Description
More Information for the IBM 03X3744 PCI-E Controller Card
The 03X3744 IBM ServeRAID M5014 6GBPS PCI-E 2.0 X8 SAS SATA RAID Controller Card is a crucial component in server systems, designed to enhance storage performance, reliability, and manageability. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key features, functionality, and benefits of this RAID controller card, shedding light on its significance in modern server setups.
Overview of RAID Controllers
- Definition of RAID: RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit. The goal is to improve data reliability, performance, or both.
- Role of RAID Controllers: RAID controllers, like the IBM ServeRAID M5014, manage the RAID array, handling data distribution, redundancy, and error recovery. They play a critical role in optimizing storage systems for various applications.
Key Features of the 03X3744 IBM ServeRAID M5014
- PCI-E 2.0 X8 Interface: The 03X3744 supports the PCI Express 2.0 X8 interface, ensuring high-speed data transfer between the RAID controller and the server’s motherboard. This facilitates efficient communication and enhances overall system performance.
- SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) Compatibility: This RAID controller is compatible with both SAS and SATA drives, offering flexibility in choosing storage devices based on specific requirements. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of server configurations.
- 6GBPS Data Transfer Rate: With a 6GBPS (gigabits per second) data transfer rate, the IBM ServeRAID M5014 ensures rapid and reliable data access. This is particularly beneficial for applications that demand high-speed storage solutions, such as databases and virtualization.
- RAID Levels Supported: The controller supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, 50, and 6. This enables administrators to implement different RAID configurations based on the desired balance of performance, capacity, and data redundancy.
Benefits of the IBM ServeRAID M5014
- Improved Data Reliability: By implementing RAID technology, the M5014 enhances data reliability through redundancy. In the event of a disk failure, data can be reconstructed from the remaining drives, minimizing the risk of data loss.
- Enhanced Performance: The high data transfer rate and support for various RAID levels contribute to improved storage performance. This is particularly advantageous for applications that demand fast and efficient access to large datasets.
- Scalability: The M5014 supports a range of RAID configurations, allowing for scalability to meet changing storage needs. Whether it’s adding more drives or reconfiguring the RAID setup, the controller provides flexibility for future expansions.
Common Use Cases
- Server Virtualization: In virtualized environments, where multiple virtual machines share the same physical server, the IBM ServeRAID M5014 ensures optimal storage performance and reliability, crucial for the success of virtualization projects.
- Database Applications: Databases often require fast and reliable storage solutions. The M5014, with its high data transfer rate and RAID support, is well-suited for database applications, ensuring efficient data access and retrieval.
- Enterprise Storage Solutions: For enterprises with large-scale storage requirements, the M5014 offers the necessary features for building robust and scalable storage infrastructures.
PCI-E Interface and Compatibility
The IBM Serveraid M5014 6GBPS PCI-E 2.0 x8 SAS/SATA RAID Controller Card (03X3744) is designed to provide high-performance RAID functionality for IBM server systems. The following are some of the PCI-E interface and compatibility specifications for this controller:
- PCI Express interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8
- SAS/SATA ports: 8 internal ports
- RAID levels supported: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
- Maximum number of hard drives supported: Up to 8
- Compatibility: Compatible with IBM System x3550 M2, x3550 M3, x3650 M2, x3650 M3, x3755 M3, and x3850 X5 server systems
This controller card is designed to provide advanced RAID functionality for IBM server systems. It supports a range of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, which allows for a high degree of flexibility and scalability. Additionally, the 8 internal ports provide a high degree of flexibility and scalability, and the PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface provides fast data transfer speeds.
Performance and Scalability
The IBM Serveraid M5014 6GBPS PCI-E 2.0 X8 SAS/SATA Raid Controller Card (03X3744) is designed to provide high performance and scalability for enterprise storage systems. The following are some of the performance and scalability specifications for this controller:
- Data transfer speed: 6 Gbps per port (maximum)
- SAS/SATA ports: 8 internal ports
- PCI Express interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8
- SAS protocol support: SAS 2.0, SATA III (6 Gbps), SATA II (3 Gbps)
- RAID support: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
- Battery-backed cache: 512MB or 1GB
This controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, which enables it to provide data protection and performance improvement for your storage system. The 8 internal ports provide a high degree of scalability for connecting multiple devices and expanding storage capacity. Additionally, the 512MB or 1GB battery-backed cache ensures data integrity and improves performance by providing a cache for frequently accessed data.
The 6 Gbps data transfer speed per port allows for fast and efficient data transfer, while the PCI-E 2.0 x8 interface provides high-speed connectivity to the server.
General Information about this IBM 03X3744
- Manufacturer: IBM
- Part Number or SKU# 03X3744
- Product Name: Controller
- Sub-Type: SAS-SATA
Technical Information
- Transfer Rate: 6GBPS
- Cache: 512MB 800HMZ Ddr2
- Controller: Lsisas2108 Raid On Chip Roc
- Device Type: Raid Controller
- Interface: PCI-E
- Physical Interface: PCI-E 2.0 X8
- Form Factor: PCI Express Card
- Ports: Eight Ports ( 8-Port )
- Connectors: ( 2 ) Two Mini SAS Sff-8087 Connections
Outline, the 03X3744 IBM ServeRAID M5014 6GBPS PCI-E 2.0 X8 SAS SATA RAID Controller Card is a versatile and powerful component that significantly contributes to the performance and reliability of server storage systems. Its compatibility with both SAS and SATA drives, high data transfer rate, and support for various RAID levels make it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications and server configurations. By understanding its features, installation process, and benefits, administrators can leverage the full potential of this RAID controller to enhance their server infrastructure. Regular monitoring, maintenance, and troubleshooting practices ensure the continued optimal performance of the RAID array, safeguarding critical data and supporting the seamless operation of server environments.
