Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: What is the largest size SCSI hard drive I can use in my server?

A: The hard drive size is determined by the SCSI bus that is in your server. Because the SCSI BIOS is independent of the system BIOS, it does not suffer from the same capacity limitations that IDE hard drives do. As long as the hard drive works with the SCSI standard supported by the SCSI controller, the drive should not encounter any problems related to drive capacity directly.

Under certain circumstances some controllers may require a firmware update to recognize a particular brand of drive that wasn't available, or subsequently tested, during its initial offering.

Note: In cases where drives are attached to a SCA backplane or enclosure, it is also required that the backplane be compliant with the SCSI standard that the drives and controller conform to. This is in order to maintain the highest compatibility.

Note: In some cases hard drive manufacturers also have to increase the physical size of drive packaging to accommodate an increased number of platters. In this case the drive may be 1.5 inches in height rather than the standard 1.0 inch height drive. Normally, a 1.0 inch height drive of the same capacity is offered at a later time. Many system's chassis will not accommodate these 1.5 inch drives.