Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller RAID 0/1/5/50/6 PCI-Exp 3.0 2G DDR III

Internal Ports: 16

The Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller is equipped with an impressive 16 internal ports, making it an excellent choice for users who require a high level of storage connectivity. These internal ports allow for seamless communication between the controller and various storage devices such as hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs).

Increased Storage Capacity

One of the primary benefits of having 16 internal ports is the increased storage capacity it provides. With each port capable of connecting to a storage device, users can connect multiple drives to the controller, effectively expanding their storage capacity. This is particularly useful for businesses and individuals dealing with large amounts of data that require ample space for storage.

Efficient Data Management

The abundance of internal ports enables efficient data management by allowing users to distribute their data across multiple drives. This can be done through various RAID configurations, which we will discuss in more detail later. By spreading the data across multiple drives, users can enhance performance, improve data redundancy, and ensure that their critical information is protected.

Enhanced Performance

With 16 internal ports, the SAS9361-16I SAS Controller offers improved performance by enabling parallel data transfer between multiple drives. This means that data can be read from or written to several drives simultaneously, significantly reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness. Users can experience faster file transfers, quicker access to data, and enhanced productivity.

Data Redundancy and Protection

Another advantage of having 16 internal ports is the ability to implement various RAID levels that provide data redundancy and protection against drive failures. RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations distribute data across multiple drives in different ways, offering different levels of redundancy. The more internal ports available, the more flexibility users have in choosing their desired RAID configuration.

Raid Levels Supported: 0, 1, 5, 50, 6

The Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller supports a wide range of RAID levels, including 0, 1, 5, 50, and 6. Each RAID level offers unique benefits and is suitable for different use cases. Let's explore these RAID levels and their importance for users.

RAID 0: Enhanced Performance

RAID 0, also known as striping, is designed to improve performance by distributing data across multiple drives. With RAID 0, data is split into small blocks and written to different drives simultaneously. This results in faster read and write speeds compared to using a single drive. However, it's important to note that RAID 0 does not provide redundancy, so if one drive fails, all the data on the array may be lost.

Benefits of RAID 0

- Improved read and write speeds for enhanced performance.
- Ideal for applications that require high-speed data access such as video editing or gaming.
- Cost-effective solution for increasing storage capacity without redundancy requirements.

RAID 1: Data Redundancy

RAID 1, also known as mirroring, duplicates data across two drives to provide redundancy. In this configuration, both drives contain an exact copy of the data. If one drive fails, the system can continue to operate without any loss of data or downtime. RAID 1 is an excellent choice for users who prioritize data protection and fault tolerance.

Benefits of RAID 1

- Data redundancy ensures that critical information is protected against drive failures.
- Reduces the risk of data loss and minimizes downtime.
- Fast rebuild times in case of a failed drive due to the mirroring process.

RAID 5: Performance and Data Redundancy

RAID 5 combines the benefits of performance and data redundancy. It distributes data and parity information across multiple drives, allowing for improved read and write speeds while also providing fault tolerance. With RAID 5, if one drive fails, the system can continue to operate, and the failed drive can be replaced without any data loss.

Benefits of RAID 5

- Improved performance through data striping.
- Data redundancy ensures protection against drive failures.
- Cost-effective solution for balancing performance and fault tolerance.

RAID 50: Enhanced Performance and Redundancy

RAID 50 is a combination of RAID 0 and RAID 5, offering both enhanced performance and data redundancy. It stripes data across multiple RAID 5 arrays, providing improved read and write speeds while also protecting against drive failures. RAID 50 is suitable for environments that require high-performance storage with a high level of fault tolerance.

Benefits of RAID 50

- Improved performance through data striping across multiple RAID 5 arrays.
- Data redundancy protects against drive failures.
- Ideal for environments that require high-speed data access and fault tolerance.

RAID 6: Enhanced Fault Tolerance

RAID 6 offers enhanced fault tolerance compared to other RAID levels. It utilizes double parity, allowing for the simultaneous failure of up to two drives without any data loss. This provides an extra layer of protection against drive failures, making RAID 6 a reliable choice for users with critical data storage needs.

Benefits of RAID 6

- Enhanced fault tolerance with the ability to withstand the failure of up to two drives.
- High level of data protection against simultaneous drive failures.
- Suitable for environments with critical data storage requirements.

Interface: PCI-Exp 3.0

The Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller is equipped with a PCI-Exp 3.0 interface, which offers several benefits and is crucial for users seeking high-speed data transfer capabilities.

High-Speed Data Transfer

The PCI-Exp 3.0 interface provides significantly higher bandwidth compared to previous generations, allowing for faster data transfer rates. This is particularly important for users working with large files or running applications that require rapid access to data. The improved data transfer speed ensures a smooth and efficient workflow, reducing waiting times and increasing productivity.

