Storage Controller Suggestions

turboaaa

Dabbler
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Dec 31, 2017
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36
I have a Dell R720xd (https://www.dell.com/downloads/global/products/pedge/dell-poweredge-r720xd-spec-sheet.pdf) with 26 2.5" drives. It came with the standard Dell controller, but obviously I would prefer to use something with direct drive access. Are there any suggestions for drop in replacements that I could install using the PCIe slots? The Dell controller is attached using a proprietary connector on the board, and there is only two cables running to it.

Thanks.
 

neb50

Dabbler
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
36
I used a LSI 9207-8i with the 12 3.5" front bays and 2 2.5" rear bays and have no issues with it. The cables you want are these for the 2.5" bay version.
2 HP server 35" right angle sas cables (HP part SFF-8087 90 Degree Cable 35" 685183-001 672241-001)

I tried using those on my setup with the 3.5" bays and only the SAS-B one was long enough to reach and switched the SAS-A cable out with this one.
Dell M246M SAS CABLE FOR DELL POWEREDGE R610 R710
 

turboaaa

Dabbler
Joined
Dec 31, 2017
Messages
36
I used a LSI 9207-8i with the 12 3.5" front bays and 2 2.5" rear bays and have no issues with it. The cables you want are these for the 2.5" bay version.
2 HP server 35" right angle sas cables (HP part SFF-8087 90 Degree Cable 35" 685183-001 672241-001)

I tried using those on my setup with the 3.5" bays and only the SAS-B one was long enough to reach and switched the SAS-A cable out with this one.
Dell M246M SAS CABLE FOR DELL POWEREDGE R610 R710

Thanks. It looks like buying two of these should cover the four connections I have on the backplane.
 

neb50

Dabbler
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
36
Do you have 4 connections on the front backplane or 3?

It should be 3 with a SAS-A, SAS-B, and SAS-A1 that connects the front and rear backplanes. You should only need 1 card that you connect to the SAS-A and SAS-B connections and leave the SAS-A1 connected between the front and rear backplanes.
 

neb50

Dabbler
Joined
Aug 15, 2017
Messages
36
I would double check the cable that you ordered since I think you need the HP one I listed above. The angled connector goes the other direction from the Dell one you posted a link to and probably won't be long enough or fit next to the SAS-A1 connector with your backplane.

Also, ebay has these parts for much cheaper ($50 for the card and less then $20 for the cables.) These are the one's that I picked up and there should be a 10% off coupon today.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/685183-001...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649
https://www.ebay.com/itm/302778582635?ViewItem=&item=302778582635
 

Fenny79

Cadet
Joined
Mar 10, 2019
Messages
1
Dell M246M SAS CABLE FOR DELL POWEREDGE R610 R710

I also have a Dell R720xd LFF (12x 3,5" hdd bays in the front) with the Perc H710 that I’m going to use with Freenas. I ordered a new LSI 9207-8i and a backplane for the two 2.5” rear bays and now I’m looking for cables to plug the HBA to the front backplane.

I see that they sell these cables in packs of two. Will 75 cm (30”) be enough for both cables? I see that one of the HP cables is 35” but I could only find them in imaginary countries like Australia with $50 shipping to EU.

Edited for clarity.
 
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