http://download.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/srcsas18e/sb/axxrpcm2_ tps_10.pdf Benefits are identified in this PDF. Data caching (write-back cache can greatly improve write performance) Busy databases servers commonly need lots of I/O Also consider running RAID10 if you have drive availability (4 drive minimum) as you will get much higher I/O performance with that as well especially with writes. Though if you need the capacity, RAID5 will give you one drive more of capacity. RAID10 can also give you a smaller chance of data loss due to drive failures as you can potentially lose up to half of your drives and still operate whereas using RAID5 and losing 2+ drives = disaster. -----Original Message----- From: tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org [mailto:tclug-list-bounces at mn-linux.org] On Behalf Of Robert De Mars Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 10:30 AM To: tclug-list at mn-linux.org Subject: [tclug-list] OT - Hardware Advice Hello, and a good day to you all. I am about to order a new server for my job, and I was wondering about the raid controller option. The box is going to used for running a very busy database. I have the option for Intel SAS RAID Controller or Intel SAS RAID Controller w/ Portable Cache Module (Add $450.00) I am planning on running 2 drives as raid 1 for the OS (Slackware), and 3 drives as raid 5 for the database. What is the benefit of the Portable cache module. I am not concerned about the price, just if this is something I should consider. Any thought would be great. Thank You!!! Robert De Mars http://b-o-b.homelinux.com _______________________________________________ TCLUG Mailing List - Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota tclug-list at mn-linux.org http://mailman.mn-linux.org/mailman/listinfo/tclug-list