PowerEdge System Components

PCI Card PERCs

PCI card PERCs may be ordered factory-installed in a new server, or they may be ordered from Dell after the server is purchased. If ordered after the initial server purchase, the PERC will come with an installation guide that should be followed to ensure the card is installed in the correct PCI slot.

PERC 2 PCI Cards

The PERC 2 is an Ultra SCSI 2 controller with support for up to four SCSI channels.

PERC 3 PCI Cards

PERC 3 PCI cards are based upon AMI® technology. Notice the memory modules on the cards for cache storage. PERC 3 PCI cards currently available are:

• PERC 3/QC — an Ultra 3 SCSI controller with support for up to four SCSI channels.

• PERC 3/DC — an Ultra 3 SCSI controller with support for up to two SCSI channels.
• PERC 3/DC Lite — like the PERC 3/DC, an Ultra 3 SCSI controller with support for up to two SCSI channels. Unlike the PERC 3/DC, it does not have a battery for backing up the cache memory in the case of power loss to the controller.

PERC Manufacturers

Knowing the technology used by a PERC (AMI or Adaptec) is important, as the procedure for accessing the setup features of different PERCs depends upon the chipset the controller uses.

Adaptec-Based PERCs:

• PERC 2

• PERC 3/Di Integrated Controller

AMI-Based PERCs:

• PERC 3 family PCI cards (excluding the PERC 3/Di)