LSI softraid Intel s2600cp4 motherboard

[jroddingham]

So I am building this new esxi 5.5 server. Install CD does not recognize my storage. From what I am reading, softraid isn't supported at all with esxi. Does this mean just no official support, or does that mean it simply won't work? I tried modifying the install cd with VMware Front Experience: ESXi-Customizer, and the Intel driver from https://downloadcenter.intel.com/Detail_Desc.aspx?agr=Y&DwnldID=23122&keyword=esxi+raid&DownloadType=Drivers&OSFullname=…

No joy ensues. So am I stuck having to purchase a hardware raid card then?

[weinstein5]

Welcome to the Community - No software RAID is supported and won't work - so I an sorry to say you will have to doll money for a hardware RAID card -

[a_p_]

Welcome to the Community,

I'm not aware of any software RAID which works on ESXi, so if RAID is required you need to get a supported controller.

André.

[jroddingham]

Thank you both for your prompt response. My eyes are bleeding now after trying to find a card to suit my needs. Trying to find something that can support 4 internal SATA/SAS drives (I already have the cables to convert from SAS to SATA and 4 pin power breakout) and comes in under say, $250.00. Is there a go-to RAID card that anyone cares to suggest?

I am looking at this: VMware Compatibility Guide: I/O Device Search

NeweggBusiness - Intel RMS25JB040 PCI-Express 2.0 x8 SATA / SAS Integrated RAID Module

But I am trying to figure out how that works as far as hardware connections are concerned. I have SAS drives that take that type of connector.

Disregard that. That module isn't compatible with this motherboard as per the Intel site.

[a_p_]

Depending on the hardware you use, you may want to look at e.g. the DELL PERC controllers (see VMware Compatibility Guide: I/O Device Search), but keep in mind that if you need disk performance you should look for a controller which has a BBU option (battery backed write cache for write-back operation).

André