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About the controller; I have run into on-board RAID problems with major manufacturers recently. I suspect that in the increasing pressure to cut costs, the software is less robust. In contrast, there are good third party RAID cards using PCI-e sockets that you could use for the SSD array. That would probably mean internally cabling them, but since they are the boot drives, that isn't the end of the world.

One of the tricks that we have found with third party brackets is you can break out your trusty drill, and open-up/widen the bracket slots/holes until you get a fit. We then use some of those vibration dampening washers that come with 2.5 spindle drives to snug up the SSD once we get it where it needs to go. Although, cardboard does give you certain DIY cred all it's own.

I think I solved the problem but not sure if it's reproducible. It must have been the IBM software/firmware. So I let ServerGuide install on the non-RAID drive, which triggered ibm-utl to update all the firmware. After that, I ran MegaRaid from Windows, and was able to assign drives to RAID arrays, which of course crashed the setup, as the boot drive disappeared. The I reinstalled Win2K12, now with RAID intact.

I am now as far as having installed a new instance of AC 6.0.9. Ready to restore my ENC to it. I put AC on the SSD, running under a 2008R2 virtual machine. Did not see a blazing speed improvement on loading, even compared to AC running on my loaded-down SBS2008. Maybe it will do better on imports.

Thanks. When I have time, I will replace the cardboard with a Disney-castle shaped enclosure made from toothpicks, be-dazzled with stars made from used coffee cans. But right now I am busy watching re-runs of Martha Stewart.

By the way, thanks for the tip. I did end up making a better mount from another bracket I had.

Indy, I hope you knew I was kidding about the toothpicks, just playing off your comment on DIY. I do love DIY. I really don't watch Martha Stewart any more. Moved on to "Love It or List It" (at least my wife did).

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So after some more struggles (AC 6.0.9 would not backup so I could not restore to the new server, then I forgot to turn off SQL in the target machine and kept wondering I could not over-write the files), I now have migrated to a virtual server running AC on W2008R2 with AC on SSDs. I only see a modest improvement in loading speed, a significant improvement in viewing imports on patients who have a lot of them. So, if any of the SSDs give me any trouble, I am not unhappy to revert to 7200RPM.

I read the comment on the way into the last day of PRI-MED LA, so I didn't get to respond yesterday, but you had me howling!

Several of the Docs that I have met since getting involved with AC users are tinkers.

We are building out a new server for a client after we help them find the base server in Dell Outlet - the Doctor approach to poppin' some tags.

The Doctor was talking how intrigued he is by the whole process, so the server will be shipped to his office, and then we will show up with all the additional parts and tools, and build out the server on a desk in his office while he sees patients.

My guess is that he will want to try his hand at parts of the build, and his MAs are going to be a bit bugged with us by the end of the day, but he will have a much better understanding of all the parts, which will serve him well as well and satisfy his intellectual curiosity. The host operating system will be Red Hat (or it's free twin CENTOS), and so he will get to learn how to navigate around the RH GUI interface and tweak things.

All-in-all, it will be a long day, but another DIY'er will get both what he needs and what he wants, and it is always a treat for me to work with someone who has a quick mind and enjoys learning.

Ok. Based off of recommendations I purchased some SSD's for my Main server and my client servers.
I have not fully installed them.
I cloned one client server using Macrium Free but just before setting it up to run I read about having to 'align' the SSD.
I read other opinions that newer SSD's and software made that obsolete advice.

So, for you IT pro's and master tinkerers; should I need to align the SSD prior to use ?
and
Has anyone had problems using Macrium Free to completely clone a HDD including the OS then set it to use ?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/113967-ssd-alignment.html

I tend to use Crucial or Intel's cloning software and cables. But I am sure Macrium Free is fine. I did a little poking around but couldn't find your answer. I will say, even though Sandeep would disagree, I would never put SSDs on a server yet.

And, yes, you can clone an HDD with an OS to an SSD. Don't forget the TRIM.

Thanks for the advice !