Description
Product Overview for the Dell 405-AANL Raid Controller
In the realm of data storage and management, RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controllers play a pivotal role. The Dell Perc H740P, specifically the PCI-E 3.0 SAS SATA Minicard variant (405-AANL), is a noteworthy addition to this category. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of the 405-AANL Dell Perc H740P, exploring its features, benefits, and applications.
Unpacking the Terminology
- PCI-E 3.0: The term PCI-E 3.0 refers to the Peripheral Component Interconnect Express Gen 3.0, a high-speed interface standard commonly used for connecting various hardware components, such as RAID controllers, to the motherboard. The “3.0” denotes the third generation, indicating advancements in data transfer rates and overall performance compared to earlier versions.
- SAS (Serial Attached SCSI): SAS is a technology used for connecting and transferring data between devices, often employed in storage solutions. In the context of the Dell Perc H740P, SAS support means it can handle high-speed data transfers, making it suitable for demanding storage environments.
- SATA (Serial ATA): Serial ATA is another interface standard, primarily used for connecting storage devices like hard drives and solid-state drives to the motherboard. The Dell Perc H740P’s support for both SAS and SATA ensures versatility in accommodating various storage configurations.
- Minicard Form Factor: The Minicard form factor refers to the physical size and shape of the RAID controller. Being compact in design, Minicard controllers like the Dell Perc H740P are ideal for situations where space is limited, common in smaller server setups or systems with specific space constraints.
- RAID Controller: RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit for data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. The RAID controller, in this case, the Dell Perc H740P, manages these configurations, ensuring optimal data storage and retrieval.
Features of the Dell Perc H740P
Now that we understand the key terms, let’s explore the standout features of the Dell Perc H740P.
- High Performance: The PCI-E 3.0 interface of the Dell Perc H740P ensures high-speed data transfer between the RAID controller and the motherboard. This results in improved overall system performance, making it suitable for applications where data responsiveness is critical.
- SAS and SATA Compatibility: The ability to support both SAS and SATA drives gives users flexibility in choosing their storage devices. SAS is often preferred for enterprise-grade applications due to its higher performance, while SATA is more commonly used in consumer and small business environments. The H740P’s compatibility with both ensures it can adapt to various storage needs.
- Data Protection: One of the primary functions of a RAID controller is to provide data protection through redundancy. The Dell Perc H740P supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and more. These levels offer different combinations of striping, mirroring, and parity, allowing users to tailor their storage configuration based on their specific requirements for performance and redundancy.
- Cache Memory: The H740P is equipped with cache memory, which enhances its performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data. This can result in quicker data retrieval and improved overall system responsiveness.
- Battery Backup Unit (BBU) Support: In case of power outages or unexpected shutdowns, a Battery Backup Unit (BBU) ensures that the cached data in the RAID controller’s memory is preserved. This added layer of protection prevents data loss or corruption, contributing to the reliability of the storage system.
- Management Capabilities: The Dell Perc H740P comes with management software that allows users to monitor and configure the RAID controller easily. This user-friendly interface is crucial for maintaining and optimizing the storage system over time.
Applications of the Dell Perc H740P
Understanding where the Dell Perc H740P fits into various computing environments is essential. Here are some common applications:
- Enterprise Servers: In enterprise server environments, where performance, data protection, and reliability are paramount, the Dell Perc H740P excels. Its support for high-speed SAS drives and robust RAID configurations makes it a go-to choice for mission-critical applications.
- Data Centers: Data centers, dealing with massive amounts of data and demanding constant availability, benefit from the H740P’s performance and redundancy features. The ability to support a mix of SAS and SATA drives also allows for versatile storage configurations.
- Small to Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs with smaller server setups can leverage the Dell Perc H740P’s MiniCard form factor to maximize space utilization. The RAID controller’s ease of management is particularly advantageous for businesses without dedicated IT staff.
- Workstations: In high-performance workstations handling resource-intensive tasks such as video editing or 3D rendering, the Dell Perc H740P contributes to a smoother and more responsive computing experience.
