IPC 3U-3416 and Intel Chipset connected over a Backplane

[raid40000]

I am setting up a new FreeNas with 4 disks (WD red, 4TB each, "RAID6").

I am considering to setup this IPC 3U-3416 case, with this motherboard X10SL7-F. The idea is not to buy a separate controller and use the Intel Chipset on it after flashing to IT mode.

The included backplanes only support SAS-Controller with SFF-8087 connection, so I suppose I will buy those cables and connect the SATA disks to the SAS ports on the motherboard. Is that possible ?

Moreover, the vendor advises the following:

There is a Problem with Intel Chipsets and HDDs connected over a Backplane, So it could be that you run here into Trouble. So you should plan to buy a adittional bootable Controller.​

My question is whether I should really expect a problem with that case or connecting the hard drives to a blackplane with an Intel Chipset or that is more just a safety warning. Anyone has experience with an Inter-tech case (or similar) and that motherboard?

Any advice is welcome

 

[jgreco]

The SAS controller on the Supermicro boards is an LSI part, not an Intel part. Use a reverse breakout cable as explained in the SAS primer to connect the backplanes to the motherboard SAS ports. This may also work for the onboard Intel SATA ports; I really think you could just try it and see. If not, you can always add another LSI controller as outlined in the LSI sticky. For a four disk setup, my suggestion would be just to get a reverse breakout, hook it up to the Intel SATA ports for now, and when it works, just move on with your life. When you want to expand in the future, then hook up the LSI based ports. In the odd case where it doesn't work, plug the cables into the LSI, which will let you drive up to 8 drives, and after that throw in an IBM ServeRAID M1015 and call it a day.

 

[Harsesis]

I have a very similar setup running! I'm using the same mainboard with the 4U Version of your case from inter tech. I had some trouble getting it to work but just because I got some faulty cables.
See: https://forums.freenas.org/index.php?threads/38385/

With proper cables it works without any problems!

 

[jgreco]

Glad to hear that all worked out for you, @Harsesis

 

[Harsesis]

Yeah I am very happy. I finally got into 19" format. Pure geek porn ^^ @jgreco