As far as I know, there isn't any real advantages between a PERC card for RAID and embedded RAID. You can argue that if the PERC card goes bad, you can replace it more easily than having to replace a motherboard to fix a RAID problem. I don't know anyone who buys extra PERC cards just in case. The configurations of the PERC card and embedded RAID are similar. Firmin Charlot AIS -----Original Message----- From: Linda Losik [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 1:11 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [MSUNAG] PERC Card Clarification It does depend on what you want to do with the server. If there is a machine that is critical with littler or no down time, then split the backplane using dual processors, one to be RAID 1 and the other to be RAID 5. If it is mission critical with no down time, then RAID 10 would be appropriate. _____ From: MSU Network Administrators Group [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Arthur H. Shank II (Chip) Sent: Friday, June 24, 2005 10:35 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: [MSUNAG] PERC Card Clarification Does anybody have a strong opinion on the benefits/differences to the following PERC cards, that can be ordered on DELL Poweredge Servers? We will be running RAID 5... and currently I was just going to stick with the EMBEDDED perc, as I have done in the past.... I don't see any real advantage to having the extra CARD??? 1. Embedded PERC4ei 2. PERC4/DC card 3. On-Board RAID 5, Split Backplane Thanks, Chip ______________________________________ Arthur H. Shank II (Chip) Michigan State University Department of Psychology Systems Programmer & Administrator 312 Psychology Bldg. 517-353-0000