RAID Management and Configuration
The Dell 405-AANL Perc H740P PCI-E 3.0 SAS SATA Minicard Raid Controller can be managed and configured using the following methods:
- Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA): OMSA is a software tool that allows administrators to manage and monitor the system, including the Perc H740P Raid Controller. It provides a graphical user interface for managing and configuring RAID levels, disk drives, and other storage components.
- RAID Configuration Utility: The RAID Configuration Utility is a built-in tool that allows administrators to manage and configure RAID arrays directly from the system’s BIOS. This is a quick and easy way to configure basic RAID levels and disk drives.
- Command Line Interface (CLI): The CLI provides a text-based interface for managing and configuring the Perc H740P Raid Controller. This method is more advanced and requires a higher level of expertise, but provides greater flexibility for customizing RAID configurations.
Regardless of the management method used, it is important to properly configure the RAID level to ensure optimal performance and data protection. The Perc H740P supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, and can be configured to suit the specific needs of your organization. Additionally, the Perc H740P supports online spare disk drives for automatic data protection in the event of disk failure, making it a reliable and scalable solution for businesses of all sizes.
Performance and Data Transfer Rates
The Dell 405-AANL Perc H740P PCI-E 3.0 SAS SATA Minicard Raid Controller is a high-performance RAID controller that provides advanced RAID management capabilities and fast data transfer rates.
- Performance: The Perc H740P is equipped with 8GB NV cache, which provides improved performance for read-intensive workloads. The controller supports up to 24 hard drives, making it ideal for high-capacity storage requirements.
- Data Transfer Rates: The Perc H740P has a PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface and supports data transfer rates of up to 12GB/s per port. This makes it ideal for demanding applications that require fast data access and high performance.
It is important to note that the actual performance of the controller will depend on a number of factors, including the configuration of the system, the type of hard drives used, and the workload being processed. It is recommended to check the system specifications and firmware version before installing the controller to ensure compatibility.
The Perc H740P also supports online spare disk drives for automatic data protection in the event of disk failure, ensuring reliable and scalable storage for your business. Additionally, the minicard form factor provides a compact solution for space-constrained data center environments.
Compatibility with Dell PowerEdge Servers
The compatibility of the Dell Perc H740P RAID controller depends on several factors, including the host server, the operating system, and the storage configuration. Here are some general compatibility guidelines:
- Host server: The Perc H740P is compatible with select PowerEdge server models. You can check the compatibility of your server by visiting the Dell Support website and entering the server model and part number.
- Operating System: The Perc H740P is compatible with several versions of Windows Server and Linux distributions, including Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server. You can check the compatibility of your operating system by visiting the Dell Support website and entering the operating system and version.
- Storage Configuration: The Perc H740P supports SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives and can be configured as a RAID controller or as a pass-through device. The maximum number of drives supported will depend on the host server, the operating system, and the specific RAID configuration.
General Information about this Dell 405-AANL
- Manufacturer: Dell
- Part Number or SKU# 405-AANL
- Product Type: SAS-SATA
- Product Name: Controller
Technical Information
- Host Interface: PCI Express 3.1 x8
- Controller Type: 12Gb/s SAS Serial ATA/600
- RAID Supported: Yes
Memory
- Cache Memory: 8 GB
Interfaces/Ports
- Total Number of SAS Ports: 8
- Number of SAS Ports (Internal): 8
- SAS Connector Details: 2 SFF-8643
Physical Characteristics
- Form Factor: Plug-in Card
Finally, the Dell Perc H740P PCI-E 3.0 SAS SATA Minicard Raid Controller stands as a versatile and powerful solution for enhancing storage performance, data protection, and system reliability. Its compatibility with SAS and SATA drives, support for various RAID configurations, and user-friendly management capabilities make it suitable for a wide range of applications, from enterprise servers to small business setups. Understanding its features, benefits, and installation process empowers users to leverage the full potential of this RAID controller, ensuring a robust and efficient storage solution for their computing needs.
