SageTV support for Asus Wifi/TV Tuner ?

[Crashless]

Eventhough this thread has moved on from VidCards:

http://hardocp.com/article.html?art=NzkxLDE=

SteinyD - You'll be happy to see a very positive review of the card you ordered, so even if it IS my fault - it's also my fault when you're playing games on that HDTV you'll eventually be prompted to buy, so remember me then too.

[SteinyD]

Crashless -

You mentioned a 3ware Raid-5 controller. I'm finding that if I want to do hardware Raid-5 (not from controller on motherboard) with Serial ATA drives, they are only produced for 64 bit PCI-X bus slots (4+ drives). This makes my original intention of building an Intel based system impossible.

It seems only server class motherboards provide PCI-X bus slots, no? Am I not understanding something?

Thank you!
David

Originally Posted by Crashless

Just to play devil's advocate:
And since we're talking performance - take a look at the 3ware RAID5 controllers, you'll get 50% more space and only a tiny performance penalty. PLUS, if you get a 8 channel card, you can use OCE and expand as you fill the space! (sorry, that's on my wishlist too...)

[Crashless]

I believe that you can put a PCI-X card (133mhz) in a normal 33mhz PCI slot and it will work just fine. It just has an extra little connector that hangs off the back of the slot.

I know of a few people who use these cards without issues in PCI motherboards, but I'm sure there's someone around here that is using one right...now...

Here's a link:

http://searchwin2000.techtarget.com/...213746,00.html

[stanger89]

3ware's run just fine in normal (PCI 32/33MHz) slots. Just need room so the extra connector doesn't hit anything.

[SteinyD]

So, the Highpoint RocketRaid 2220 can be installed in 32 bit bus? Most of these cards from Highpoint and 3Ware define 64 bit, PCI-X interface requirements.

But you are saying they'll work. What will I lose out on?

Do you guys know of Highpoint? Their Rocketraid 2220 sounds like a full featured card at a decent price point. So far, 3ware seems to be pricey.

Originally Posted by stanger89

3ware's run just fine in normal (PCI 32/33MHz) slots. Just need room so the extra connector doesn't hit anything.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by SteinyD

So, the Highpoint RocketRaid 2220 can be installed in 32 bit bus? Most of these cards from Highpoint and 3Ware define 64 bit, PCI-X interface requirements.

I have a 3ware 7506-8 running in an Abit NF7-S2G board (32bit PCI).

But you are saying they'll work. What will I lose out on?

You'll be limited to about 100MB/sec transfer rates, that's about it.

Do you guys know of Highpoint? Their Rocketraid 2220 sounds like a full featured card at a decent price point. So far, 3ware seems to be pricey.

I wouldn't touch anything from Highpoint with a 10-foot pole. That's just an IDE/SATA controller that they hacked RAID support into the drivers. You'd be better of getting a "normal" SATA card or two and running full software RAID IMO.

[SteinyD]

Have you seen Hightpoint's new controller, 2220? Supports SATA II. You sure that it is a hacked PATA controller?

As for 3Ware, 7000, 8000, 9000 series. I can't seem to determine the difference between them. Any clue?

I don't want to buy more than I need. Though, I do want support for at least 4 drives (up to 8), standby, swap, sata II.

Thanks,
David

Originally Posted by stanger89

I have a 3ware 7506-8 running in an Abit NF7-S2G board (32bit PCI).



You'll be limited to about 100MB/sec transfer rates, that's about it.



I wouldn't touch anything from Highpoint with a 10-foot pole. That's just an IDE/SATA controller that they hacked RAID support into the drivers. You'd be better of getting a "normal" SATA card or two and running full software RAID IMO.

[SteinyD]

Since I've been bending your ear on this system i want to build for so long -- I just saw this deal at Monarch. The Western Digital 320GB SATA 8MB Cache 7200RPM (WD3200JD) for $155, free shipping. If I did a Raptor as the primary (non-raid) drive for os and apps, and 3-4 of these WD drives on raid, what would you think? Am I missing something by not getting SATA II drives? Is this a decent (quality) drive?

Thanks for your input!

David

[Crashless]

Thanks for the link for the HD deal.

I'm not very familiar with the Highpoint controller, nor am I particularly versed on SATA II technology. I just didn't want you to think people are ignoring you.

In my un-informed opinion though, SATA RAIDs are great. Will you get a noticable difference using SATA II? I don't know, but I do know 4 of those drives in RAID 5 will fly, and most likly provide you with great service.

