I am new to FreeNAS and ZFS file systems and need recommendations for SAS/SATA controller. The server came with a 6-Bay hot-swap cage and an Adaptec 3405/128MB RAID Controller. If my understanding of FreeNAS and ZFS is correct, I would prefer NOT to use hardware RAID. I would also like to use both SAS and SATA drives if possible since I have a couple of each already. I have seen recommendations on cross flashing the IBM M1015 but am still unsure what the best options would be given my current hardware.
Current Hardware Configuration:
Intel Chassis> SC5299DP
Motherboard> Intel Serverboard s5000XVN/XSL (I believe it is the S5000XSLSATA version)
Drive Cage/Backplane> Intel AXX6DRV3GEXP
RAID Card> Adaptec 3405/128MB
P.s. Is it safe to mix both SAS and SATA drives in the same cage?
Current Hardware Configuration:
Intel Chassis> SC5299DP
Motherboard> Intel Serverboard s5000XVN/XSL (I believe it is the S5000XSLSATA version)
Drive Cage/Backplane> Intel AXX6DRV3GEXP
RAID Card> Adaptec 3405/128MB
P.s. Is it safe to mix both SAS and SATA drives in the same cage?