zfs discuss - Jan 2010 - experience with sata p-m''s?

As I said in another post, it''s coming time to build a new storage
platform at home.  I''m revisiting all the hardware options and
permutations again, for current kit.

Build 125 added something I was very eager for earlier, sata
port-multiplier support.    Since then, I''ve seen very little, if any,
comment or reports of success or trouble using them.

Maybe they''re on some other mailing list I''m not aware of?
References and pointers welcome.  Otherwise, I''d be keen to learn of
any practical experiences from others on the list. Vendors, models,
types, compatible controllers, etc. 

Finally, does anyone know of one of those 5-in-3 drive mounting bays
that has the PM built into the backplane?  That would eliminate a
whole mess of cabling, but I haven''t found any (closest is the
backplanes used by backblaze with their case design). 

--
Dan.
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the proper solution to out of control cabling is ML cables. However, aside from
the Supermicro 8-in-2 type of pseudo-enclosures nobody seems to make them for
the typical consumer use. You can get 12 or 16 drive backplanes that use ML
cables but they are necessarily wed to a particular chassis.

The problem with PMs is that the controller has to support them and that is
fairly rare. Rocketraid has several such cards but I don''t trust their
drivers one bit. The Intel ICH10 I believe has ML support now.

All the 4-in-3 or 5-in-3 units I''ve looked at do not use ML connectors
which I think is silly. Especially when ML HBA''s are dirt cheap.

The most efficient external setup that doesn''t cost an excessive arm
and a leg is the 4 drive PM from http://www.cooldrives.com/sihasaraqudr.html

But for sheer budget, you can''t beat DIY.