Broadcom SAS9380-4I4E SAS RAID Controller Card

Broadcom SAS9380-4I4E MegaRAID PCIe 3.0 x8 SAS RAID Controller Card

The Broadcom SAS9380-4I4E MegaRAID PCIe 3.0 x8 SAS RAID Controller Card is a high-performance solution designed for enterprise-level data storage systems. It offers robust performance and reliability, making it a critical component for managing data-intensive applications. This RAID controller supports both SAS and SATA drives, allowing flexible configurations to suit diverse operational needs.

Key Features and Benefits

Equipped with advanced technologies, the SAS9380-4I4E delivers exceptional throughput, scalability, and fault tolerance. Here are the standout features:

• PCIe 3.0 x8 Interface: Offers high-speed data transfer rates to reduce latency and improve overall system performance.
• Support for SAS and SATA Drives: Provides compatibility with a variety of drive types, including 6Gb/s and 12Gb/s SAS drives, as well as SATA III drives.
• Integrated MegaRAID Technology: Enhances storage management with reliable RAID configurations, including RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60.
• Cache Vault Technology: Ensures data integrity by retaining critical data during power failures.
• External and Internal Ports: Supports up to four internal and four external ports for flexible connectivity options.

Advanced RAID Capabilities

The Broadcom SAS9380-4I4E is engineered with advanced RAID capabilities to optimize data redundancy and performance. Key RAID features include:

RAID Levels

This controller supports a wide range of RAID levels to cater to different performance and redundancy requirements:

• RAID 0: High-speed data striping for maximum performance.
• RAID 1: Mirroring for superior fault tolerance.
• RAID 5 and RAID 6: Data striping with parity for balanced performance and redundancy.
• RAID 10, 50, and 60: Enhanced combinations of mirroring and striping for scalability and protection.

Performance Optimization

The SAS9380-4I4E integrates advanced performance optimization features, such as dynamic read and write policies, improved cache handling, and intelligent rebuild processes.Applications and Use Cases

The SAS9380-4I4E is ideal for a range of environments, including:

• Enterprise Data Centers: Supports high-capacity storage arrays for mission-critical applications.
• Cloud Storage: Facilitates scalable and reliable storage solutions for cloud-based services.
• Virtualization: Enables robust storage configurations for virtualized environments.
• Media and Entertainment: Handles large media files with high-speed data access.

Enterprise Data Centers

In enterprise data centers, this controller ensures seamless management of storage resources. It supports both on-premises and hybrid storage solutions.

High-Performance Computing

For HPC applications, the SAS9380-4I4E delivers the speed and reliability needed to handle data-intensive tasks like simulations, analytics, and research.

Installation and Compatibility

Installing the SAS9380-4I4E is straightforward, thanks to its low-profile design and standard PCIe interface. Compatibility highlights include:

• Supported Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, VMware, and FreeBSD.
• Driver Availability: Broadcom provides comprehensive driver support for various platforms.
• System Requirements: Requires a PCIe 3.0 or higher slot and adequate cooling.

Management and Monitoring Tools

The SAS9380-4I4E is equipped with user-friendly tools for monitoring and managing storage arrays:

• MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM): Provides an intuitive interface for configuring RAID levels, monitoring performance, and managing drive health.
• WebBIOS: Accessible during system boot for direct RAID configuration without an operating system.
• CLI Tools: Command-line utilities for advanced users and automated scripts.

Reliability and Security

Reliability and security are paramount in any enterprise storage solution. The SAS9380-4I4E offers:

• CacheVault Technology: Protects cache data during unexpected power outages, ensuring no data loss.
• Data Encryption: Supports self-encrypting drives (SEDs) for secure data storage.
• Error Recovery: Implements advanced error detection and correction to maintain data integrity.

Power Efficiency

Despite its powerful capabilities, the SAS9380-4I4E is designed to minimize power consumption, contributing to greener IT environments.

• Low power requirements ensure reduced operational costs.
• Adaptive cooling mechanisms help maintain optimal performance.

Comparison with Other RAID Controllers

The Broadcom SAS9380-4I4E stands out when compared to other RAID controllers due to its balance of performance, scalability, and reliability.

Performance Comparison

While competing models may offer similar PCIe 3.0 support, the SAS9380-4I4E excels in handling simultaneous data streams with minimal latency.

Scalability

Supporting up to 256 devices, this controller surpasses many alternatives in scalability, making it an ideal choice for growing data centers.

Cost-Effectiveness

Despite its advanced features, the SAS9380-4I4E is competitively priced, offering excellent value for enterprise users.