LSI 9211-8i versus LSI 9260-8i versus Areca 1231ML-2G

[SkOrPn]

lol

[mbreslin]

05/25/2010 8:08 A.M. OUT FOR DELIVERY

Is there a common iometer config everyone is using? I'd like to do full scaling 1-8 drives with/without fp.

Thanks.

[Computurd]

umm not really, just set up 4k runs, both seq and random, or use crystal disk mark for fast comparisons. how familiar with iometer are you? if you need a guide real fast lemme know.

[Computurd]

here is some i use...

[Computurd]

well i have put my drives through the wringer the last few days LOL

http://service.futuremark.com/compare?pcmv=324602

[mbreslin]

@computurd: That's the score I said was good the other day, I saw it while browsing results. Hopefully I'll have something new to put up soon. My key is here, going to spend tomorrow benching and maybe try for a new pcmv pb.

[Computurd]

well up to tenth on the pcmv which is UBER lol..need some gen 2 !!

here is the main thing i have to say about FASTPATH...on the right is fastpath, on the left is before FP with the latest firmware.

[GullLars]

If you find yourself with some free time on your hands, here's huge the post i promised earlier in another thread. It was around 3500 words in norwegian, but i cut it down a bit in translation, so it ended up just above 2000 words here
http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/...d.php?t=252695
I posted it in a new thread i made for general SSD discussions, rants, curiosities, etc. I'll probably post more there later, and will use that thread to gather up links to usefull or interresting threads, reviews, and general info.

[SteveRo]

@ Paul - very nice improvement in pcmv - congrats!
@ mbreslin - based on what Paul is seeing with fastpath - i am bracing for a huge score from you! best of luck!

[eva2000]

very nice!

where do you actually order the fastpath key ??

[0xdeadbeef]

SCSI4ME have them for $158:

http://www.scsi4me.com/lsi00247-fast...9260-9280.html

[mbreslin]

It's where I got mine, fast shipping, about to install now.

[Computurd]

before you beat up some pcmv mbreslin if you could just show me some 4k scaling..wondering if it is the top of my drives or the max the iop will do...think its max for my drives...

[SkOrPn]

Computurd, does the Fastpath key work best with Indilinx or Sandforce based drives?

[Computurd]

oh i am sure it works best with sandforce. results are coming now on the performnace with other drive types. sandforce drives are better, and i think any drives that are faster will do better.

[SkOrPn]

Ok thanks for the info. Something mbreslin said made me think Indilinx were better with this fastpath key. I was thinking of replacing my Vertex with Agility 2's, but probably just going to wait for next generation as there is always something new just around the corner.

[Computurd]

the intel refresh with 25nm and (hopefully, if rumors are true) 6gb/s sata connections are just around the corner. that is what i am waiting for, but that also depends upon jetstream and how it performs. either intel or jetstream.

[SkOrPn]

the intel refresh with 25nm and (hopefully, if rumors are true) 6gb/s sata connections are just around the corner. that is what i am waiting for, but that also depends upon jetstream and how it performs. either intel or jetstream.

Price vs Performance.... The Agility 2 is only $180 for the 50GB drives. I want 4 drives to replace my 4 vertex at a cost of $800 or less, lol.... thats my limit...

[GullLars]

I'd wait for 6Gbps drives Skorpn, barefoot drives have pretty decent performance, so $800 to replace 4 of them wouldn't give you the same level of performance boost as when you got them in the first place. (unless you're doing some heavy database or VM work)

[SkOrPn]

I'd wait for 6Gbps drives Skorpn, barefoot drives have pretty decent performance, so $800 to replace 4 of them wouldn't give you the same level of performance boost as when you got them in the first place. (unless you're doing some heavy database or VM work)

I wouldn't replace the Vertexs with barefoot drives, they are barefoot drives, lol, I would replace them with Sandforce drives. But yeah I agree, I think I will try and hold out for something new that wont break the bank.

[GullLars]

I meant that Vertexs as barefoot drives have pretty decent performance, i'm sorry if it came over any other way. The point is, for most uses, the $800 to replace with newer SSDs will give you a performance boost, but nothing like when you first bought them. If you wait for the next gen 6Gbps drives, you might get a tangable performance increase for $800 (that will ofc require a 6Gbps controller).

[SkOrPn]

I meant that Vertexs as barefoot drives have pretty decent performance, i'm sorry if it came over any other way. The point is, for most uses, the $800 to replace with newer SSDs will give you a performance boost, but nothing like when you first bought them. If you wait for the next gen 6Gbps drives, you might get a tangable performance increase for $800 (that will ofc require a 6Gbps controller).

Yeah I agree, but those agility's look awful nice for their price, lol. Im going to wait until someone releases an affordable sata3 drive, then start planning my upgrade...

[Computurd]

Yes, the smart money is going to be waiting right now LOL waiting for the next big thing!

[Wintel64]

Anyone try the LSI 9211 new firmware ver. 07.00.00.00?

http://www.lsi.com/storage_home/prod...-8i/index.html


Product: Firmware
Version: 07.00.00.00
Release Date: 05-AUG-10
Release Type: GCA

Defects Fixed (64)
Enhancements Implemented (35)
Defects Fixed (64):
SCGCQ00135004 - SPV: Fault 0x0501 when drive is pulled.
SCGCQ00135037 - SPV: Virtual Expander does not reply to SMP Report Zone Manager Password Request.
SCGCQ00136195 - 1901 Fault due to a Port open fail interrupt without a matching transport error.
SCGCQ00136685 - SPV: Add check to verify if a Virtual Function is allowed to access a Virtual Port.
SCGCQ00138178 - Write Cache enable to be done after we are done with all in memory things
SCGCQ00138417 - IR : Resync can be Pending and in progress at the same time on a Raid 10 Volume
SCGCQ00141209 - Status FIS filelds are zero SATA Passthrough reply for PIO-in cmds
SCGCQ00141555 - Unable to execute diagnostic console commands after fault
SCGCQ00141606 - Change hardcoded fault code to a properly defined code.
SCGCQ00141622 - Calculation of pl memory may be bigger than necessary for some regions.
SCGCQ00141891 - Degraded Physical Disk coming as optimal when a diag reset is issued on a pending resync raid10 volume in Linux
SCGCQ00142962 - (IOP-Only) PCIe 2.0 Hardware Fix for TB A.0 is not conditional
SCGCQ00142963 - (IOP-Only) Interrupt Coalescing is not initialized properly if Multi-MSIX reply is not enabled
SCGCQ00143378 - Flashing a thunder bolt or meteor with DDR enabled FW cause a 1808 fault followed by a recursive 265d fault
SCGCQ00143655 - Read Long command to SATA device does not complete
SCGCQ00144748 - Obtaining proper value of Standby condition timer from Power condition mode page (page 0x1a) for a mode select command.
SCGCQ00145610 - Converting SATA Standby count to proper Standby condition timer value in Power condition mode page (page 0x1a) for mode sense command.
SCGCQ00145728 - Removing dead code for volume inline update

[DooRules]

also new FW, drivers and storage manager for 9260-8i.....http://www.lsi.com/channel/products/...-8i/index.html