Improved System Performance

By utilizing the higher bandwidth of the PCI-Exp 3.0 interface, the SAS9361-16I SAS Controller can deliver improved system performance. The increased data transfer rate enables faster communication between the controller and connected storage devices, resulting in reduced latency and improved overall system responsiveness. Users can experience enhanced application loading times, quicker file transfers, and seamless multitasking.

Future-Proof Connectivity

The PCI-Exp 3.0 interface is future-proof, ensuring compatibility with upcoming technologies and devices. As technology continues to advance, having a controller with a modern and high-speed interface will help users stay ahead of the curve. With the ability to accommodate faster storage devices in the future, users can extend the lifespan of their system without worrying about compatibility issues.

Memory: 2G DDR III

The Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller is equipped with 2GB of DDR III memory, providing several benefits that enhance its performance and functionality.

Cache Memory

The 2GB DDR III memory serves as cache memory for the controller, optimizing data transfer and improving overall system performance. Cache memory is used to temporarily store frequently accessed data or commands, reducing the need to fetch them from the storage devices. By keeping frequently used data readily available, the controller can provide faster access and response times, resulting in improved performance.

Enhanced Data Transfer Speed

With 2GB of DDR III memory, the SAS9361-16I SAS Controller can buffer a significant amount of data, allowing for faster and smoother data transfers. The cache memory acts as a temporary storage area, which helps to alleviate bottlenecks caused by slower storage devices. This is particularly beneficial when dealing with large files or performing intensive tasks that require rapid data transfer.

Improved Data Integrity and Protection

The cache memory also plays a crucial role in data integrity and protection. By temporarily storing data before writing it to the storage devices, the controller can ensure that all data is written correctly and without errors. In case of power loss or system failure, the cache memory can also safeguard data by providing a temporary backup until the system is restored. This helps to minimize the risk of data corruption or loss.

Form Factor: MD2

The Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller features an MD2 form factor, which offers several benefits in terms of compatibility, space utilization, and ease of installation.

Compact Design

The MD2 form factor is known for its compact design, making it ideal for systems with limited space. The smaller size allows the controller to fit into a variety of server chassis and enclosures without occupying excessive room. This is particularly advantageous in densely populated server environments or when installing multiple controllers within a single system.

Versatile Compatibility

The MD2 form factor ensures compatibility with a wide range of systems and server configurations. Many servers are designed to accommodate MD2-sized expansion cards, making it easy to integrate the SAS9361-16I SAS Controller into existing setups or upgrade existing storage systems. Users can confidently select this controller, knowing that it will be compatible with their current infrastructure.

Simple Installation

The MD2 form factor simplifies the installation process, thanks to its standardized dimensions and mounting options. Users can easily install the controller into compatible server slots without the need for additional adapters or modifications. The straightforward installation process saves time and effort, allowing users to quickly integrate the controller into their systems and begin benefiting from its features.

Data Transfer Rate: 12Gb/s

The Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller boasts an impressive data transfer rate of 12Gb/s, providing users with high-speed connectivity and efficient data handling capabilities.

Rapid Data Transfer

With a data transfer rate of 12Gb/s, users can experience blazing-fast data transfer speeds between the controller and connected storage devices. This is particularly advantageous for applications that involve large files or require real-time data processing. Users can enjoy rapid file transfers, improved system responsiveness, and reduced waiting times.

Seamless Multimedia Streaming

For users dealing with multimedia content, such as video editing or streaming, the high data transfer rate ensures a seamless experience. Transferring large video files or streaming high-definition content requires a significant amount of bandwidth. The 12Gb/s data transfer rate of the controller ensures that data can be processed and transferred swiftly, minimizing buffering times and delivering smooth playback.

Efficient Data Handling

The 12Gb/s data transfer rate enables efficient data handling, especially in environments where rapid access to information is crucial. Whether it's a database application or a high-traffic web server, the controller's high-speed connectivity guarantees that data can be retrieved and processed without delays. This results in improved productivity, reduced response times, and enhanced user experience.

In conclusion, the Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller offers an impressive array of features that cater to users' storage needs. With 16 internal ports, it provides ample storage capacity, efficient data management, and enhanced performance. The support for various RAID levels ensures data redundancy and protection against drive failures. The PCI-Exp 3.0 interface enables high-speed data transfer, improving system performance and future-proofing connectivity. The 2GB DDR III memory enhances data transfer speed and protects data integrity. The MD2 form factor offers compact design, versatile compatibility, and simple installation. Finally, the 12Gb/s data transfer rate ensures rapid and efficient data handling. Overall, the Broadcom SAS9361-16I SAS Controller is a reliable and powerful solution for users seeking a high-performance storage controller.