LSI00462 Broadcom SAS 9361-8I 8-Internal Ports RAID 0/1/5/50/6 PCI-EXP 3.0, 2G DDRIII, MD2 Controller

Broadcom MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i Enterprise RAID Controller 

The Broadcom LSI00462 MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i controller is engineered for enterprise-grade server storage environments that demand reliability, scalability, and consistent performance. Designed around the proven MegaRAID architecture, this internal SAS controller delivers advanced RAID functionality, efficient data protection, and seamless integration with modern PCI Express 3.0 platforms. It is widely adopted in data centers, virtualization infrastructures, and high-availability server deployments where data integrity and throughput are critical.

General Product Information

• Manufacturer: Broadcom
• Part Number: LSI00462
• Product Line: MegaRAID
• Product Model: 9361-8i
• Product Name: MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i (2G)
• Package Type: Retail
• Product Type: SAS RAID Controller

Supported RAID Levels

• RAID 0 for maximum performance
• RAID 1 for data mirroring and redundancy
• RAID 5 for balanced performance and fault tolerance
• RAID 6 for enhanced dual-drive failure protection
• RAID 10 for high availability and speed
• RAID 50 for scalable performance and resilience
• RAID 60 for enterprise-class data protection

Integrated Cache Memory

• Cache Memory Size: 1 GB
• Memory Type: DDR3

Total Number of SAS Ports

• Total SAS Ports: 8
• Internal SAS Ports: 8

Included Items

• MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i Controller Card
• Quick Installation Guide (QIG)
• Low-Profile Bracket

Broadcom LSI00462 SAS RAID Controller Architecture

The Broadcom LSI00462 SAS 9361-8I controller belongs to the high-performance enterprise RAID controller category designed for data-intensive server and storage environments. This category focuses on advanced SAS RAID adapters that integrate powerful I/O processors, dedicated cache memory, and robust firmware to manage complex storage workloads. The 9361-8I architecture is engineered around PCI Express 3.0 connectivity, ensuring high bandwidth communication between the controller and the host system. This class of RAID controllers is widely adopted in enterprise servers, virtualization platforms, cloud infrastructures, and mission-critical applications where data integrity, availability, and throughput are essential.

SAS RAID controller categories emphasize reliability, scalability, and advanced data protection features. The Broadcom LSI00462 model exemplifies this by supporting multiple RAID levels and offering eight internal SAS ports capable of handling high-speed SAS 12Gb/s devices. This category targets environments where storage performance and fault tolerance must coexist without compromise. By combining hardware-based RAID processing with intelligent firmware, this controller category offloads storage management tasks from the host CPU, enabling consistent performance even under heavy I/O loads.

PCI Express 3.0 Interface and System Integration

PCI Express 3.0 connectivity is a defining attribute of this RAID controller category. With increased lane bandwidth compared to previous generations, PCIe 3.0 allows the Broadcom SAS 9361-8I to handle simultaneous read and write operations across multiple drives efficiently. This interface ensures low latency data transfers between the RAID controller and the server motherboard, making it suitable for modern multi-core processors and high-speed memory architectures.

System integration within this category focuses on compatibility with a wide range of enterprise server platforms. The controller is designed to fit into standard PCI Express slots, supporting seamless deployment in rack-mounted servers, tower servers, and modular systems. This adaptability makes the category relevant for organizations upgrading existing infrastructure or deploying new data center environments. The consistent electrical and mechanical design standards associated with PCIe 3.0 ensure reliable operation across diverse hardware ecosystems.

Eight Internal SAS Ports for Scalable Storage

The eight internal SAS ports define the scalability and flexibility of this RAID controller category. Each port supports high-speed SAS connectivity, enabling direct attachment of multiple internal hard drives or solid-state drives. This configuration supports dense storage layouts within a single server chassis, reducing the need for external storage enclosures while maintaining high performance.

