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The SIDE-RAID66 card from Iwill is similar in design to the AMI Hyperdisk. It supports up to 4 IDE devices, and one of those devices can even be external, - it’s worth noting that the SIDE RAID66 is the only card in this round-up that supports an external 40 pin IDE connection. The only odd thing about it, is that there isn’t an external power connection, but still it’s a nice addition, and since this card also support hot-swapping, it could come in handy.

Installation of the controller is also similar to the AMI card. The card is rather small, and it should fit into any system without a problem. There is a simple pre-boot menu (Ctrl+H) that allows you to configure your RAID array, and unlike the AMI card –the Iwill doesn’t allow for any tweaking at all.

Windows 98 detected the card as a PCI mass storage controller, and installed without a problem. Installtion in Windows NT also completed without a hitch. Included with the card is a utility similar to the AMI spy that allows you to see what drives are attached to the RAID card and which reports on the health of the RAID itself. Once again, this utility provides no other function and doesn't add any overwhelming technical value to the install, but it does allow you to take a limited peak at what's happening.

One thing worth noting here is the position of the secondary on-board IDE connection. Since the card is so short, Iwill put the secondary IDE connection vertical instead of horizontal (like on the AMI card). This is not a big deal, but it does make for an odd stretch and bend for the secondary cable.

The Iwill kit also comes with a quick-startup guide. It could use a little more detail, but installation is a no-brainer and most people can fill in where the guide drops off. They also thought to include 2-ATA 66 cables, and that was very much appreciated, plus they included a hardcopy manual! (!) Score Iwill! The manual was comprehensive, and even explained a little about RAID for those who might be new to the concept.