small i & power systems (disk performance)

[Keith Carpenter <entropypool@xxxxxxxxx>]

System experts,

We are looking to move an old 640 with 72 8gb disks to a new low end 
system. CPW should be no issue, but I'm concerned about disk IO 
performance in these 520+/515/525 systems.

I had hoped to go with an 8 disk system (CEC only), but from what I've 
read in the archives, you need an expansion box to be able to use a 
better RAID controller.  How much of an improvement would a 0595 and 
something like a 5777 actually make over the integrated controller 
(w/5727 cache) ?

Does the new power 520 offer anything better ?  Is the integrated SAS 
controller much of an improvement ?  Can we put a better RAID directly 
in the CEC ?


TIA,
Keith