USPFOMaine wrote:

> I thought it might be just incorrect checksums from bad reads by a
> dirty DVD-reader lens so I cleaned it this morning - no change.

I would also point to this (slow or dirty dvd reader) as the culprit :-)

> I can't imagine the SAS controller and disks caused either bad reads or
> checksum errors, I'll try again with the "old" SCSI controller and
> drives.
>
> Appreciate any ideas - I'm stumped!

As a workaround, I would rather go with mini-iso (NET iso) cd and then
install openSUSE from remote ftp (just minimal packages with the graphical
environment of your choice).

Once installed, you can add as many packages as you need to fit your
requirements.

Greetings,

--
Camaleón