Dell Server/PVault 128T and Adaptec 39160 2

[GonzarTheGreat]

When utilizing a Dell server (though I imagine this can be replicated with other servers) with a Dell PowerVault 128T tape changer through an Adaptec 39160 card, you may notice tremendously slow data through-put of within 50-100MB/min range. This problem had baffled me for quite awhile, since on other nearly identical servers with the same Adaptec SCSI card and tape unit, the backups run within the 500Mb/min-1000Mb/min range. I finally narrowed the issue down to either the bus or the scsi card itself. The bus was a 33/66Mhz 64-bit PCI, so this appeared fine. SCSI card drivers were the latest from Adaptec, for 39160/Ultra-160, so tried an earlier version. This still did not improve things. Finally, installed the generic Microsoft 3960D drivers dated from 1999 directly from a Windows 2000 CD as the driver of choice for the 39160, and presto, we are back at the 500-1000Mb/min through-put range. Adaptec apparently doesn't pay their technicians to actually read tech support emails, as the response we have received thus-far when explaining this issue is "install the latest drivers from our web site" (the ones that were giving the trouble in the first place). Hope this saves someone some trouble.

 

[goace]

I am having a similar issue after doing SP3 W2K and other "Windows Updates", my backup speeds dropped by more than 1/2. I have two Quantum Libaries, M2500/M1500 with two SDLT320/SDLT220 respectively.

I just changed to the Microsoft 39160 drives from 1999 and will post my results and possible fix. Thanks. -Ace

 

[goace]

Ok a job going from 60mb/min just jumped to over 200mb/min. Thanks for the help! I will post a follow up after exchanging tapes tonight and let loose all my jobs which I have on hold.

 

[goace]

I just confirmed using the old MS 1999 Adaptec 39160 driver resolved my issue - slow backups.

Thank you very much, Ace

 

[GonzarTheGreat]

No prob. Drove me nuts for awhile as I was confident in my experience that if anything, it would be the opposite.

 

[GrahamRobertson]

So glad i found this have been having the same problem for a few months now managed to cut my backup time from 11 hours to 5.

Thanks very much

 

[goace]

I'm glad u found it too.