Controllers in this category are optimized for internal storage arrays, making them ideal for database servers, virtualization hosts, and enterprise applications that demand fast access to locally attached storage. The internal port design also enhances signal integrity and reduces latency compared to external cabling solutions. By supporting multiple drive types and capacities, this category accommodates a wide range of storage strategies, from high-capacity archival systems to high-performance transactional workloads.

SAS 12Gb/s Performance Capabilities

SAS 12Gb/s technology is central to the performance characteristics of this RAID controller category. Each port delivers high throughput, enabling rapid data transfers between the controller and connected storage devices. This bandwidth is particularly beneficial for environments utilizing enterprise SSDs or high-speed SAS hard drives, where maximizing I/O performance directly impacts application responsiveness.

The category emphasizes consistent performance under sustained workloads. Advanced queue management and optimized firmware ensure that the controller can handle large numbers of concurrent I/O requests without bottlenecks. This makes the Broadcom SAS 9361-8I category suitable for workloads such as online transaction processing, data analytics, and virtualization, where predictable performance is critical.

Internal Port Design and Reliability

The internal port configuration contributes to the reliability standards of this RAID controller category. By focusing on internal connectivity, the design minimizes external cabling complexity and reduces points of failure. This approach aligns with enterprise requirements for stable, long-term operation in data center environments.

Internal port RAID controllers are often preferred in systems where uptime and maintainability are priorities. The Broadcom LSI00462 category supports hot-swap capable backplanes when integrated with compatible server hardware, allowing drive replacement without system downtime. This enhances serviceability and supports continuous operation in mission-critical deployments.

Hardware RAID Processing and Cache Memory

A defining feature of this category is the use of dedicated hardware RAID processing. The Broadcom SAS 9361-8I incorporates a powerful RAID-on-Chip processor that manages parity calculations, striping, and mirroring operations independently of the host CPU. This hardware acceleration ensures consistent RAID performance regardless of system load, distinguishing this category from software-based RAID solutions.

The inclusion of 2GB DDRIII cache memory further enhances performance by temporarily storing frequently accessed data and write operations. This cache plays a critical role in improving write throughput and reducing latency, particularly in RAID configurations that involve parity calculations. Controllers in this category are designed to intelligently manage cache usage, optimizing performance while maintaining data integrity.

DDRIII Cache Architecture and Benefits

The 2GB DDRIII cache integrated into this RAID controller category serves as a high-speed buffer between the storage devices and the host system. This cache enables write-back and write-through caching modes, allowing administrators to balance performance and data protection based on application requirements. Write-back caching can significantly improve performance by acknowledging write operations before they are committed to disk, while write-through caching prioritizes data safety.

The DDRIII memory architecture provides a balance between speed, capacity, and reliability. In enterprise environments, cache memory is essential for smoothing I/O bursts and maintaining consistent performance during peak workloads. The Broadcom SAS 9361-8I category leverages this cache to support demanding applications that require both speed and stability.

Cache Protection and Data Integrity

Data integrity is a core focus of this RAID controller category. Cache protection mechanisms ensure that data stored in cache is not lost during unexpected power interruptions. While specific implementations may vary depending on system configuration, the category supports advanced cache management techniques that align with enterprise data protection standards.

By combining hardware RAID processing with intelligent cache management, this category minimizes the risk of data corruption and ensures reliable operation across a wide range of workloads. This makes the Broadcom LSI00462 category suitable for applications where data accuracy and availability are paramount.

RAID Levels and Data Protection Strategies

This RAID controller category supports a comprehensive range of RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 50. Each RAID level addresses different performance and redundancy requirements, allowing administrators to tailor storage configurations to specific use cases. The flexibility to deploy multiple RAID levels within a single controller enhances the versatility of this category.

RAID 0 focuses on performance by striping data across multiple drives without redundancy, making it suitable for non-critical workloads that require maximum speed. RAID 1 provides mirroring for data redundancy, ensuring data availability in the event of a drive failure. RAID 5 and RAID 6 introduce parity-based protection, balancing performance and fault tolerance. RAID 50 combines striping and parity across multiple arrays, delivering both scalability and resilience.

