Description
More Information on the Broadcom 9440-8I Tri-Mode RAID Controller
The Broadcom 9440-8I Tri-Mode RAID Controller is a high-performance hardware component that plays a crucial role in data storage and management within computer systems. This controller is designed to provide advanced capabilities in terms of data transfer speed and compatibility with various storage technologies, making it an essential piece of hardware for both individuals and businesses.
Understanding the Broadcom 9440-8I RAID Controller
- RAID Controller: A RAID controller, or Redundant Array of Independent disk controllers, is a hardware component that manages multiple hard drives or SSDs (Solid State Drives) to create an array of storage devices. This array can improve data redundancy, performance, or both, depending on the RAID configuration chosen.
- Tri-Mode Functionality: The Broadcom 9440-8I is referred to as a “Tri-Mode” RAID controller because it supports three key storage technologies: Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS), Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA), and Non-Volatile Memory Express (NVMe). These are the three major storage interfaces used in modern computer systems, and this controller can work with all of them.
Benefits of the Broadcom 9440-8I RAID Controller
- Blazing Fast Data Transfer Speeds: One of the most impressive features of the Broadcom 9440-8I is its ability to achieve data transfer speeds of up to 12 Gigabytes Per Second (GBPS). This rapid data transfer rate is crucial for applications and workloads that demand high-speed access to data, such as database servers, video editing, and real-time analytics.
- Compatibility with Various Storage Technologies: The controller’s Tri-Mode support means it can work with a wide range of storage devices, including SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives. This compatibility allows for flexibility in choosing the right storage solutions for your needs, without worrying about whether the controller will support them.
- Data Redundancy and Performance Optimization: The Broadcom 9440-8I enables users to configure various RAID levels to meet their specific requirements. For instance, RAID 1 provides data redundancy, ensuring that data remains intact even if one drive fails. RAID 0 can enhance performance by stripping data across multiple drives. These options offer versatility to tailor the storage system to your needs.
Key Features and Benefits of the 9440-8I
The Broadcom 9440-8I Tri-Mode RAID Controller offers several key features and benefits that make it an attractive solution for storage systems. Here are some of the most important ones:
- Tri-Mode Support: The 9440-8I supports SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives, allowing you to connect a wide range of storage devices and leverage the benefits of each interface.
- High-Performance RAID: The 9440-8I supports hardware-accelerated RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing fast, reliable data protection for your storage devices.
- High-Capacity Storage: The 9440-8I supports up to 256 SATA or SAS devices and up to 64 NVMe drives, allowing you to build large, scalable storage systems.
- Advanced Data Management: The 9440-8I includes features such as global and dedicated hot spare support, automatic rebuilds, and online capacity expansion, making it easy to manage and maintain your storage systems.
- Comprehensive Management: The 9440-8I supports a wide range of management tools, including a web-based graphical user interface, the StorCLI command line interface, and support for popular third-party tools such as OpenManage.
- Cross-Platform Support: The 9440-8I supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, VMware, and more, allowing you to use the controller in a variety of environments.
- High-Availability Design: The 9440-8I features a high-availability design with dual controllers, redundant power supplies, and fans, ensuring reliable operation even in the event of a hardware failure.
Management and Configuration of the 9440-8I
The Broadcom 9440-8I Tri-Mode RAID Controller is managed and configured through the Broadcom Advanced Control Suite (BACS) software. Here are some key features of the BACS software:
- RAID Configuration: BACS provides a graphical user interface (GUI) for configuring RAID arrays, allowing you to easily manage your storage devices.
- RAID Management: BACS provides tools for monitoring the health and performance of your RAID arrays, including event logs and real-time disk status information.
- Driver Management: BACS provides tools for updating the drivers for your RAID controller, ensuring that you have the latest bug fixes and performance improvements.
- Advanced Features: BACS provides advanced features such as online capacity expansion, online RAID level migration, and disk sparing, allowing you to adapt your storage solution to changing needs.
- StorCLI Command Line Tool: BACS also includes the StorCLI command line tool, providing a powerful and flexible way to manage and configure your storage devices.
- Cross-Platform Support: BACS supports a wide range of operating systems, including Windows, Linux, VMware, and more, allowing you to use the RAID controller in a variety of environments.
General Information about this Broadcom 9440-8I
- Manufacturer: Broadcom
- Part Number or SKU# 9440-8I
- Product Type: SAS-SATA PCI-E
- Product Name: Raid Controller
Technical Information
- Host Bus Type X8 Lane PCI Express 3.1
- Internal Ports 8
- Raid Management Software Lsi Storage Authority (Lsa), Storcli (Command-Line Interface), Hii (Uefi Human Interface Infrastructure)
- Data Transfer Rates 12 Gb/S Sas-3 And 8 Gt/S Pcie Gen 3 (Nvme) Compliant.
- Devices Supported Sas/Sata: 63, Nvme: 4 X4, Up To 24 X2 Or X4*
- Internal Connectors 2 Mini-Sas Hd X4 Sff-8643
- Operating Temperature 10° To 55° C
- Operating Voltage(V) +12v +/-8%, 3.3v +/-9%
In Summary, the Broadcom 9440-8I Raid Controller is a versatile and high-performance solution for managing and optimizing data storage. Its compatibility with SAS, SATA, and NVMe devices, along with its blazing-fast 12 GBPS data transfer speed, makes it a compelling choice for businesses and individuals seeking reliable and efficient storage solutions. When used correctly, this Raid Controller can significantly improve data storage performance, reliability, and overall system efficiency. Incorporating the Broadcom 9440-8I into your storage infrastructure can lead to a more robust and responsive data management system. With the flexibility to handle various storage technologies and the speed to tackle data-intensive tasks, it’s a valuable addition to any storage setup. If you’re looking to enhance your data storage capabilities, the Broadcom 9440-8I Raid Controller is certainly worth considering.
