6gb SAS Raid Controller for Dell R510

[3one5]

I need a hardware SAS Raid controller for a Dell R510 server that is compatible with ESXi 5. I would like to use raid 5. The server has a 8 drive back plane in it and I would like the ability to use standard SATA drives if possible.

Unless it's not already evident I don't know a whole lot about SAS. I assume that the back plane that I have in the server will work with another card other than what dell has to offer, is that correct?

Any suggestions on a card?

 

[mwarps]

We just deployed a few R510 servers with the H700, which should be esxi-happy

 

[3one5]

Anyone know if I am limited to using a Dell card?

 

[Netwerkz101]

<snipped>
Any suggestions on a card?

Anyone know if I am limited to using a Dell card?

You should be able to use other cards.

Dell's PERCs are normally rebranded versions of Adaptec or LSI cards with Dell's own firmware.

ie ... Dell's PERC H700 is similar to LSI's 9260-8i

If you are in the lower 48 of the US, I have an H700 I'll let go for $325 shippped.