RAID 5 and RAID 6 for Enterprise Resilience

RAID 5 and RAID 6 are particularly relevant in enterprise environments where data protection and storage efficiency are critical. RAID 5 offers single-drive fault tolerance with efficient use of disk capacity, while RAID 6 extends protection to two simultaneous drive failures. This enhanced resilience is essential for large-capacity arrays where rebuild times can be significant.

The Broadcom SAS 9361-8I category is optimized to handle the computational demands of parity calculations associated with these RAID levels. Hardware acceleration ensures that performance remains consistent even during rebuild operations, reducing the impact on active workloads.

RAID 50 for Performance and Scalability

RAID 50 is a hybrid configuration that combines the benefits of RAID 5 and RAID 0. This RAID level is designed for environments that require high performance, large capacity, and fault tolerance. By striping data across multiple RAID 5 arrays, RAID 50 improves throughput while maintaining redundancy.

Controllers in this category are well-suited for RAID 50 deployments due to their robust processing capabilities and ample cache memory. This makes the Broadcom LSI00462 category an excellent choice for enterprise applications such as data warehousing, virtualization, and high-performance computing.

Centralized Storage Management

Centralized management is a key advantage of this RAID controller category. Administrators can configure RAID arrays, monitor performance, and manage alerts from a unified interface. This reduces administrative overhead and simplifies storage management in complex environments.

The management capabilities support integration with enterprise monitoring systems, enabling automated alerts and reporting. This integration helps organizations maintain high availability and quickly respond to potential issues before they impact operations.

Deployment Scenarios

The Broadcom LSI00462 SAS 9361-8I RAID controller category is designed for a wide range of enterprise deployment scenarios. It is commonly used in database servers, virtualization platforms, cloud infrastructure, and high-performance computing environments. The combination of high-speed SAS connectivity, hardware RAID processing, and advanced cache memory makes this category suitable for both performance-critical and capacity-focused applications.

In virtualization environments, the controller supports multiple virtual machines accessing shared storage with consistent performance. In database deployments, it обеспечивает reliable transaction processing and fast query response times. For cloud and private data centers, this category offers scalable and resilient storage management that aligns with modern infrastructure requirements.

Enterprise Servers and Data Centers

Enterprise servers and data centers benefit significantly from the capabilities of this RAID controller category. The ability to manage multiple internal drives with high performance and redundancy supports dense server configurations and efficient use of physical space. This aligns with data center goals of maximizing compute and storage density while minimizing operational complexity.

The Broadcom SAS 9361-8I category supports continuous operation and high availability, making it suitable for 24/7 data center environments. Its robust design and advanced management features contribute to reduced downtime and improved operational efficiency.

Virtualization and Cloud Workloads

Virtualization and cloud workloads place unique demands on storage infrastructure. This RAID controller category addresses these demands by delivering consistent I/O performance, low latency, and reliable data protection. The hardware RAID processing ensures that storage operations do not become a bottleneck, even when multiple virtual machines generate concurrent I/O requests.

The flexibility to configure different RAID levels within a single controller allows administrators to optimize storage for diverse workloads, from high-performance virtual desktops to capacity-focused cloud storage services.

Compatibility, Scalability, and Future-Proofing

Compatibility and scalability are essential considerations in this RAID controller category. The Broadcom SAS 9361-8I is designed to work with a wide range of SAS drives and server platforms, ensuring broad compatibility and ease of integration. This flexibility allows organizations to adapt their storage infrastructure as requirements evolve.

Scalability is achieved through support for high-capacity drives and advanced RAID configurations. As storage needs grow, this category enables seamless expansion without compromising performance or reliability. This future-proof approach protects investment and supports long-term infrastructure planning.

Enterprise Storage Ecosystem Integration

Integration with the broader enterprise storage ecosystem is a key strength of this category. The controller is compatible with various operating systems and hypervisors commonly used in enterprise environments. This ensures smooth deployment and consistent operation across diverse IT landscapes.

By aligning with industry standards and best practices, the Broadcom LSI00462 category supports interoperability and simplifies storage management in heterogeneous environments.