USB 2 or eSATA PCI card

[Jason Joines]

Michael Hipp wrote:
> Jason Joines wrote:
>   
>> -------- Original Message  --------
>> From: Michael Hipp <Michael at Hipp.com>
>> To:
>> Subject: Re:USB 2 or eSATA PCI card
>> Date: Wed Nov 01 2006 10:23:40 GMT-0600 (CST)
>>     
>>> Jason Joines wrote:
>>>       
>>>>     I need a cheap Linux compatible USB 2 or eSATA PCI card.  eSATA
>>>> would be preferable but all the cards I've come across are PCI-Express. 
>>>> I don't need any raid on the card as I intend to use Linux software raid
>>>> for portability.  I've come across several cheap USB 2 cards but can't
>>>> tell if they will be usable by the information provided or searching
>>>> linux-usb.org.
>>>>
>>>>     Can anyone recommend anything they are actually using?
>>>>         
>>> I've had great success with StarTech.com USB2 PCI cards. I've used them in 
>>> several servers. Plug them and they work.
>>>       
>>     Thanks for the tip.  Do you happen to know the difference between
>> their "4 Port USB 2.0 PCI Card" and their "Value 4 Port USB 2.0 PCI
>> Card"?  I looked at the specs and couldn't tell but the value card is
>> less than half the price.
>>     
>
> I have no idea. I'm pretty sure I've always used the "value" card judging from 
> the price, but I don't remember that moniker on it. I strive to be a 
> cheapskate whenever circumstances allow.
>
> If you'd like I can look at a couple of mine to see which model they are. I 
> have one in a server at my office and one on the shelf IIRC. But it will be 
> tomorrow as I'm onsite at a client today.
>
> Michael
>   



    Just heard back from their sales folks.  The "Value" card uses an
ALI chipset and the more expensive one uses a VIA chipset.  That doesn't
mean anything to me so I'll probably go with the cheaper one too.  If
you get a chance it would be nice to know which one you are using
successfully though.


Thanks,

Jason
===========