Broadcom 9305-16E Lsi Logic 12GBPS SAS Controller 16-Port Bulk

In the world of data storage and server management, the Broadcom 9305-16E LSI Logic 12Gbps SAS Controller holds a significant place. It's a powerful 16-port external PCI-E 3.0 non-RAID controller that plays a crucial role in enabling efficient data transfer and storage. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller, exploring its features, benefits, installation process, and the advantages it brings to your storage infrastructure.

The Broadcom 9305-16E SAS Controller is a high-performance data storage solution designed to meet the needs of modern data centers and server environments. SAS, which stands for Serial Attached SCSI, is a technology that facilitates high-speed data transfer and storage. The 9305-16E model offers 16 external ports, making it an excellent choice for organizations that require a large number of connections for their storage devices.

• High Data Transfer Speed: One of the standout features of the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller is its impressive data transfer speed. With a 12Gbps (Gigabits per second) data transfer rate, it ensures quick and efficient data transfer, reducing latency and boosting overall system performance. This is particularly important for data-intensive applications and high-demand server environments.
• 16 External Ports: The 16 external ports on the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller provide a versatile and scalable solution for connecting a wide range of storage devices. This flexibility is crucial for organizations that need to expand their storage capacity or connect multiple external devices to their servers.
• PCI-E 3.0 Interface: The SAS controller is equipped with a PCI-E 3.0 interface. PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) is a high-speed interface that allows for fast and reliable communication between the controller and the server's motherboard. The use of PCIe 3.0 ensures that the controller can fully harness the 12Gbps data transfer rate.
• Non-RAID Configuration: The Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller is designed for non-RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations. In a non-RAID setup, each drive operates independently, which can be advantageous for specific use cases. Non-RAID configurations are often preferred in scenarios where redundancy is not a primary concern, and users need direct access to individual drives.
• LSI Logic Technology: The inclusion of LSI Logic technology further enhances the controller's performance and reliability. LSI Logic is known for its advanced chipsets and controllers that are widely used in storage and data management solutions. This technology ensures that the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller meets high standards in terms of data integrity and reliability.

• Enhanced Data Storage Capacity: The 16 external ports on this SAS controller allow for the connection of numerous storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state drives, and tape drives. This means that organizations can significantly expand their data storage capacity without the need for additional controllers or hardware.
• Improved Data Transfer Speed: The 12Gbps data transfer speed of the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller translates to significantly reduced data transfer times. This speed is especially beneficial for applications that require quick access to data and minimal latency, such as databases and virtualization environments.
• Flexible Configuration Options: The controller's non-RAID configuration option provides flexibility to tailor the storage solution to the specific needs of the organization. In non-RAID mode, each drive can be managed individually, which is ideal for scenarios where data protection and redundancy are not the top priorities.
• LSI Logic Reliability: The use of LSI Logic technology ensures that the controller is not only high-performing but also reliable. Data integrity and the prevention of data loss are critical in storage solutions, and LSI Logic's track record in this regard instills confidence in the controller's capabilities.

• Cost-Effective Storage Expansion: For organizations that need to increase their data storage capacity without significant investments in additional controllers or complex RAID configurations, the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller offers a cost-effective solution. Its non-RAID configuration allows for straightforward storage expansion.
• High Performance: The combination of 12Gbps data transfer speed and LSI Logic technology results in a high-performance SAS controller. This is particularly advantageous for environments where data access speed is critical, such as in virtualization and database applications.
• Versatility: The controller's 16 external ports provide versatility in connecting various storage devices, making it suitable for a wide range of scenarios. Whether you need to connect hard drives, solid-state drives, or tape drives, the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller can accommodate your needs.
• Data Reliability: LSI Logic technology, known for its data integrity and reliability, ensures that your data is safe and secure when managed by the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller. This is a crucial feature for organizations that cannot afford data loss or corruption.

The Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller finds applications in various industries and scenarios. Here are some common use cases:

• Data Centers: In data center environments, high-speed data transfer and storage capacity are of paramount importance. The Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller's 12Gbps data transfer rate and 16 external ports make it an ideal choice for data centers that require efficient data management and storage.
• Virtualization: Virtualization platforms, such as VMware and Hyper-V, benefit from the high performance of the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller. The controller's ability to handle data-intensive virtual machines (VMs) and provide quick access to data storage resources is essential for virtualization environments.
• Databases: Databases, especially those running large-scale enterprise applications, rely on fast data access and transfer. The controller's high-speed data transfer and reliability are crucial for maintaining optimal database performance.
• Media and Entertainment: In media and entertainment industries, where large files and high-definition content are common, the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS controller's fast data transfer capabilities can significantly improve workflows and productivity.
• Scientific Research: Scientific research institutions and laboratories dealing with massive datasets can benefit from the controller's ability to handle and store large volumes of data quickly and reliably.

