Question 1

Does the card provide S.M.A.R.T information in the latest Linux operating systems? (i.e. Ubuntu 16.04LTS).

I do not see reference to the SMART capabilities of this card.

Accepted Answer

I can see SMART info on my drives connected to this controller under Debian (running openmediavault). Can't specifically confirm Ubuntu, but I'd guess it'd work... ymmv.

Question 2

Does this card come with breakout cables or which ones would you recommend?

Accepted Answer

It doesn't come with breakout cables.

I got some described as "Monoprice 0.5m 30AWG Internal Mini SAS 36pin (SFF-8087) Male w/ Latch to SATA 7pin Female (x4) Forward Breakout Cable - Black"

They seem a little flimsy. No problems however. I wanted to be sure to get some with latches on the drive side of the cable.

Question 3

Will this work in SYS-5018A-FTN4 ?

Accepted Answer

I have never used a SYS-5018A-FTN4.
I did install this card in a RD240 intel based server running centos 7 and I have been very pleased with this card and it's support in the Linux community. If the server is running Linux the odds are high that the card will be supported.

Question 4

has anyone used this card with win 10 or does anyone know if this card is compatible with win 10?

thanks

Accepted Answer

Windows 10 drivers are avialable

Question 5

Many of the reviews talk about adding a fan/heat sync. Can anyone recommend one for this card? Will any 40mm cpu heat sync work?

Accepted Answer

I used "Enzotech SLF-1 Forged copper 1100 Fan & Heatsinks", but it is no longer available on newegg. The specs were: Fan Dimensions
35 x 35 x 6 mm
Heatsink Dimensions
37 x 37 x 13.5(H) mm

Low Profile - The total height is 12mm which reduces the likelihood of interference with other components and provides the best efficiency within a limited space.

Multiple push pin locations for universal mounting on various board assembly. (hole to hole distance 54.6mm and 59m).

Question 6

Does this support hot swap/hot plug?

Accepted Answer

Supermicro does not mention it on any of their raid cards throughout their entire lineup. I do have this card connected to a hot swappable drive backplane and I use it as such. It seems to work fine in my case.

Question 7

I'm trying to build a Hard Drive test rig for SATA/SAS/IDE drives. Will this card work and what cables would I need to make this happen? (Thanks in Advance)

Accepted Answer

You need SFF-8087 cables, I got these with my card, and they work fine
3ware CBL-SFF8087OCF-06M (You need 2)
I haven't tried it, but a lot of drive testing tools don't play nicely on lesser known controller chipsets, but ymmv.  You can definitely get smart data from the drives through the controller, though.

Question 8

Does this card work with Ubuntu 18 LTS and SnapRaid?

Accepted Answer

I'm running Mint 19 which is based on Ubuntu 18.04 LTS.  I'm not sure about SnapRAID.

Question 9

Can more than one of these cards be used at a time in a PC running windows?

Accepted Answer

We put 4 cards on a Super Micro server running Windows server 2012.

Question 10

I can't seem to fit it into my case... my gfx card's bracket is 4 1/2 inches and at the moment I don't have my card to measure, and was wondering how long the brackets are on this SAS card since it doesn't fit for some reason.. it's like a mm off of getting into the slot.. not sure why if gfx card can fit, why can't this??? Odd.. Any help appreciated..

Accepted Answer

The narrow tab of the bracket is safe to bend. On some systems I need to widen the case slot with a slot head screw driver. Case tolerances are often pretty sloppy but it's safe to bend the bracket.

Questions & Answers