Dantz provides SCSI card report under OS X
updated 12:20 pm EDT, Fri September 20, 2002
Dantz passed along a cautionary note about using Adaptec SCSI controllers under Mac OS X, noting that they do not function in a consistent, reliable manner and recommending the use of the latest Initio Miles firmware for Mac OS X 10.2 for use under OS X.
DANTZ UPDATE ON SCSI ADAPTERS IN MAC OS X
ADAPTEC SCSI CARDS
Ongoing testing by DantzLab has found that Adaptec SCSI cards do not
function in a consistent, reliable manner when used with Mac OS X. These
findings are supported by hundreds of reports from customers who have
experienced problems with tape and CD-RW devices attached to Adaptec
SCSI cards.
The problem, which affects all versions of Mac OS X including 10.2
(Jaguar), is not application specific. Rather, incorrect data is passed
by the SCSI card to and from any program communicating with a SCSI
device. The result may simply be an inaccessible device, or worse, data
corruption can occur.
Adaptec has been made aware of this problem, and they are working on a
solution. However, until this issue is resolved, Dantz can no longer
recommend or support Adaptec SCSI adapters for use with Mac OS X. These
adapters include the Adaptec 2906, 2930 (which is also the $49 Ultra
SCSI card option with the Power Mac G4), 29160, 29160N, and 39160 SCSI
controllers.
When Adaptec releases new software drivers that provide reliable
functionality in Mac OS X, we will reinstate support for Adaptec SCSI
adapters at that time.
INITIO SCSI CARDS
Initio has released new beta software drivers that provide reliable
device access in Mac OS X 10.2 with their mid- and high-level cards, the
Miles and Miles U2W. Dantz is working with Initio engineers to help them
provide Mac OS X support for their entry-level card, the INI-9090U
"Miles Bluenote."
CURRENTLY SUPPORTED SCSI CARDS FOR MAC OS X 10.2
The following SCSI adapter cards are supported for use with Retrospect
and Mac OS X:
- ATTO ExpressPCI PSC
- ATTO ExpressPCI DC
- ATTO ExpressPCI UL3S
- ATTO ExpressPCI UL3D
- Initio INI-9100UW "Miles"
- Initio INI-A100U2W "Miles U2W"
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Sep 2001
ATTO baby..ATTO...
Shh..the inside scoop is Apple has it in with ATTO (controlling interest or similiar). But not with Adaptec. Thus, having an ATTO card means "no problemo, senior".
I had so many calls to Adaptec (tech ID? tech ID? TSP ??) that I knew the support by name. Honestly, it was an Adaptec tech that confirmed my suspicion: the $400+ investment for each 2940UW and LVD card was wasted. Even the 29160N was a problem. And who can afford 10 PD39160 cards??? And ATTO isn't cheap either..likely $299 for good Ultra card.
Want smooth SCSI operations, get the ATTO. Afterall, i own shares in them both... :)