Performance Benefits of Non-RAID Configuration

A non-RAID configuration for the Broadcom LSI Logic 12GBPS 16-Port External PCIE 3.0 SAS Non-Raid Controller (9305-16E) can offer several performance benefits over a RAID configuration. These include:

• Increased Flexibility: With a non-RAID configuration, each drive can be accessed and managed independently, allowing for greater flexibility in terms of data management and storage. This can be beneficial for applications that require a high degree of control over data storage and retrieval.
• Lower Latency: RAID configurations typically involve additional processing and data management, which can lead to increased latency. A non-RAID configuration eliminates this additional processing, resulting in lower latency and faster data access times.
• Improved Performance: A non-RAID configuration allows for the use of all available bandwidth and resources, resulting in improved overall performance. This can be especially beneficial for high-performance applications such as video editing and data analytics.
• Reduced Complexity: Non-RAID configurations are typically simpler to set up and manage, as they do not require the additional software and configuration steps associated with RAID. This can make it easier to scale and manage storage as needed.
• Cost savings: RAID configurations can be more expensive as they require additional hardware and software. A non-RAID configuration eliminates this additional cost, making it a more cost-effective option.

It is worth noting, however, that non-RAID configurations do not provide the data protection and redundancy that RAID configurations offer. So, it is crucial to consider the application's requirements and the trade-offs of the non-RAID configurations before making a decision.

Scalability and Expandability of the Controller

The Broadcom LSI Logic 12GBPS 16-Port External PCIE 3.0 SAS Non-Raid Controller (9305-16E) is a highly scalable and expandable controller that can be used to connect multiple external storage devices, such as SAS drives or JBODs (Just a Bunch of Disks), to a host system. The controller has 16 external SAS ports, which can be used to connect multiple storage devices and increase the overall storage capacity of the system.

Additionally, the controller supports SAS expanders, which can be used to connect even more storage devices. This allows for even greater scalability and expandability, as the number of storage devices that can be connected to the controller is limited only by the number of available SAS ports and the number of expanders that can be used.

The controller also supports 12GB/s SAS transfer rate, which is three times faster than the 6GB/s rate of the previous generation. This enables faster data transfer speeds and improved performance, making it ideal for high-performance storage and server environments.

Compatibility with SAS and SATA Hard Drives

The Broadcom Lsi Logic 12GBPS 16-Port External PCIE 3.0 SAS Non-Raid Controller (9305-16E) is compatible with both SAS and SATA hard drives. SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) is a high-speed data storage interface that is commonly used in enterprise-level storage systems and servers. It offers faster data transfer speeds and improved reliability compared to SATA (Serial ATA) hard drives, which are typically used in consumer-level devices.

The controller supports SAS-12GBPS speeds, allowing for faster data transfer rates of up to 12 Gbps, which is roughly twice the speed of SAS-6GBPS and SATA-6GBPS. Additionally, the controller is backward compatible with SAS-6GBPS and SATA-6GBPS, which means that it can work with both types of hard drives. This makes the controller versatile and allows for greater flexibility in terms of storage options, as it can be used with a variety of different hard drives.

• Manufacturer: Broadcom
• Part Number or SKU# 9305-16E
• Product Type: SAS Controller
• Product Name: Controller

• Host Bus Type: X8 Lane PCI Express 3.0
• Physical Dimensions: 2.7 X 6.6
• Devices Supported: 1024 Non-raid SAS Devices Per Controller
• External Connectors: 4 Mini-SAS Hd Sff8644
• External Connectors: 16
• Operating Temperature: 0°c To 55°c
• Operating Voltage: +12v +/-8%, 3.3v +/-9%
• Os Support: Microsoft Windows, Linux (Oracle, Suse, Red Hat), Solaris, Vmware, Freebsd, Centos, Canonical
• Cable Support: Passive Copper, Active Optical
• I/o Controller: Sas3216

In summary, the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS Controller is a versatile and high-performance storage solution that offers a range of benefits, including enhanced data transfer speed, flexibility in storage configurations, and data reliability. Its use of LSI Logic technology and non-RAID configuration make it a compelling choice for various applications, from data centers and virtualization environments to databases and scientific research. When properly installed and maintained, the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS Controller can significantly improve data management and storage capabilities in your organization, ensuring efficient and reliable data access.

Remember to follow best practices during installation and regularly update the firmware to ensure the controller operates at its best. Additionally, if issues arise, consult the troubleshooting steps provided by Broadcom to resolve them promptly. With the right setup and proper maintenance, the Broadcom 9305-16E SAS Controller can be a valuable asset in your data storage and management infrastructure.