HighPoint RocketRAID 1640 PCI based Controller - any good?

switch_abx · 01-08-2006, 02:44 PM

I have some old CUSL computer here. One of them doesn't work anymore, because the old 30Gig IBM HD died.

I am considering to continue using it using Linux as a Proxy Server with two Raptors. Raptors are fast (which is important for a Proxy server) and their life is long compared to IDE disks (?!).

Question: is this SATA RAID controller any good? Price is reasonable for a RAID Controller with RAID 0,1,5, 10 and JBOD. Anyone who can advise me?

I also looked at ACCM 3Ware and Adaptec, but they are too expensive. They have cheaper RAID contollers, but these only offer, RAID 0,1, 10 and JBOD.

Zeppelin · 01-08-2006, 03:57 PM

Sorry, this card does not have RAID 5.

http://www.highpoint-tech.com/USA/rr1640.htm

**pointreyes** · 01-08-2006, 05:41 PM

You have two things against you.
1) You claim you want a fast proxy server using Raptors but you want to use a cheap controller? Cheap controllers do not equate to fast controllers. HPT makes good controllers but not of the robust high quality of a 3Ware controller. Plus you will be off loading a good portion of the RAID operations to the processor. I have the same situation with RAIDCore but I have some very powerful procs handling that controller. The 3Ware controllers handles most of the load of the RAID operations and hence the reason for the higher cost.
2) PCI 33Mhz bus. Your Raptors might be fast but they will be limited with a good hi-speed SATA RAID controller when on a slow bus. Not as important with RAID 5 (if you decide to go that configuration) especially with the HPT but nevertheless the money spent on those Raptors will not be fully used on a PCI 33Mhz bus. I'm facing that same problem with my SCSI drives on my Intel system.

If you interested in a cheap solution using IDE drives - I have it. My 3Ware 7450 controller is collecting dust in my attic. I had Whining Digitals attached to that unit for a couple years and they survived quite well on that controller. Another kudos with a 3Ware is that Linux loves 3Ware controllers. Some of the windows-based controllers are slightly slower on a Linux platform.

switch_abx · 01-10-2006, 01:35 PM

Zeppeling, the online vendor stated that that Controller supports RAID 5. Thanks for correcting me on the info of the vendor.

Pointreyes, thanks for your feedback. I'll forget about the Highpoint. And thanks for your offer for the 3Ware. I decided to go for a SATA Controller. Thanks anyhow, I much appreciate it!

01-08-2006, 02:44 PM	#1
switch_abx Xen now Citrix's Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 2,609	HighPoint RocketRAID 1640 PCI based Controller - any good? I have some old CUSL computer here. One of them doesn't work anymore, because the old 30Gig IBM HD died. I am considering to continue using it using Linux as a Proxy Server with two Raptors. Raptors are fast (which is important for a Proxy server) and their life is long compared to IDE disks (?!). Question: is this SATA RAID controller any good? Price is reasonable for a RAID Controller with RAID 0,1,5, 10 and JBOD. Anyone who can advise me? I also looked at ACCM 3Ware and Adaptec, but they are too expensive. They have cheaper RAID contollers, but these only offer, RAID 0,1, 10 and JBOD.
(Offline)

01-08-2006, 03:57 PM	#2
Zeppelin Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 1,203	Sorry, this card does not have RAID 5. http://www.highpoint-tech.com/USA/rr1640.htm
(Offline)

01-08-2006, 05:41 PM	#3
pointreyes The race for quality has no finish line- so technically, it's more like a death march. Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 18,159	You have two things against you. 1) You claim you want a fast proxy server using Raptors but you want to use a cheap controller? Cheap controllers do not equate to fast controllers. HPT makes good controllers but not of the robust high quality of a 3Ware controller. Plus you will be off loading a good portion of the RAID operations to the processor. I have the same situation with RAIDCore but I have some very powerful procs handling that controller. The 3Ware controllers handles most of the load of the RAID operations and hence the reason for the higher cost. 2) PCI 33Mhz bus. Your Raptors might be fast but they will be limited with a good hi-speed SATA RAID controller when on a slow bus. Not as important with RAID 5 (if you decide to go that configuration) especially with the HPT but nevertheless the money spent on those Raptors will not be fully used on a PCI 33Mhz bus. I'm facing that same problem with my SCSI drives on my Intel system. If you interested in a cheap solution using IDE drives - I have it. My 3Ware 7450 controller is collecting dust in my attic. I had Whining Digitals attached to that unit for a couple years and they survived quite well on that controller. Another kudos with a 3Ware is that Linux loves 3Ware controllers. Some of the windows-based controllers are slightly slower on a Linux platform.
(Offline)

01-10-2006, 01:35 PM	#4
switch_abx Xen now Citrix's Join Date: Feb 2001 Posts: 2,609	Zeppeling, the online vendor stated that that Controller supports RAID 5. Thanks for correcting me on the info of the vendor. Pointreyes, thanks for your feedback. I'll forget about the Highpoint. And thanks for your offer for the 3Ware. I decided to go for a SATA Controller. Thanks anyhow, I much appreciate it!
(Offline)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode