*BSD News Article 21271


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Xref: sserve comp.os.386bsd.development:1235 comp.periphs.scsi:14087
Path: sserve!newshost.anu.edu.au!munnari.oz.au!news.Hawaii.Edu!ames!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!asuacad!ibujam
Organization: Arizona State University
Date: Tue, 21 Sep 1993 10:24:33 MST
From: <IBUJAM@ASUACAD.BITNET>
Message-ID: <93264.102434IBUJAM@ASUACAD.BITNET>
Newsgroups: comp.os.386bsd.development,comp.periphs.scsi
Subject: Re: Plans for Adaptec 2742?
Distribution: world
References: <1993Sep18.164043.26737@cc.umontreal.ca>
 <CDKn31.FAD@world.std.com> <27j3ge$k0o@belfast.dcd.wa.gov.au>
Lines: 30

Here are my experiences with the 2742:

 1) Installed one in a Netware 3.11 server that has no history of
    problems. Used the driver downloaded from Adaptec BBS (it was
    one of the LOCKEDxx files that I had to call tech support to
    get the password). Installation on the server with the new
    card was SLOOOOOW; the new card is actually slower than the
    16 bit 1540 it replaced! Also crashed the server when disk
    usage got heavy.

 2) Removed the card from the server and placed it on my personal
    workstation. I have a Maxtor 1240, Texel CD-Rom, and a Tandberg
    tape unit. Card sees all of the devices. Go to install the SCSI
    Express which I bought a few short months ago and find the 2742
    is not supported. Back to tech support (on hold for 40 minutes).
    They tell me to call the new sales number (new sales number
    answers on the first ring). They give me the corporate number
    and extension to call. Corporate gives me the FAX back number
    and document to reference. Get the FAX document and find that
    since I bought SCSI Express in May, I must now buy version 2
    to get support for the 2742. So much for Adaptec support.

 3) Adaptec is the only SCSI vendor I've ever dealt with that does
    not provide DOS/Windows support with their cards. Add to this
    the fact that the new card, an EISA BUS MASTER, is slower than
    their 16 bit 1540.

My guess is that with this kind of technology (not) and support (not)
Adaptec will soon be in Chapter xx. The 2742 cards went back to the
supplier yesterday. Goodbye, Adaptec.