In the realm of data storage and management, having a robust RAID controller is paramount for ensuring the integrity and performance of your system. Dell, a renowned name in the world of technology, offers the 7H4CN, an 8-channel Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCI-E) RAID controller. This controller plays a pivotal role in orchestrating data flow, especially in scenarios where speed, reliability, and scalability are crucial. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the key features, functionalities, and benefits of the Dell 7H4CN RAID controller.
Understanding PCI-E High-Speed Data TransferPeripheral Component Interconnect Express, commonly known as PCI-E, is a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. It is designed to replace older standards like PCI and PCI-X, providing faster data transfer rates and improved performance. The Dell 7H4CN leverages the power of PCI-E to enhance the efficiency of data communication within the system.
The Significance of 8 ChannelsThe 7H4CN comes equipped with 8 channels, emphasizing its ability to handle multiple data streams simultaneously. Each channel operates independently, contributing to improved parallel processing and, consequently, a substantial boost in overall system throughput.
Unraveling the World of RAIDRAID Controller's RoleRAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit for purposes such as data redundancy, performance improvement, or a combination of both. The 7H4CN serves as a RAID controller, orchestrating the operations of multiple drives seamlessly.
RAID Levels SupportedDell's 7H4CN supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, and RAID 10. Each RAID level has its unique advantages, ranging from enhanced performance to data redundancy. Users can configure the RAID array based on their specific requirements, striking a balance between speed, capacity, and data protection.
SAS and SATA: The Dual CompatibilitySAS (Serial-Attached SCSI)Serial-attached SCSI, or SAS, is a technology designed to move data to and from computer storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives. The 7H4CN operates at an impressive speed of 12 gigabits per second (GBPS) over SAS, ensuring swift and reliable data transfer.
SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment)Serial Advanced Technology Attachment, or SATA, is another interface used for connecting storage devices. The 7H4CN is not limited to SAS alone; it also supports SATA at a speed of 6 gigabits per second (GBPS). This dual compatibility provides users with flexibility in choosing their storage devices, catering to diverse storage needs.
Benefits of the Dell 7H4CN RAID ControllerEnhanced PerformanceBy leveraging the power of PCI-E and supporting high-speed interfaces like SAS and SATA, the 7H4CN significantly enhances the performance of storage systems. This is particularly crucial in environments where data access speed is a critical factor.
Data Redundancy and ProtectionWith support for various RAID levels, the 7H4CN ensures data redundancy and protection. In the event of a drive failure, the RAID configuration allows for seamless data recovery, preventing potential data loss and system downtime.
ScalabilityThe 8-channel architecture of the 7H4CN contributes to the scalability of storage systems. Users can easily expand their storage capacity by adding more drives to the RAID array, accommodating the growing demands of data-intensive applications.
RAID Support and Options of PCI-Express CardThe 7H4CN Dell 8 Channel PCI-Express 3.0 SAS 12GBS SATA 6GBs Raid Controller supports the following RAID options:
- RAID 0 (Striping) - Data is split across multiple drives for increased performance.
- RAID 1 (Mirroring) - Data is mirrored across multiple drives for increased data protection.
- RAID 5 (Striping with Parity) - Data is striped across multiple drives with a parity drive for increased performance and data protection.
- RAID 6 (Double Parity) - Data is striped across multiple drives with double parity for increased data protection.
- RAID 10 (Mirrored Striping) - Data is mirrored and striped across multiple drives for increased performance and data protection.
- RAID 50 (Striped RAID 5 Sets) - Data is striped across multiple RAID 5 sets for increased performance and data protection.
- RAID 60 (Striped RAID 6 Sets) - Data is striped across multiple RAID 6 sets for increased performance and data protection.
The controller also supports Non-RAID and JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) options for using the connected drives as individual disks without any RAID configuration.
Additionally, the controller supports RAID virtualization, allowing multiple RAID arrays to be created on a single physical array, and supports global and dedicated hot spare drives for added protection and automatic rebuild of failed drives.
Connectivity and CompatibilityThe Dell 7H4CN 8 Channel PCI-Express 3.0 SAS 12GBS SATA 6GBs Raid Controller has the following connectivity and compatibility features:
- Connectivity: The controller has 8 internal SAS/SATA ports for connecting to hard drives or solid-state drives. It also has a PCI-Express 3.0 x8 interface for connecting to the motherboard.
- Compatibility: The controller is compatible with Dell PowerEdge servers that have a PCI-Express 3.0 x8 slot available. It is also compatible with SAS and SATA hard drives and solid-state drives.
- Operating System Support: The controller is compatible with Windows Server, VMware, Red Hat Linux, SUSE Linux, and other major operating systems.
- Management Software: The controller comes with Dell's OpenManage software, which allows for easy monitoring and management of the RAID array.
- RAID Levels: The controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60.
- Cache Memory: The controller comes with 1GB of battery-backed write cache memory, which improves the performance of the RAID array.
- Hot-Swap: The controller supports hot-swap, which allows for easy replacement of failed drives without shutting down the server.
The Dell 8 Channel PCI-Express 3.0 SAS 12GBS SATA 6GBs Raid Controller (7H4CN) is designed to provide high performance and speed for enterprise-level storage applications.
- SAS 12GBS interface: The controller supports the SAS 12GBS interface, which allows for high-speed data transfer rates of up to 12Gbps.
- 8 Channel design: The controller features 8 channels that provide increased data transfer rates and improved performance.
- PCI-Express 3.0 interface: The controller is equipped with a PCI-Express 3.0 interface, which allows for faster data transfer speeds and improved performance.
- RAID support: The controller supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, which provide increased performance and data protection.
- Cache memory: The controller is equipped with 1GB of cache memory, which can help to improve performance by reducing the number of disk accesses required.
- Compatibility: The controller is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and VMware.
- Scalability: The controller supports up to 128 SAS or SATA drives, which allows for increased storage capacity and scalability.
In general, The Dell 7H4CN 8 Channel PCI-Express 3.0 SAS 12GBS SATA 6GBs Raid Controller is a high-performance and reliable solution for enterprise-level storage applications, it's ideal for businesses that require high-speed data transfer and data protection.
General Information about this Dell 7H4CN- Manufacturer: Dell
- Model Number or SKU# 7H4CN
- Product Type: SAS-SATA PERC H730
- Product Name: Controller
- Device Type: Storage Controller (Raid) - Plug-In Card
- Bus Type: PCIE 3.0 X8
- Interface : SATA 6GB/S / SAS 12GB/S
- Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 GBPS
- Buffer Size: 2GB
- Supported Devices: Disk Array (Raid)
- Channel Qty: 8
- Max Storage Devices Qty: 255
- Raid Level: Raid 0, Raid 1, Raid 5, Raid 6, Raid 10, Raid 50, Raid 60
- System Requirements: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2 Sp1, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 Sp4, Microsoft Windows Server 2012, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5.8, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 Sp3, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.5
- Designed For : Poweredge R430, R530, R630, R730, R730xd
Outline, the Dell 7H4CN 8-channel PCI-E RAID controller stands out as a reliable and high-performance solution for data storage and management. With its emphasis on speed, scalability, and data protection through various RAID levels, it caters to the diverse needs of businesses and individuals alike. The dual compatibility with SAS and SATA, coupled with the user-friendly setup and management tools, positions the 7H4CN as a versatile choice in the ever-evolving landscape of data storage technology. Whether you are building a new system or upgrading an existing one, the Dell 7H4CN proves to be a valuable asset in optimizing the efficiency and reliability of your storage infrastructure.
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