How to replace SCSI with SATA or adapt SCSI to SATA drives

Question

At first, I apologize for my question, but I am complete beginner.

My friend gave me an old HP Proliant DL385 server which was replaced in bank, where he works, by newer stuff. Because of privacy, he removed all hard-drives from it and told me that I have to search for my own.

I've realized that this server uses SCSI-SCA interface and these kind of hard drives are not selling anymore. I've tried to search for second hand; however, I found only one person in my country, who is willing to sell only two very old SCSI drives.

I would like to ask you, is it possible "somehow" to replace SCSI interface with SATA one on the server motherboard, or is there any way to adapt SATA harddrives to SCSI interface?

Solution

That's an HP ProLiant DL385 (G1) and was released in 2004 around the same time as the DL380 G4 (Intel variant). These were HP's first x86_64 servers, but still used some legacy technologies (like IDE for CDROM, parallel SCSI disks and PCI-X expansion).

The full specifications for your server are here: DL385 Quickspecs.

You can use any 80-pin SCSI SCA drive, like the 146GB Ultra 320 disk, part #347708-B22. Your best bet in most countries is to search eBay.

It's possible to convert this server to SAS (using a new front bezel, a new drive cage and SAS HBA/RAID controller), but it's stupid. Please see the following question which outlines the process for the sister DL380 G4 model: HP ProLiant DL380 G4 SATA support?

Comments

[Chopper3]

which exact generation of 385 have you got? if in doubt find the server's part number, it'll be on the outside and is a 6-digit number followed but a three character string - i.e. 123456-B21 or similar - let us know and we can help with this.

[austinian]

Why didn't you just have home wipe the original drives?