Broadcom 9361-8I RAID Controller 1GB Cache 8-Ports SAS 12G SATA 6G PCI-E

Cache Feature: 1GB

The Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller is equipped with an impressive cache feature, boasting a size of 1GB. This cache plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance and efficiency of the RAID controller, providing several benefits for users.

Overview of Broadcom 9361-8I

The Broadcom 9361-8I is a high-performance controller card designed to enhance data management and storage capabilities. This versatile component is engineered to support both SAS and SATA drives, making it a reliable choice for various storage configurations.

Manufacturer and Model

• Brand: Broadcom
• Model Number: 9361-8I

Product Specifications

Controller Type

Designed as a SAS-SATA Controller, the 9361-8I integrates seamlessly with different storage solutions.

Interface and Speed

• Host Interface: X8 PCI Express 3.0 Compliant
• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 12 GB/s per port

RAID Support

• RAID Levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60

Device Compatibility

Supports up to 240 SATA and/or SAS devices, providing extensive flexibility for various storage needs.

Memory

• Cache Memory: 1 GB 1866 MHz DDR3 SDRAM

Power Requirements

• Operating Voltage: +3.3V and +12V

Key Features

• High-speed Data Transfer: Achieve rapid data movement with up to 12 GB/s per port.
• Extensive RAID Support: Flexibility with RAID levels including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60.
• Large Device Capacity: Connect up to 240 SATA and SAS devices.
• Efficient Memory: 1 GB DDR3 SDRAM enhances performance.

Improved Read and Write Speeds

One of the primary advantages of the 1GB cache is its ability to significantly enhance the read and write speeds of the RAID controller. With a large cache size, the controller can store frequently accessed data, allowing for faster retrieval and transmission. This translates into improved overall system performance, particularly when dealing with applications that involve intensive data transfers such as database management or video editing.

Reduced Latency

The cache feature also plays a vital role in reducing latency. By storing frequently accessed data in the cache, the controller can retrieve it quickly without having to access the slower main storage. This reduces the time it takes for data to be processed, resulting in improved responsiveness and decreased waiting times for users.

Data Protection and Reliability

The 1GB cache feature also enhances data protection and reliability. In case of power loss or system failure, the cache acts as a temporary storage location for data that has not yet been written to the disk. This ensures that critical information is not lost and can be safely written to the disk once the system is restored. Additionally, the cache can also help prevent data corruption by verifying and validating information before writing it to the disk, thereby ensuring data integrity.

Importance of a Large Cache

Having a large cache size is crucial for users who require high-performance storage solutions. With a 1GB cache, the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller can handle demanding workloads efficiently, providing users with fast and reliable data access.

Increased Efficiency for Data-Intensive Applications

Data-intensive applications, such as virtualization or big data analytics, require quick access to large amounts of data. The 1GB cache enables the RAID controller to keep frequently accessed data readily available, reducing the time it takes to retrieve information. This results in improved efficiency and faster processing for such demanding applications.

Optimized Performance for Multi-User Environments

In multi-user environments, where multiple users access and manipulate data simultaneously, the 1GB cache ensures smooth operation by minimizing delays and bottlenecks. With faster read and write speeds, the RAID controller can handle concurrent data requests efficiently, preventing performance degradation and ensuring a seamless user experience.

Ports Feature: 8

The Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller comes equipped with eight ports, providing users with ample connectivity options and flexibility for their storage needs. The ports feature is a vital aspect of the RAID controller, offering numerous benefits for users.

Expanded Storage Capacity

With eight ports available, users can connect multiple drives to the RAID controller simultaneously. This expands the storage capacity of the system, allowing for the creation of larger storage arrays or accommodating a higher number of drives. Whether it's for personal or enterprise use, having more ports enables users to scale their storage infrastructure efficiently.

Improved Data Transfer Speeds

Each port on the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller supports high-speed data transfer rates, ensuring efficient and speedy communication between the controller and connected drives. With all eight ports utilized effectively, users can achieve impressive data transfer speeds, especially when employing modern SATA III or SAS drives that support higher bandwidths.

Flexible Drive Configuration

The eight ports offer users a wide range of possibilities when it comes to configuring their drives. Users can choose to set up multiple RAID arrays with different levels of redundancy and performance, allowing for customized storage solutions based on their specific requirements. The flexibility provided by the eight ports ensures that users can optimize their storage setup to meet their unique needs.

