Description
Product Overview of the Broadcom LSI00439
The Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e is a powerful SAS RAID controller card designed to optimize data storage and management in various computing environments. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the features, specifications, and significance of the Broadcom LSI00439 RAID controller card in modern data storage solutions.
Unveiling the Role of RAID Controllers
Before delving into the specifics of the Broadcom LSI00439, it’s important to understand what an 8-port RAID controller is and why it is a crucial component in the domain of data storage.
Understanding RAID Controllers
A RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller is a hardware device responsible for managing and optimizing data storage across multiple hard drives. It plays a central role in enhancing data security, performance, and availability within storage systems.
Significance of RAID
RAID technology is widely used across various industries and applications to ensure data redundancy, fault tolerance, and improved data access speeds. It is particularly valuable for safeguarding critical data against drive failures and enhancing the overall efficiency of data storage solutions.
The Power of SAS Technology
The Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e is a SAS RAID controller card, operating within the framework of Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) technology. To fully appreciate the Broadcom LSI00439, it’s essential to understand the significance of SAS technology in the field of data storage.
Exploring SAS (Serial Attached SCSI)
SAS, or Serial Attached SCSI, is a high-speed data transfer technology widely used in enterprise-level storage systems. It serves as a protocol for connecting and facilitating communication between a host (typically a server) and storage devices, including hard drives, solid-state drives, and tape drives. SAS technology offers several advantages, including speed, scalability, and reliability, making it a preferred choice for modern data storage solutions.
Key Features of the Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e
Now that we have a foundational understanding of RAID controllers and SAS technology, let’s delve into the notable features and capabilities of the Broadcom LSI00439 RAID controller card.
Versatile SAS Ports
The Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e boasts a total of eight versatile SAS ports. These ports serve as vital connection points for storage devices, allowing for the attachment of a mix of both internal and external drives. This versatility is particularly beneficial in scenarios where extensive data storage and management are necessary.
Blazing-Fast SAS 12Gbps
One of the standout features of the Broadcom LSI00439 is its support for the SAS 12Gbps interface. This high data transfer rate ensures swift and efficient data exchange between the host system and connected storage devices. The 12Gbps SAS interface represents a significant advancement over earlier SAS generations and is perfectly suited for data-intensive applications.
PCIe 3.0 x8 Interface
The Broadcom LSI00439 utilizes a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface. PCIe, short for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express, is a high-speed interface standard commonly used for connecting various hardware components within a computer or server. In this context, the PCIe x8 interface guarantees a fast and reliable connection between the RAID controller card and the host system.
RAID Support
As a RAID controller card, the Broadcom LSI00439 excels in managing various RAID configurations. It supports a wide range of RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 50, and RAID 60. Each RAID level offers distinct advantages in terms of data performance, redundancy, and fault tolerance, enabling users to tailor their storage setup to meet specific requirements.
Advanced Protection and Management
The Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID controller card provides advanced features for data protection and management, including:
CacheVault Flash Cache Protection
CacheVault technology ensures that data stored in the controller’s cache is protected in the event of a power outage or system failure. This safeguard prevents data loss and potential corruption, enhancing data reliability.
Compatibility and Flexibility
The Broadcom LSI00439 RAID controller card is compatible with a wide range of storage devices, including both SAS and SATA drives. This compatibility allows for seamless integration into various storage configurations, making it a valuable choice for businesses and organizations with diverse storage needs.
Applications of the Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e
The Broadcom LSI00439 RAID controller card finds applications in a wide range of scenarios where data storage, protection, and access are paramount. Here are some common use cases:
Enterprise Data Centers
Enterprise data centers, which manage vast volumes of critical data, rely on RAID controllers like the Broadcom LSI00439 to ensure data security and efficient management. The high data transfer rate of the SAS 12Gbps interface ensures rapid data access, which is crucial in data center environments.
Server Environments
Servers, whether used for web hosting, databases, or other applications, demand reliable and high-performance storage solutions. The Broadcom LSI00439, with its eight SAS ports and support for multiple RAID configurations, is an excellent choice for managing data efficiently in server environments.
Workstations
Workstations used for content creation, engineering, and scientific computing often require fast storage solutions to handle large files and complex data. The Broadcom LSI00439 RAID controller card can be integrated into workstations, enhancing data access speeds and overall productivity.
Data Backup and Archiving
Data backup and archiving are critical for data protection and compliance requirements. The Broadcom LSI00439 ensures that data is securely and efficiently stored, making it suitable for backup and archival purposes.
Benefits of the Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e
Having explored the features and applications of the Broadcom LSI00439, let’s summarize the benefits it offers:
High Data Transfer Speed
The support for the SAS 12Gbps interface ensures that data is transferred rapidly and efficiently. This is especially vital for applications where quick data access is crucial.
Versatility and Scalability
With eight SAS ports, the RAID controller card offers excellent versatility and scalability, making it suitable for businesses with growing data storage needs. The ability to connect a mix of internal and external storage devices allows for flexibility in storage configuration.
Data Reliability
The Broadcom LSI00439 excels in data protection and management. Features like CacheVault flash cache protection and S.M.A.R.T. support enhance data reliability and facilitate early issue detection.
RAID Flexibility
The controller card’s support for a wide range of RAID levels enables users to tailor their storage setup to meet specific requirements, whether it’s optimizing performance, ensuring data redundancy, or enhancing fault tolerance.
Compatibility
The Broadcom LSI00439 RAID controller card is compatible with a wide range of storage devices, including both SAS and SATA drives. This compatibility enhances its versatility and usability in various storage configurations.
General Information about this Broadcom LSI00439
- Brand: Broadcom
- Part Number or SKU# LSI00439
- Type: SAS-SATA
Technical Information
- High-Performance 12GB/s Data Transfer Rates
- Four Internal and Four External 12GB/s SATA+SAS Ports
- One Internal Mini-SAS SFF8643 Connector
- One External Mini-SAS SFF8644 Connector
- LSISAS3108 – 1.2GHz PowerPC 476 Dual-Core 12GB/s ROC
- PCI Express 3.0 Host Interface
- 1GB DDR3 Cache Memory
- Supported RAID Levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60
- Support for CacheVault Flash Cache Protection
- 12GB/s solutions to accelerate performance for next-generation data centers, web, and cloud applications
- Delivers enterprise-class data protection and security
- Preserves investments in 6GB/s and 3GB/s drives
- Support for Avago advanced software options
- Connect up to 240 3GB/s, 6GB/s, or 12GB/s SATA and SAS devices
In summary, the Broadcom LSI00439 MegaRAID 9380-4i4e RAID controller card is a crucial component in modern data storage solutions, particularly in enterprise data centers, server environments, workstations, and for data backup and archiving. Its support for the SAS 12Gbps interface, eight SAS ports, and a wide range of RAID configurations make it a powerful and versatile RAID controller card. Whether used in data centers, servers, workstations, or for data backup and archiving, the Broadcom LSI00439 plays a pivotal role in ensuring high-speed, reliable, and scalable data storage and access. Its compatibility with various storage devices and advanced data protection features further enhance its value in the realm of data storage and management.