The correct way to connect multiple Intel SSD DC S3610 to the server

[VSmir1]

Hi,

We wish to use multiple servers to 8 SSD Intel SSD DC S3610 each. Normally, we connect the drives to the HBA LSI 3008. However, with the HBA has the problems described in this topic:

Besides, Intel® Solid-State Drive Data Center Tool does not work through this LSI HBA.

There is a way to connect the drives to the controller Intel on the motherboard ( for example, we using Supermicro X10DRW-I ), but it can cause bus saturation. SATA ports on motherboards using DMI 2.0 (data transfer rate to 2 GB/s with a ×4 link). At the same time, sequential read speed one SSD up to 550MB/s.

1) Are there any plans to support LSI HBA in Intel® Solid-State Drive Data Center Tool?

2) How to properly connect multiple SSD to one server without loss of performance?

Thank you.

[jbenavides]

Hello vlad_stp,

Thehttps://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/23931/Intel-Solid-State-Drive-Data-Center-Tool Intel® SSD Data Center Tool requires the storage controller to pass the necessary information to allow interaction between the SSD and the application. We will pass your feedback about this to our resources, however, the manufacturer of the storage adapter is the one to confirm if a specific drive model and firwmware version is compatible with their device.

We advise you to check with the manufacturer of the storage adapter (LSI/Avago) to know if they plan to validate/support the Intel® SSD DC S3610 Series for use with their controllers, and to allow Intel management tools to interact with them.

Regarding loss of performance if you use the SATA ports handled by the chipset; we understand that some 3rd party storage HBA's may be more robust than the onboard storage controller, however, we are not aware of any performance issues with the Intel PCH under regular workload conditions. We will check further on this, however, you might also want to contact the http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/topics/oems.html Computer Manufacturer Support to know the best option to connect multiple drives to your Supermicro Server.

[VSmir1]

Thanks for your answer,

We ask the question of the compatibility of the manufacturer HBA (LSI/Avago).

However, if we decide to use Intel PCH, there's a question:

- On most modern motherboards have the common SATA ports, and some sSATA (Intel SCU) ports. We can use them together in AHCI mode? https://downloadcenter.intel.com/download/23931/Intel-Solid-State-Drive-Data-Center-Tool Intel® Solid-State Drive Data Center Tool will work fine?

I have some remark about a performance:

- Intel uses to test performance SSD solutions from LSI (http://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/product-briefs/ssd-dc-s3x10-series-brief... http://www.intel.com/content/dam/www/public/us/en/documents/product-briefs/ssd-dc-s3x10-series-brief...)

[jbenavides]

Hello vlad_stp,

As you mentioned, the test system used in the document you linked before had an LSI* 9265-8i controller. Please keep in mind that this document is meant to remark the advantages of using the Intel® SSD DC family for SATA (S3710, S3610, S3510 Series) in Data Center environments, therefore, it used a standard system for the evaluation.

However, if you plan to use these drives with a 3rd party Storage HBA, we advise you to confirm with the vendor if they support the SSD's you plan to use, and which firmware versions have been validated.

In regards to the optimal configuration for your Server, we would advise you to check on this with the Computer Manufacturer, as they normally have best practices and examples.