User`s guide

Chapter 4: Installing the SATA/SAS Controller and Disk Drives l20
Use high-quality cables to connect your controller to your internal or external
device(s).Adaptec recommends using only Adaptec SATA/SAS cables. For more information or
to purchase cables, visit the Adaptec Web site at www.adaptec.com.
Connecting Devices to SATA/SAS Controllers
You can connect SAS or SATA disk drives, tape drives, DVD-ROM drives, or a combination of
these devices as well as backplanes, enclosures, or SAS expanders to your SAS controller. See
www.adaptec.com/compatibility for a list of compatible devices. There are no jumpers or
switches to set before installation.
The following are the options in which the SATA/SAS controller is connected to target devices.
● Connecting Disk Drives Directly to the SATA/SAS Controller on page 20
● Connecting to a Backplane on page 21
● Connecting to a DVD-ROM on page 22
● Connecting to a SAS Expander on page 22
● Connecting to SATA/SAS Tape Drives on page 22
Connecting Disk Drives Directly to the SATA/SAS Controller
In a direct-attach connection, SAS or SATA disk drives are connected directly to a SATA/SAS
controller with SAS cables. The number of direct-attached disk drives is limited to four per SAS
connector. For more information, see Direct-Attach Connections on page 54.
1 Install your internal SAS or SATA disk drives, following the instructions in your system’s
documentation.
External Mini SAS x4 (SFF-8088) to Mini
SAS x4 (SFF-8088) - connects to an
external device (i.e. tape drive) or
backplane.
External Mini SAS x4 (SFF-8088) to SAS x4
(SFF-8470) - connects to an external device
(i.e. tape drive) or backplane