Description
More Information for the LSI Logic SAS9380-8I8E PCI-E Card
In the world of computer hardware, the SAS9380-8I8E from LSI Logic stands out as a significant player. This hardware component is a SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller, designed to provide a robust and efficient solution for managing storage devices. In this detailed exploration, we will delve into the various aspects of the SAS9380-8I8E, understanding its key features, specifications, and the role it plays in modern computer systems.
Unpacking the Terminology
Before we dive into the technical details, let’s decipher the product name to understand its composition and what each element signifies.
- SAS9380-8I8E: This is the model number or identifier for the SAS controller. It helps in uniquely distinguishing this particular hardware component from others in the market.
- LSI Logic: LSI Logic, or simply LSI, refers to the company that manufactures the SAS9380-8I8E. Understanding the manufacturer is crucial as it often reflects the quality and reliability of the product.
- SAS 8 Internal 8 External Ports: This segment highlights the number and type of ports the controller possesses. In this case, there are 8 internal and 8 external ports, indicating a high degree of connectivity options for various storage devices.
- PCI-E 3.0: The PCI Express (PCI-E) version denotes the interface through which the SAS controller connects to the motherboard. In this case, it’s the third version, known for its improved data transfer rates and efficiency.
- 2G DDRIII MD2: This part indicates the type and size of the controller’s onboard memory. In this instance, it’s a 2 gigabyte DDR3 (Double Data Rate 3) memory, crucial for enhancing the controller’s performance in handling data.
- NO CBL W/SW/LP Bracket: This section signifies what is included or not included in the package. “NO CBL” suggests that no cables are provided. “W/SW” indicates that the package includes software, and “LP Bracket” specifies the presence of a Low-Profile Bracket, which is essential for fitting the controller into systems with limited space.
Key Features of SAS9380-8I8E
- Port Configuration for Versatile Connectivity: The SAS9380-8I8E boasts a remarkable feature set with its 8 internal and 8 external ports. This configuration ensures compatibility with a wide array of storage devices, making it a versatile solution for various storage setups. Whether you’re dealing with internal hard drives or external storage arrays, the SAS9380-8I8E provides the necessary ports for seamless integration.
- PCI Express 3.0 Interface for High-Speed Data Transfer: The PCI Express 3.0 interface is a critical component of the SAS9380-8I8E, defining how quickly and efficiently it communicates with the motherboard. The third version of PCI-E is known for its enhanced data transfer rates, offering improved performance over its predecessors. This feature is particularly advantageous for tasks that demand high-speed data processing, such as data-intensive applications or large file transfers.
- Onboard DDR3 Memory for Efficient Data Handling: With 2 gigabytes of DDR3 memory onboard, the SAS9380-8I8E ensures efficient and swift handling of data. The DDR3 memory type is known for its reliability and speed, contributing significantly to the overall performance of the SAS controller. This memory capacity is especially beneficial when dealing with complex storage configurations or handling large datasets.
- Comprehensive Package Contents: The SAS9380-8I8E package comes with specific inclusions and exclusions. The absence of cables (NO CBL) implies that users need to procure their own cables suitable for their setup. However, the inclusion of software (W/SW) is a notable advantage, providing users with the necessary tools for configuring and managing the SAS controller. Additionally, the presence of a Low-Profile Bracket (LP Bracket) makes the controller compatible with systems that have space constraints.
Applications of SAS9380-8I8E
Understanding the applications for which the SAS9380-8I8E is well-suited is crucial for potential buyers. Let’s explore the various scenarios where this SAS controller excels.
- Enterprise Storage Solutions: In enterprise-level storage setups, the SAS9380-8I8E shines by offering a robust platform for connecting multiple internal and external storage devices. Its 8 internal and 8 external ports provide the necessary flexibility for creating expansive storage configurations. This is particularly valuable in environments where data redundancy, high availability, and quick access to large datasets are paramount.
- Data Centers: Data centers, with their vast storage requirements and the need for seamless data management, benefit from the SAS9380-8I8E’s capabilities. The high-speed PCI Express 3.0 interface ensures that the controller can keep up with the demands of modern data center operations. The ability to connect a diverse range of storage devices makes it adaptable to the varying needs of a data center environment.
- Media and Content Creation: Industries involved in media and content creation, where large file sizes and quick data access are critical, find the SAS9380-8I8E to be a valuable asset. The controller’s high-speed interface, coupled with its extensive port configuration, allows for the efficient handling of multimedia files. Whether it’s video editing, 3D rendering, or audio production, the SAS9380-8I8E provides the necessary performance for demanding creative workflows.