Historically WD has been good to me, but others haven't been so lucky. I would google that model number and see if others have experience with it directly, some drives have better service records than others - even within the same manufaturer.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by SteinyD

Have you seen Hightpoint's new controller, 2220? Supports SATA II. You sure that it is a hacked PATA controller?

What I meant by hack, is that Highpoint doesn't do Hardware RAID, they hack the RAID support into their drivers, where as the 3ware (and other true hardware cards) impliment the RAID on the board. Highpoint cards are essentially normal ATA/SATA controller cards running software RAID, only difference being the RAID is done at the driver instead of OS/filesystem level.

Basically Highpoint cards are like hubcaps, they're for people who want to look cool, where as real hardware cards (3ware) are like real alloy wheels.

As for 3Ware, 7000, 8000, 9000 series. I can't seem to determine the difference between them. Any clue?

The 7000 and 8000 cards, at least the 7500 and 8500 (the 7x00/7x10 are a little different), are the same, just with the 8500 being SATA, and the 7500 being PATA.

The 9500 series is their new line, the one that has onboard RAM, OCE, RLM, and battery backup. I'm not sure, but these may also be native SATA, unlike the 8500. From what I've seen there's little/no price difference between the 8500/9500 so there's no real reason to go with an 8500. Also on the 7/8500, I think the 06's have enhanced XOR (faster RAID-5).

I don't want to buy more than I need. Though, I do want support for at least 4 drives (up to 8), standby, swap, sata II.

You asked about SATA II, basically the only potential benefit is the port multipliers (5 drives on 1 port), SATA isn't a bottleneck for current drives, and probably won't be for a long time.

[SteinyD]

Getting back to my computer, I did a search for this drive. It appears the price at Monarch although good, is not a 'fantastic' deal as they can be found for $153 at Zipzoomfly and also free shipping.

From what I read on storagereview, it appears that WD is about to release their first native SATA drive (all others have a PATA -> SATA bridge chip) and thus we might see the price of these drives fall.

The reviews seem to indicate it is a relatively quiet drive compared to its competition and an average to above average performer. For my purposes, and the gigabyte per dollar cost, I think this will be the best bet! $20 more for 100gb more than the Hitachi drives!

Regards,
David

Originally Posted by Crashless

Thanks for the link for the HD deal.

I'm not very familiar with the Highpoint controller, nor am I particularly versed on SATA II technology. I just didn't want you to think people are ignoring you.

In my un-informed opinion though, SATA RAIDs are great. Will you get a noticable difference using SATA II? I don't know, but I do know 4 of those drives in RAID 5 will fly, and most likly provide you with great service.

Historically WD has been good to me, but others haven't been so lucky. I would google that model number and see if others have experience with it directly, some drives have better service records than others - even within the same manufaturer.

[SteinyD]

Thanks for the additional detail on the Highpoints. I'll go back to the 3ware and shop it a bit more - and look for the 9500 series.

I'm also less inclined to be focused on SATA II drives as you and others have suggested that the additional bandwidth is hard to recognize as its the pipes ahead of it that are the problem. It sounds like the WD3200DJ drive at 320gb for $153 is a great deal per gigabyte (albeit SATA I) as compared to the Hitachi 250gb drives at $130.

I'm slowly coming up with my configuration decisions. Still on the fence re: Intel / 830 D, 3.0ghz or AMD 64 X2 4400. :-) There is about a $350 price difference. Question is, will it extend the life of the system as we see more support for 64 bit drivers and OSs come on the scene.

Regards,
David

Originally Posted by stanger89

What I meant by hack, is that Highpoint doesn't do Hardware RAID, they hack the RAID support into their drivers, where as the 3ware (and other true hardware cards) impliment the RAID on the board. Highpoint cards are essentially normal ATA/SATA controller cards running software RAID, only difference being the RAID is done at the driver instead of OS/filesystem level.

Basically Highpoint cards are like hubcaps, they're for people who want to look cool, where as real hardware cards (3ware) are like real alloy wheels.



The 7000 and 8000 cards, at least the 7500 and 8500 (the 7x00/7x10 are a little different), are the same, just with the 8500 being SATA, and the 7500 being PATA.

The 9500 series is their new line, the one that has onboard RAM, OCE, RLM, and battery backup. I'm not sure, but these may also be native SATA, unlike the 8500. From what I've seen there's little/no price difference between the 8500/9500 so there's no real reason to go with an 8500. Also on the 7/8500, I think the 06's have enhanced XOR (faster RAID-5).



You asked about SATA II, basically the only potential benefit is the port multipliers (5 drives on 1 port), SATA isn't a bottleneck for current drives, and probably won't be for a long time.