G4 and Adaptec SCSI

[Polaris]

I noticed Digi doesn't recommend Adaptec SCSI cards because they, "failed some of our preliminary tests". Can you explain what the problems are? I am running a G4/400/9.0.1 PT5 Mix system with an Adaptec 39160 dual SCSI card and it works fine. (Don't use alot of plugin's though). Adaptec has a G4/Mix+ system at their offices which they claim works fine. Any clues?

[Steve Rosenthal]

The cards that failed were the 2940UW, 3940UW, and 2940U2W. They gave us serious PCI bus performance problems.

We are currently testing the 39160 which is an entirely new card. So far, preliminary tests look promising.



------------------
--Steve Rosenthal, Digidesign ETS

[Rocco]

I performed an extreme test in a G4 350 AGP 576 MB RAM(with an Adaptec 3940 UW and two cheetah 9 GB HD. I actually used only one of the cheetahs for this.
I recorded 32 tracks while reproducing other 32 (different files, not duplicates of the same) running digital video out of a miro DC30 plus on the same drive. I´m not kidding.
I also recorded 16 simultaneous tracks to an ATA 33 (the computer´s 10 GB system disk with 2 partitions) and even more to a Barracuda Ultra ATA 66 7200 rpm.
I always follow Digi´s recommendations for every system, (I use the ATTO cards and the 3940 UW for our DDS-4 backer in our server machine) but enjoy finding out that there are other options (many of them, if not all more cost effective)to get the job done.

[Coz]

Steve,
I'm interested in the 39160. I just bought a PT system and am putting it together. I read on compatability docs that my only choice for SCSI card is the ATTO in a g4 agp. I don't like the ATTO cards because of the special cables you have to get, and that they charge $500 bucks for technology that is hardly cutting edge.

I'll get the ATTO if I must, but I would much rather get the adaptec if it looks like it's going to pass muster with you guys.

Any feedback would be greatly apprieciated.

Thanks

Coz

[mario]

Hi Steve,
Do you have an idea of when could we find about the adaptec card?, I'm putting a system together and would hate to buy the Atto if the adaptec will work.
Thanks

Mario

[Steve Rosenthal]

The Adaptec 39160 is in test. There isn't much else I can say until testing is completed.

Meanwhile the ATTO card is supported and works very well.



------------------
--Steve Rosenthal, Digidesign ETS

[tiffany]

If I do get the ATTO SCSI, do I need the ADS?

[Polaris]

FWIW: I have been using a G4/400 AGP w/ the Adaptec 39160 card and it is working flawlessly. Called Adaptec at one point and they knew all about Protools (even had a 32ch Mix+ in their offices which their tech guy says "just purrs"!) Digi says it looks promising, can't wait til its approved so I can breath a little easier as it it a real screamer! Ain't the cheapest card, but worth the price IMHO.