What is the difference between the OEM ATTO UL3D and the retail?

The OEM version of the ATTO UL3D is still available thru OWC (thanks
Joe for the pointer!). The retail version is available as well.
However, the retail version lists for $549 and the OEM at OWC lists for
$75.99. That's a big difference. Even if you factor in the cable
purchase, it's still a big difference. So, what are the differences
between the two cards that justifies such a large price spread? Will
the OEM version be supported by Panther once it is released? Thanks.

 

The differences I know of include one less SCSI connector both internally
and externally. The retail card has one internal and external connector
for both SCSI channels supported by the card. The OEM version has one
channel connected to one external 68-pin connector and the other channel
is connected to one internal 68-pin connector. The retail version can be
updated with flash updaters from ATTO, the OEM one can not. The OEM card
is supported by Apple, and should work as long as Apple supports use of
the card in the OS. Panther should support the card since it was an
option in a number of supported PowerMac systems. Others may know of
other differences between the OEM and retail cards.

Joe Heimann

P.S. OWC lists the retail version for $426, a savings off the full list
price. Comparing the two listings helps show the differences.

 

Thanks again. The UltraStar HD specifically lists the UL3D as one of
the cards that works with it so I should be fine with the OEM one as
long as they are still available from OWC. I am a tad bit concerned
that the OEM can't be flashed though. Could be a problem down the road.