Importance of Multiple Ports

The presence of eight ports on the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller is crucial for users who need to manage large amounts of data or require a high degree of flexibility in their storage setup.

Scalability and Future-Proofing

The eight ports allow for easy scalability and future-proofing of the storage infrastructure. Users can start with a few drives and gradually expand their storage capacity by adding more drives as needed, without the need to replace the RAID controller. This scalability ensures that the controller can grow with the user's needs, saving costs and providing a seamless upgrade path.

Efficient Data Organization

With multiple ports, users can organize their data effectively by separating it into different arrays based on criteria such as performance requirements, data redundancy, or specific applications. This organization helps optimize data access and retrieval, resulting in improved overall system performance and efficiency.

Interface Feature: 12GBPS, 6GBPS

The Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller boasts an impressive interface that supports both 12Gbps and 6Gbps data transfer rates. This interface feature plays a crucial role in ensuring fast and efficient communication between the RAID controller and connected drives, providing several benefits for users.

High-Speed Data Transfer

The 12Gbps and 6Gbps interface speeds enable rapid data transfer between the RAID controller and connected drives. This is particularly important when dealing with large amounts of data or performing tasks that require quick access to information. The high-speed interface ensures that data is transmitted swiftly, reducing waiting times and improving overall system performance.

Compatibility with Modern Drives

The 12Gbps and 6Gbps interface speeds make the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller compatible with a wide range of modern drives that support these higher data transfer rates. This compatibility allows users to take full advantage of the latest storage technologies, ensuring that their storage infrastructure remains up-to-date and capable of handling demanding workloads.

Backward Compatibility

In addition to supporting high-speed data transfer rates, the interface feature of the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller is also backward compatible with lower-speed drives. This means that users can connect older drives that operate at 3Gbps or lower without any issues. This backward compatibility ensures that users can make full use of their existing drives while still benefiting from the controller's advanced features.

Importance of High-Speed Interface

The high-speed interface provided by the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller is crucial for users who require fast and efficient data transfer, compatibility with modern drives, and the ability to connect older drives seamlessly.

Optimized Workflows for Data-Intensive Tasks

Tasks such as video editing, data analysis, or virtualization often involve handling large files or datasets. The high-speed interface ensures that data can be transferred quickly between the controller and drives, minimizing delays and enabling smooth workflows for these data-intensive tasks.

Future-Proofing and Investment Protection

By supporting both 12Gbps and 6Gbps interface speeds, the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller provides users with future-proofing capabilities. As technology advances and faster drives become available, the controller will be able to support these higher speeds, ensuring that users' investment in the RAID controller remains protected.

Bus Type Feature: PCI-E

The Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller utilizes the PCI-E bus type for communication with the host system. This bus type feature offers several benefits and is of utmost importance for users seeking high-performance and reliable storage solutions.

High Bandwidth and Throughput

The PCI-E bus type provides a high bandwidth and throughput, allowing for fast and efficient data transfer between the RAID controller and the host system. With this high-speed interface, users can experience excellent performance, especially when dealing with data-intensive tasks or applications that require quick access to large amounts of information.

Reduced Latency and Improved Responsiveness

The PCI-E bus type minimizes latency, resulting in improved system responsiveness. The low-latency communication enables faster data retrieval, reducing waiting times and enhancing overall system performance. This is particularly important for users who require real-time data access or need to process time-sensitive applications.

Plug-and-Play Compatibility

The PCI-E bus type offers plug-and-play compatibility, making it easy to install and configure the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller in a wide range of systems. The standardized nature of PCI-E ensures that the controller can be seamlessly integrated into various host systems without compatibility issues, providing users with a hassle-free installation process.

Importance of PCI-E Bus Type

The utilization of the PCI-E bus type by the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller is crucial for users who demand high bandwidth, low latency, and easy integration with their existing systems.

Optimized Performance for Demanding Workloads

The high bandwidth and low latency provided by the PCI-E bus type ensure that the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller can handle demanding workloads efficiently. Whether it's running resource-intensive applications or managing large-scale data processing, the controller's PCI-E interface ensures smooth operation and optimal performance.

Seamless Integration and Interoperability

The PCI-E bus type's standardized nature guarantees compatibility with a wide range of systems, enabling users to integrate the RAID controller seamlessly. This interoperability ensures that users can leverage the benefits of the Broadcom 9361-8I Raid Controller across various platforms and configurations, providing flexibility in their storage infrastructure.