I searched the forum, but I didn't find a definitive answer:

Does SuSE Linux 9.2 support the 3ware 8006-2LP controller? I would like to buy that one to have real hardware raid and to be able to access the raid as one single device (e.g. /dev/sda).

All 3ware cards work with every version of Linux. You're safe.

Thank you, that's great news!

I was just wondering because on the 3ware web site, it says something about SuSE Linux 7.x and 8.x, but nothing about 9.2 ...

Just a brief follow-up: Could I remove one HDD from the computer and use it in a different computer without first breaking the array? I mean is the file system/partition table readable by a different computer without this controller?

Could I remove one HDD from the computer and use it in a different computer without first breaking the array? I mean is the file system/partition table readable by a different computer without this controller?

If you have it as a mirror, you will be able to read it on another box. If it's striped(RAID 0), then no. It isn't software RAID, it hardware so it doesn't need to write any RAID emulation on the disks itself. So you can remove the drive gracefully via the web interface, and then pop it into another computer if you wish.

Thank you. Yes, I will do mirroring (RAID 1). It is clear that I can reuse the disk in another box if I remove it gracefully via the controller. However, if the controller itself breaks, can I reuse the drive directly in a different computer (or controller)?

If you are mirrored, you can use it on another box. Even if the array is ungracefully broken.

But, if you are running this on a server- you should keep another hardware RAID card around as a just in case backup. If uptime is important, you should have a spare. All hardware eventually fails. Even rocks turn to dust, so just keep that in mind.

OK, thanks for your great replies!