Broadcom 9361-8I 1GB Cache 8-Ports SAS 12GBPS SATA 6GBPS New

The Broadcom 9361-8I is a powerful RAID controller designed to enhance storage capabilities in server environments. This RAID controller boasts an impressive 1GB cache, 8 ports supporting SAS 12Gbps and SATA 6Gbps, and a PCI-E interface. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key features, benefits, and applications of the Broadcom 9361-8I RAID controller.

What is a RAID Controller?

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology that allows multiple hard drives to be combined into a single logical unit. A RAID controller is a crucial component in this setup, managing the array of disks and providing various levels of data protection, performance, and redundancy.

Significance of RAID Controllers

RAID controllers play a pivotal role in optimizing storage systems. They ensure data integrity, facilitate faster access times, and safeguard against data loss through redundancy. The Broadcom 9361-8I, with its advanced features, stands out as a reliable solution for these purposes.

• 1GB Cache: The substantial 1GB cache of the Broadcom 9361-8I significantly enhances data transfer speeds and system responsiveness. The cache acts as a temporary storage buffer, reducing latency and improving overall storage performance.
• 8 Ports Supporting SAS 12Gbps: The presence of 8 ports supporting SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) at 12Gbps ensures high-speed data transfer between the RAID controller and connected storage devices. This feature is crucial for applications that demand swift and efficient access to large volumes of data.
• SATA 6Gbps Support: In addition to SAS support, the Broadcom 9361-8I is compatible with SATA (Serial ATA) at 6Gbps. This dual compatibility allows for flexibility in connecting various storage devices, accommodating both SAS and SATA drives according to the specific requirements of the storage environment.
• PCI-E Interface: The PCI Express (PCI-E) interface ensures a high-speed connection between the RAID controller and the server's motherboard. This interface is known for its reliability and ability to handle substantial data bandwidth, making it a suitable choice for demanding storage applications.

• Improved Data Transfer Speeds: The combination of a 1GB cache and support for high-speed SAS and SATA interfaces translates to improved data transfer speeds. This is particularly advantageous for applications where rapid access to large datasets is critical, such as in database servers and high-performance computing environments.
• Enhanced Storage Capacity and Scalability: The 8 ports on the Broadcom 9361-8I provide ample connectivity for multiple storage devices. This not only increases the overall storage capacity but also enhances scalability. System administrators can easily expand storage by adding more drives to the RAID array, accommodating the growing data needs of the enterprise.
• Data Protection and Redundancy: RAID configurations, facilitated by Broadcom 9361-8I, offer various levels of data protection and redundancy. Depending on the RAID level chosen (such as RAID 1 for mirroring or RAID 5 for striping with parity), the controller ensures that data remains accessible even in the event of drive failures. This feature is crucial for maintaining business continuity and preventing data loss.
• Versatility in Drive Compatibility: The RAID controller's support for both SAS and SATA drives adds a layer of versatility. This flexibility allows organizations to utilize a mix of drive types based on factors like cost, performance, and specific application requirements. The ability to accommodate different drive technologies makes the Broadcom 9361-8I a versatile solution for diverse storage setups.
• Efficient Resource Utilization: With an efficient cache management system, the Broadcom 9361-8I optimizes resource utilization. Frequently accessed data is stored in the cache, reducing the need to fetch it from the slower main storage. This not only accelerates data retrieval but also contributes to overall system efficiency.

• Enterprise Servers: The Broadcom 9361-8I is well-suited for enterprise-level servers where data reliability, performance, and scalability are paramount. Its ability to support multiple drives and provide various RAID configurations makes it an ideal choice for data centers and mission-critical server environments.
• High-Performance Computing: In high-performance computing (HPC) environments, quick access to vast amounts of data is essential. The Broadcom 9361-8I's high-speed interfaces and cache management contribute to the seamless operation of HPC clusters, enhancing their overall performance.
• Database Servers: Database servers, often handling large datasets with frequent read and write operations, benefit from the Broadcom 9361-8I's accelerated data transfer speeds. The RAID controller's ability to protect against data loss ensures the integrity of critical databases.
• Storage Area Networks (SAN): In Storage Area Networks, where centralized storage is shared across multiple servers, the Broadcom 9361-8I aids in creating resilient and high-performance storage solutions. Its support for both SAS and SATA drives offers flexibility in designing SAN architectures.

The 9361-8i Broadcom RAID controller is designed to provide high performance and reliability for server and storage systems.

The 1GB of cache memory on the controller can help to improve system performance by reducing the number of times that the controller needs to access the storage devices. The 8 ports on the controller allow it to connect to multiple storage devices, which can also help to improve performance by spreading data across multiple drives. Additionally, the controller's support for SAS and SATA interfaces and data transfer rates of up to 12 Gbps for SAS and 6 Gbps for SATA allow for fast data transfer and high-performance storage.

The controller also provides support for RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, which can help to increase data reliability by providing data redundancy. For example, RAID 5 and RAID 6 provide data protection against a single drive failure, RAID 10 provides protection against two drive failures, and RAID 50 and RAID 60 provide protection against multiple drive failures.

Additionally, the controller has features like end-to-end data protection, power loss protection, and support for multiple RAID levels, which can help to protect data in case of power loss or other types of failures.

In summary, The 9361-8i Broadcom RAID controller is a high-performance and reliable option for server and storage systems, providing high-speed data transfer, cache memory, and multiple RAID-level support to ensure data reliability and protection.

• Manufacturer: Broadcom
• Part Number or SKU# 9361-8I
• Product Type: Controller
• Product Name: SAS-SATA

• Host Interface: X8 PCI Express 3.0 Compliant
• Data Transfer Rate: Up To 12GB/S PEr Port
• RAID Levels: RAID Levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, And 60
• Devices Supported: Up To 240 SATA And/Or SAS Devices
• Cache Memory: 1GB 1866MHZ DDRIII Sdram

• Operating Voltage: +3.3v, +12v

In summary, the Broadcom 9361-8I RAID controller emerges as a robust solution for organizations seeking to enhance storage capabilities in their server environments. With its impressive 1GB cache, support for high-speed SAS and SATA interfaces, and versatile RAID configurations, this controller addresses the diverse needs of modern data-intensive applications. From enterprise servers to high-performance computing and storage area networks, the Broadcom 9361-8I proves its mettle in various scenarios, providing improved data transfer speeds, data protection, and efficient resource utilization. Whether it's about boosting performance, ensuring data integrity, or accommodating diverse drive technologies, the Broadcom 9361-8I RAID controller stands as a reliable and versatile choice in the realm of storage solutions.