SCSI Hard Drive
Small computer system interface hard drives made simple
A small computer system interface hard drive, or SCSI (pronounced "scuzzy") hard drive, is a fast and flexible option to consider when you need new or additional storage for your computer. A SCSI might be a better option than the usual parallel ATA because it is a bus that can connect to several hard drives or other devices at the same time. Its ability to send multiple bits of information at once allows fast and easy access to data, reaching up to 320 MB per second and a rotational speed of 15,000 RPM.
How to install a SCSI hard drive is slightly more complicated than installing the average hard drive. A SCSI hard drive requires a controller - a card or host adaptor that can be part of the motherboard or can fit into a free slot. As well, each device connected to the SCSI must have an ID number between 0 and 15. Ribbon cables are used to connect internal devices to the SCSI hard drive, while external devices are connected to one an other in a chain linking to the SCSI with large, round cables. To prevent electrical signals from reflecting back and disrupting the communication between devices, the last device in the connection must be terminated with a resistor circuit. If the SCSI drive connects to both an external and an internal series, the device at the end of each chain must be terminated. An external SCSI hard drive is another option, but the installation also requires a variety of cables.
Like all hard drives, SCSI drives, despite their efficiency, have the potential to fail and the SCSI controller adds further possibility of a wipeout. Fortunately, there are many services directed specifically to SCSI hard drive recovery, such as DTI Data and Linwei Technology Ltd.
Must-Have Features
- A SCSI adaptor card if your motherboard does not have a built in adaptor.
- Terminators to end each external and internal circuit connected to the SCSI.
- A warranty; SCSI hard drives often come with much longer warranties, and the expense of SCSI drives merits long-term protection.
Major Considerations
- How many devices do I want to connect to the SCSI hard drive?
- Do I need an adaptor card or can my motherboard support a SCSI hard drive?
- What kind of cables do I need to connect the various devices?
- Considering my needs and budget, is a SCSI drive worth the price?
Top Manufacturers
- Maxtor
- Western Digital
- HP
- Fujitsu
- Hitachi
Common Accessories or Add-Ons
- SCSI adapter card
- Drive power cable
- Standard interface cable
- Grounding bracelet for use during installation
Price Range
SCSI hard drives are significantly more expensive than ATA or SATA hard drives. While a decent 120 GB ATA or SATA drives generally cost from around $65 to $75, a SCSI hard drive of 73 GB can cost around $250. If your motherboard does not have a built-in adaptor, using a SCSI hard drive can cost even more due to the need for a host adaptor, cables and a terminator.
Summary
Though they cost a pretty penny, SCSI hard drives are some of the most efficient and flexible hard drives on the market. If a SCSI hard drive fits within your budget, it may be well worth your while and significantly improve your computer usage.
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