be available for your SCSI CDRW. Make sure and set it to SCSI in the System BIOS under Integrated Devices.

If you are using both channels for Raid, the only SCSI card validated for use in the PowerEdge 2600 is the 340-3757, Adaptec AHA-39160 U160 SCSI Controller Card

If you use a 3rd party card, it "should" clock down to 33MHz.

The power adapter cable you need is part number 6M427 or 310-3402 to add optical or tape devices in the PowerEdge 2600 peripheral bays. This cable connects to the "1x2" connector on the Scsi Backplane shown in this graphic.

Dell spare parts can be reached by phone at 1-800-357-3355.

Check out the new PowerEdge Server - Frequently Asked Questions section of the Dell Community Forums.

The specific link for the PowerEdge 2600.

Please post any comments / suggestions on the FAQs at this link.

Thanks for using the Dell Community Forums!

Message Edited by DELL-Mark A on 08-27-2004 02:45 PM

freakyshiat · Answer

yes, they clock down to 33mhz. Id definitely address the power issue first though.

freakyshiat · Answer

The part number Mark provided you (Adaptec card) has an internal 50 pin connector. You can use that connector for your CDRW device. The plextor has a 50 pin connector.

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/storage/360mg/en/introduc.htm#1064676

cdhitman · Answer

Hi Mark,

The only problem with this is that the SCSI connector on the motherboard will not work with the SCSI connector that is coming off of my CDRW. Both of them are SCSI connectors, but the one coming off of the CDRW is a bit different.

cdhitman · Answer

Thanks for the guide Mark. I just ordered thew power adaptor cable for my server that you had mentioned. I have the IDC50 Male connector on my CD-RW. So I am guessing that I require the adaptec card, unless Dell had a part to go from the IDC50 to the proper SCSI port in the PE2600 mainboard. Thanks.

DELL-Mark A · Answer

Hi, Which connector does your CDRW have? This is a good SCSI Connector Guide Thanks Mark

PowerEdge HDD/SCSI/RAID

SCSI & PCI-Express

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