Description
Product Overview for the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card
The LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card, with its full name being a mouthful, is a powerful piece of hardware designed for managing and controlling storage devices within a server or storage system. We will delve into the details of this controller card, explaining its features, benefits, and the technology behind it. This controller card is a crucial component for optimizing the performance and data security of storage solutions, and we’ll explore why it’s a popular choice for many IT professionals and data center administrators.
What is the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card?
The LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card, also known as the SAS 03T6792, is a high-performance RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller card that is used in servers and storage systems. It is designed to manage and control multiple hard drives or SSDs (Solid State Drives) in a way that improves data storage, performance, and reliability. The controller card comes equipped with 1GB of cache memory and supports data transfer rates of up to 12 gigabits per second (12GBPS), making it suitable for handling the most demanding storage workloads.
Key Features of the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card
The LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card is loaded with features that make it a valuable addition to any server or storage system. Let’s break down these features and explore how they benefit users:
- RAID Support: The primary function of the LSI Logic 9364-8I is to support various RAID configurations. RAID provides data redundancy and improves performance by distributing data across multiple drives. This controller card supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, giving users flexibility in configuring their storage setup based on their specific requirements. For example, RAID 0 can be used for improved performance, while RAID 1 offers data redundancy and protection.
- High Data Transfer Rate: The controller card boasts an impressive 12GBPS SAS interface, enabling lightning-fast data transfer rates. This high bandwidth ensures that data can be written and read from storage drives quickly, reducing latency and enhancing overall system performance. The 12GBPS speed is particularly beneficial for applications that require rapid data access, such as databases and virtualization.
- 1GB Cache Memory: One of the standout features of the LSI Logic 9364-8I is its 1GB cache memory. Cache memory acts as a buffer between the server and storage devices, accelerating data access. This cache memory can store frequently accessed data, reducing the time it takes to retrieve information from storage drives. As a result, the controller card improves system responsiveness and efficiency.
- Support for Multiple Drives: The controller card supports up to eight SAS or SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) drives. This allows users to connect a variety of storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs), depending on their storage needs and budget. The ability to mix different types of drives offers flexibility and cost-effectiveness when designing storage solutions.
- Compatibility: The LSI Logic 9364-8I is compatible with a wide range of server and storage systems. This compatibility ensures that IT professionals and data center administrators can integrate the controller card into their existing infrastructure without the need for significant hardware changes. This feature simplifies the upgrade process and reduces downtime.
The Advantages of Using the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card
Now that we’ve covered the key features of the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card, let’s delve into the advantages it offers to users and organizations:
- Data Security: One of the primary benefits of using a RAID controller card like the LSI Logic 9364-8I is enhanced data security. RAID configurations, such as RAID 1 and RAID 10, offer data redundancy by mirroring data across multiple drives. In the event of a drive failure, data can still be accessed and recovered from the remaining drives. This redundancy is crucial for critical applications and ensures that data remains accessible even when hardware failures occur.
- Improved Performance: The controller card’s support for RAID levels 0 and 5, among others, enhances system performance. RAID 0, in particular, strips data across multiple drives, leading to faster read and write speeds. This is advantageous for applications where speed is paramount, such as video editing or real-time data processing.
- Scalability: The LSI Logic 9364-8I is designed to accommodate up to eight drives, allowing for easy scalability. Organizations can start with a smaller number of drives and expand their storage capacity as needed. This scalability is especially beneficial for growing businesses that may require more storage space over time.
- Quick Data Access: The 1GB cache memory plays a significant role in improving data access times. By temporarily storing frequently accessed data, the controller card reduces the need to fetch data directly from storage drives, resulting in quicker data retrieval. This speed advantage is crucial for applications where low latency is a priority.
- Compatibility and Integration: The controller card’s compatibility with a wide range of server and storage systems ensures that it can be seamlessly integrated into existing infrastructures. This compatibility reduces the time and effort required for system upgrades or replacements.
Technology Behind the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card
To understand how the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card achieves its high performance and functionality, it’s essential to explore the technology that powers it. Below are some of the key technological aspects of this controller card:
- SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) Interface: The LSI Logic 9364-8I utilizes a SAS interface for connecting to storage drives. SAS is a high-speed, high-reliability interface that is ideal for enterprise-level storage solutions. It offers faster data transfer rates than its predecessor, SATA, making it well-suited for data-intensive applications.
- PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express): The controller card typically connects to the server’s motherboard via a PCIe slot. PCIe is a high-speed interface that enables efficient communication between the controller card and the server’s CPU. This direct connection ensures that data can flow between the storage drives and the CPU with minimal latency.
- RAID Controller: The heart of the LSI Logic 9364-8I is its RAID controller. This component manages the RAID configuration and ensures that data is distributed and mirrored across the connected drives as specified by the user. It also handles error detection and correction, further enhancing data reliability.
- Cache Memory: The controller card’s cache memory is a critical component for accelerating data access. This memory is used to temporarily store frequently accessed data, reducing the need to read it from the storage drives repeatedly. The cache memory is typically equipped with battery backup to safeguard against data loss in the event of a power failure.
Use Cases and Applications
The LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card finds application in a variety of scenarios where high-performance storage and data security are essential. Let’s explore some common use cases and the benefits they offer in each:
- Data Centers: In data centers, where vast amounts of data are stored and accessed, the controller card is crucial for maintaining high data availability and reliability. It allows data center administrators to configure RAID arrays that protect against drive failures and optimize data access times. The high-speed SAS interface and cache memory ensure that data can be retrieved quickly, minimizing downtime.
- Virtualization: Virtualization environments benefit from the controller card’s ability to improve storage performance. Virtual machines (VMs) rely on efficient data access, and the high data transfer rates provided by the controller card ensure that VMs can run smoothly without performance bottlenecks. In addition, the data redundancy offered by RAID configurations enhances data integrity.
- Database Servers: Databases, which are at the core of many business operations, require fast and reliable storage solutions. The LSI Logic 9364-8I is well-suited for database servers due to its high-speed data transfer and cache memory. These features reduce query response times and enhance database performance.
- Media and Entertainment: The media and entertainment industry often deals with large video and audio files that demand fast data access. Video editing workstations, for example, benefit from the controller card’s ability to handle large media files efficiently. RAID 0 configurations can stripe data across drives, enabling quick editing and rendering of high-definition videos.
- Financial Institutions: Financial institutions deal with sensitive and critical data that must be stored securely. The controller card’s support for RAID 1 and other redundancy configurations ensures that financial data remains accessible even in the event of a drive failure. The high-speed SAS interface also enables fast transaction processing.
General Information about this Lsi Logic 9364-8I
- Manufacturer: Lsi Logic
- Part Number or SKU# 9364-8I
- Product Type: SAS Controller
- Product Name: Controller
Technical Information of RAID Controller Card
- Interface: RAID Controller
- Physical Dimensions: MD2 low profile (6.6 inch x 2.536 inch)
- Connectors: Two mini-SAS SFF8643 internal connectors
- Device Support: Up to 128 SAS and/or SATA devices
- Host Bus Type: x8 lane PCI Express 3.0 compliant
- Data Transfer Rates: Up to 12 GBPS per port
- I/O Processor/SAS Controller: LSISAS3108 dual core RAID on Chip (ROC))
- Cache Memory: 1GB 1866MHz DDRIII SDRAM
- Cache Memory: 1GB 1866MHz DDRIII SDRAM
- Cache Protection: Optional CacheVault Flash Module(LSICVM02) – Includes CVFM04, CVPM02, mounting clip and cable
- Operating Temperature: Maximum ambient: Controller Card: 55°C, with optional CacheVault accessory (CVPM02): 55°C
- Operating Voltage: +3.3V, +12V
- MTBF (Calculated): >1,343,187 hours
- Hardware Warranty: 3 years; with the advanced replacement option
- Regulatory Certifications: EN55022, EN55024, EN60950, EN61000-3-2, EN61000-3-3; FCC Class A, Class B; UL1950; UL; CSA C22.2; VCCI; RRL for MIC; BSMI; C-tick
In summary, the LSI Logic 9364-8I MegaRAID Controller Card, also known as the SAS 03T6792, is a high-performance RAID controller card that offers a wide range of benefits, including data security, improved performance, and scalability. Its compatibility with various server and storage systems makes it a versatile choice for IT professionals and data center administrators.
This controller card’s advanced technology, such as the SAS interface, cache memory, and PCIe connection, enables it to handle demanding storage workloads efficiently. Use cases range from data centers and virtualization environments to database servers, media and entertainment, and financial institutions.
Installation and configuration of the LSI Logic 9364-8I involve simple steps while troubleshooting and maintenance practices can help ensure its smooth operation over time. When used effectively, this controller card can significantly enhance the storage capabilities and reliability of your server or storage system, making it a valuable investment for organizations with data-intensive needs.