- Server Environments: Servers, serving as the backbone of many computing operations, benefit from the SAS9380-8I8E’s combination of connectivity options and high-speed data transfer. The controller’s ability to handle a large number of storage devices makes it well-suited for server environments where storage capacity and performance are critical.
PCI-E 3.0 Interface
The SAS9380-8I8E LSI Logic SAS card features a PCI Express (PCI-E) 3.0 interface. PCI-E is a high-speed interface standard used to connect peripheral devices, such as storage controllers, to a computer’s motherboard.
The PCI-E 3.0 interface on the SAS9380-8I8E card is the third generation of the PCI-E standard, and it offers several improvements over the previous generations, including:
- Increased bandwidth: PCI-E 3.0 provides a maximum bandwidth of 8 GT/s (Giga transfers per second), which is double the bandwidth of PCI-E 2.0 and almost triple the bandwidth of PCI-E 1.1. This means that the SAS9380-8I8E card can transfer data at faster speeds, which can be beneficial for applications that require high I/O performance.
- Improved efficiency: PCI-E 3.0 uses a more efficient data encoding scheme, which can reduce the power consumption of the card and the host system.
- Better scalability: PCI-E 3.0 supports longer and more complex topologies, which can be useful for systems that require high-bandwidth connections between multiple devices.
The PCI-E 3.0 interface on the SAS9380-8I8E card provides faster and more efficient data transfer, which can improve the performance of storage-intensive applications and reduce the workload on the host system.
High-Density Connectivity
High-density connectivity refers to the ability to connect multiple storage devices to a single controller or host system. The SAS9380-8I8E LSI Logic SAS card has 8 internal and 8 external SAS/SATA ports, which allows for a high number of storage devices to be connected to the card and to the host system.
This feature can be useful for several different use cases, such as:
- Increasing storage capacity: By connecting multiple hard drives or solid-state drives to the SAS9380-8I8E card, it is possible to increase the total storage capacity of the host system.
- Redundancy: By connecting multiple storage devices to the card, it is possible to create redundant storage configurations, such as RAID (redundant array of independent disks) arrays, which can protect data against disk failures.
- Performance: By connecting multiple storage devices to the card, it is possible to increase the number of I/O operations that can be performed simultaneously, which can improve the performance of storage-intensive applications.
- Scale-out storage: High-density connectivity allows you to add multiple storage devices to your system as your storage needs grow, this is known as scale-out storage.
The SAS9380-8I8E LSI Logic SAS card’s high-density connectivity feature allows for a large number of storage devices to be connected to the card and the host system, which can provide increased storage capacity, improved performance, and better data protection.
General Information about this Lsi Logic SAS9380-8I8E
- Manufacturer: LSI Logic
- Part Number or SKU# SAS9380-8I8E
- Product Name: Controller
- Sub-Type: SAS Controller
Technical Specifications
- Raid-On-Chip Controller: SAS3316 Dual Core Raid-On-Chip (ROC)
- Generation: 12 GB/S
- External Ports: 8
- External Connectors: 2 Mini-SAS HD SFF8644
- Raid Management Software: LSA (LSI Storage Authority), MegaRAID Storage Manager, StorCLI (Command-Line Interface), Ctrl-R (BIOS Configuration Utility), HII (UEFI Human Interface Infrastructure)
- Cache Protection: CVPM02 CacheVault Power Module
- Host Bus Type: X8 Lane PCI Express® 3.0
- Cache Memory: 2GB 1866MHz DDR3 SDRAM
- Internal Ports: 8
- Data Transfer Rates: Up To 12GB/S Per Port
- Devices Supported: Up To 240 SATA And/Or SAS Devices
- Internal Connectors: 2 Mini-SAS HD SFF8643
- MTBF: > 2,500,000 Hours
- Operating Temperature: Maximum Ambient: Controller Card: 55°C, With Optional CacheVault Accessory CVPM02 55°C
- Operating Voltage (V): +3.3V, +12V
- OS Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, Linux (Oracle, SUSE, Red Hat), Solaris, VMware, FreeBSD, CentOS, Canonical, Citrix, Fedora, Debian.
In general, the SAS9380-8I8E from LSI Logic is a powerful SAS controller designed to meet the demanding storage needs of modern computing environments. Its 8 internal and 8 external ports, coupled with a PCI Express 3.0 interface and 2 gigabytes of DDR3 memory, make it a versatile and high-performance solution. Whether deployed in enterprise storage setups, data centers, media and content creation workflows, or server environments, the SAS9380-8I8E excels in providing efficient and reliable storage management.
For potential users, a thorough understanding of the product’s features, applications, installation process, and troubleshooting steps is essential. By delving into the intricacies of the SAS9380-8I8E, users can make informed decisions regarding its suitability for their specific requirements, ensuring a seamless integration into their computing infrastructure.
