Description
More Information for the LSI Logic 9260CV-8I PCI-E Raid Controller
The 9260CV-8I LSI Logic MegaRAID is a powerful RAID controller designed to enhance data storage and management capabilities in enterprise environments. In this detailed explanation, we will delve into the key features and functionalities of the 9260CV-8I, exploring its specifications, benefits, and how it operates as a RAID controller for SAS and SATA devices connected through the PCI Express interface.
Overview of the 9260CV-8I RAID Controller
The 9260CV-8I is part of the MegaRAID series by LSI Logic, a renowned provider of storage and networking solutions. As a RAID controller, its primary purpose is to improve data storage reliability, performance, and security through the implementation of a Redundant Array of Independent Disks (RAID) configurations.
RAID Technology Overview
RAID is a storage technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit to enhance performance, redundancy, or a combination of both. The MegaRAID 9260CV-8I supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and more, allowing users to choose the configuration that best suits their specific requirements.
Key Features of the 9260CV-8I
- 512MB Cache Memory: The inclusion of a 512MB cache memory enhances the controller’s ability to store frequently accessed data, reducing latency and improving overall system performance.
- 8-Ports and 6GBPS Data Transfer: With eight ports, the 9260CV-8I accommodates multiple SAS and SATA devices, offering high-speed data transfer at 6GBPS. This is crucial for handling large volumes of data efficiently in enterprise environments.
- PCI Express Interface: The RAID controller utilizes the PCI Express (PCI-E) interface, ensuring a fast and reliable connection to the server or workstation. PCI-E is a widely adopted standard that provides high bandwidth and low latency for data transfer.
Detailed Specifications of the 9260CV-8I RAID Controller
- Processor and Architecture: The 9260CV-8I features a dedicated processor that manages RAID operations independently, reducing the workload on the system CPU. This architecture enhances overall system efficiency and responsiveness.
- Connectivity Options: The eight ports on the controller support both SAS and SATA devices, offering flexibility in choosing storage solutions based on specific performance and capacity requirements.
- RAID Levels Supported: The controller supports a comprehensive range of RAID levels, allowing users to configure their storage arrays according to their priorities, whether it’s maximizing performance, data protection, or a balance between the two.
- CacheVault Technology: CacheVault technology is employed to safeguard cached data in the event of a power failure. This ensures data integrity and reduces the risk of data loss during unexpected outages.
Benefits of Using the 9260CV-8I RAID Controller
- Improved Data Reliability: The implementation of RAID technology enhances data reliability by distributing data across multiple drives. In the event of a drive failure, the system can continue to operate without data loss.
- Enhanced Performance: The 512MB cache memory and support for high-speed data transfer contribute to improved system performance, making the 9260CV-8I suitable for demanding applications and workloads.
- Scalability and Flexibility: With eight ports and support for various RAID levels, the controller provides scalability and flexibility, allowing organizations to adapt their storage infrastructure to changing needs.
- Ease of Management: LSI Logic offers intuitive management tools that simplify the configuration and monitoring of the RAID controller. This user-friendly interface enhances the overall user experience and reduces the learning curve for administrators.
Use Cases and Applications
The 9260CV-8I RAID controller finds applications in a variety of scenarios, ranging from small businesses to large enterprise environments.
- Server Environments: In server environments, the 9260CV-8I enhances data storage and retrieval, ensuring that critical server applications operate efficiently. The RAID configurations provide both performance and data protection benefits.
- Data Centers: Data centers handling massive amounts of data benefit from the scalability and reliability offered by the MegaRAID controller. The ability to support multiple RAID levels makes it adaptable to diverse data center requirements.
- Workstations: Workstations dealing with resource-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, benefit from the improved data transfer speeds and overall system performance facilitated by the 9260CV-8I.
RAID Levels supported
The 9260CV-8I LSI Logic MegaRAID controller supports the following RAID levels:
- RAID 0 (Striping): Provides data striping across multiple physical drives, increasing performance and providing no data protection.
- RAID 1 (Mirroring): Provides data mirroring across two physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of a single drive failure.
- RAID 1E (Striping with Parity): Provides data striping and parity across multiple physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of a single drive failure.
- RAID 5 (Striping with Distributed Parity): Provides data striping and parity across multiple physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of a single drive failure.
- RAID 6 (Striping with Dual Distributed Parity): Provides data striping and dual parity across multiple physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of two drive failures.
- RAID 10 (Mirroring and Striping): Provides data mirroring and striping across multiple physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of a single drive failure and increasing performance.
- RAID 50 (Striping with Distributed Parity across Mirrors): Provides data striping, parity, and mirroring across multiple physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of a single drive failure.
- RAID 60 (Striping with Dual Distributed Parity across Mirrors): Provides data striping, dual parity, and mirroring across multiple physical drives, ensuring data protection in case of two drive failures.
Performance and Scalability
The 9260CV-8I LSI Logic MegaRAID controller offers high performance and scalability for enterprise-class storage systems. The controller features 8 SAS and SATA ports and supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing for a variety of configuration options to meet the needs of different applications.
The controller also features an onboard 512MB DDR2 cache memory, which provides improved performance and data protection in the event of a disk failure. The controller supports SAS and SATA hard drives, and solid-state drives (SSD) with 6GBPS data transfer rates, allowing for fast data transfer speeds.
The controller also offers advanced RAID features such as RAID-level migration, online RAID-level migration, and global hot spare, to improve data availability and reduce downtime.
In terms of scalability, the 9260CV-8I supports up to 256 SAS or SATA hard drives, allowing for large-scale storage systems with high capacity and performance. Additionally, the controller supports multiple RAID arrays and virtual drives, enabling the creation of multiple logical drives within a single physical drive.
General Information about this LSI Logic 9260CV-8I
- Manufacturer: LSI Logic
- Part Number or SKU# 9260CV-8I
- Product Type: PCI Express
- Product Name: Controller
Technical Specifications
- Posts: 8
- Internal Controller: 2 x SAS SFF-8087 x4
- Memory: 512MB
- Number of Supported Hard Drives: 128
- Host Bus Interface: PCI Express 2.0 x8
- Device Protocol: 6Gb/s SATA+SAS
- Cables: Two Mini-SAS to (4) SATA
In short, the 9260CV-8I LSI Logic MegaRAID 512MB 8-Ports 6GBPS SAS SATA PCI-E RAID Controller is a robust solution for organizations seeking to improve their data storage and management capabilities. With its advanced features, including high-speed data transfer, support for multiple RAID levels, and ease of management, the controller addresses the diverse needs of modern computing environments. Whether deployed in server environments, data centers, or workstations, the 9260CV-8I offers a reliable and scalable solution for enhancing data reliability and performance. As technology continues to evolve, RAID controllers like the 9260CV-8I play a vital role in shaping the future of efficient and secure data storage.
