What is SCSI?
SCSI is a type of interface used for computer components such as hard drives, optical units, scanners and tape units. It is a competitive technology for standard IDE (Integrated Drive Electronics). While cheaper IDE technology is built into the motherboards, SCSI is a technology that must be added by purchasing a special driver. The SCSI card fits into the internal PCI slot and the associated devices are then connected to this card.
This interface is faster and more robust technology than ID, besides speed, is another big advantage over IDE that the card can connect 15 or more devices in the Daisy string. The controller assigns to each device its own ID, which allows great flexibility to expand any system.
SCSI, especially hard drives, are designed for use 24/7 to solve the needs of the server market. For this reason, units are usually performed on higher standards and have longer stir up than Ide of comparable capacity units. Added speed and kHowever, the validity comes for the price. SCSI components are significantly more expensive than their cousins.
As technology has evolved, different varieties with different reference speeds have emerged. Different versions use different PIN connectors. Therefore, it is important to compare the right SCSI controller with the required components. For example, if the drive is Ultra 320, the SCSI-I controller will not work with it. The controller must support the Ultra 320 to be compatible. This is followed by a list of data transmission in megabytes per second (MB/sec):
to 10 Mb/sec
20 MB/sec
40 MB/sec
80MB/sec
160 MB/sec
320 MB/sec
For the server, SCSI can be a great choice for RAID (redundant field of independent disks) as other units can be added as needed. If a pocket book cannot afford a SCSI raid, or if, as in the case of an end user, the technology is excessive, SATA RAID is a good alternative at an affordable price.