Dell PERC H700 6GBPS SAS-SATA RAID Controller 512MB Cache 1THG8

Cache

The Dell PERC H700 RAID Controller is equipped with an impressive 512MB cache. This 512MB cache is a crucial feature that significantly enhances the performance and efficiency of the controller. In this section, we will explore the benefits and importance of this 512MB cache feature in detail.

Enhanced Data Protection

Another advantage of having a substantial cache size is improved data protection. The cache acts as a temporary storage area for data before it is written to the disk drives. With a larger cache, the controller can hold more data before writing it, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption in case of power failures or other system disruptions. The PERC H700 ensures that critical data is safely stored in its cache, providing an added layer of protection for your valuable information.

Improved Data Access Speed

The large cache size of 512MB allows the PERC H700 to store frequently accessed data closer to the processor, reducing latency and improving data access speed. When applications or operating systems request data, the controller can quickly retrieve it from the cache instead of accessing it from the slower storage drives. This results in faster response times and overall improved system performance.

Optimized RAID Performance

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) configurations offer increased performance, reliability, and fault tolerance. The PERC H700 supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60. With its 512MB cache, the controller can intelligently distribute data across multiple drives in a RAID array, optimizing performance by minimizing disk access and maximizing throughput.

RAID Read Caching

The PERC H700 employs advanced techniques such as RAID read caching to further improve performance. By storing frequently read data in its cache, the controller can satisfy read requests without accessing the physical drives, significantly reducing latency. This feature is particularly beneficial for applications that involve repetitive read operations, such as databases or virtualization environments.

Write Back and Write Through Caching

The controller offers two caching modes: write back and write through. In write-back mode, the data is initially written to the cache and then asynchronously written to the disk drives. This mode provides faster write performance as it eliminates the need to wait for disk writes to complete before acknowledging data writes. Write-through mode, on the other hand, immediately writes data to both the cache and the disk drives simultaneously, ensuring data integrity at all times. The flexibility to choose between these modes allows users to optimize their system's performance based on specific requirements.

Battery Backup Unit (BBU)

To ensure data integrity in write-back caching mode, the PERC H700 offers an optional Battery Backup Unit (BBU). The BBU provides backup power to the cache memory in case of power outages or system failures. With the BBU installed, even if power is lost, the controller can save cached data to the disk drives, preventing any data loss or corruption. The BBU is a recommended addition for users who prioritize data reliability and protection.

Interface

The Dell PERC H700 RAID Controller features a high-speed 6GBPS SAS-SATA interface. This interface provides users with numerous benefits, including enhanced data transfer rates, compatibility with a wide range of storage devices, and improved scalability.

Faster Data Transfer

The 6GBPS SAS-SATA interface offers significantly faster data transfer rates compared to older generations of interfaces. With a maximum transfer speed of 6 gigabits per second (Gbps), the PERC H700 ensures that data moves swiftly between the controller and connected storage devices. This high-speed interface is particularly beneficial for demanding applications that rely on quick data access and transfer, such as large-scale databases or multimedia processing.

Backward Compatibility

The PERC H700's SAS-SATA interface is backward compatible with lower-speed SAS and SATA devices. This means that users can seamlessly integrate their existing storage infrastructure with the controller without needing to replace or upgrade all their drives. Whether you have older SAS drives or SATA drives, the H700 can accommodate them, allowing for a cost-effective transition to a more advanced RAID solution.

Scalability and Flexibility

The 6GBPS SAS-SATA interface provides excellent scalability and flexibility for storage expansion. The PERC H700 supports up to 32 physical devices, including hard drives and solid-state drives (SSDs). This allows users to easily add more storage capacity as their needs grow, without any significant hardware changes. The interface's versatility ensures compatibility with a wide range of storage devices, enabling users to choose the most suitable options for their specific requirements.

SSD Support

Solid-state drives offer faster read/write speeds and improved reliability compared to traditional hard drives. The PERC H700's 6GBPS SAS-SATA interface fully supports SSDs, allowing users to take advantage of their performance benefits. By leveraging SSDs in combination with the controller's RAID capabilities, users can create high-performance storage solutions that deliver exceptional speed and responsiveness.

Hot-Plug Capabilities

The 6GBPS SAS-SATA interface supports hot-plug capabilities, enabling users to replace or add drives on the fly without needing to power down the system or interrupt ongoing operations. This feature is particularly useful in environments where continuous uptime is critical, such as servers or enterprise-level storage systems. Hot-plug capabilities ensure seamless maintenance and upgrades, minimizing downtime and maximizing productivity.

Expandability with RAID Expansion Cards

For users who require even greater storage capacity or want to connect additional storage enclosures, the PERC H700 supports RAID expansion cards. These expansion cards provide additional SAS/SATA ports, allowing users to connect more drives or enclosures to the controller. With the ability to expand storage capacity as needed, users can future-proof their storage infrastructure and accommodate growing data demands.

Part Number

The Dell PERC H700 RAID Controller is identified by its unique part number, 1THG8. This part number serves as a specific identifier for the controller and plays a crucial role in compatibility, ordering, and support processes.

Compatibility Assurance

Part number, 1THG8, ensures compatibility with Dell servers and storage systems that are designed to work seamlessly with the PERC H700. When selecting a RAID controller, it is essential to verify compatibility with your server model to ensure proper functionality and optimal performance. The specific part number acts as a guarantee that the controller is specifically designed to work with your Dell system.

Ordering Simplification

With numerous RAID controllers available in the market, identifying the correct model can be challenging. The unique part number simplifies the ordering process by providing a clear identifier for the PERC H700. When placing an order or requesting a quote from a supplier or Dell representative, specifying the part number ensures that you receive the exact controller you require without any confusion or potential mistakes.

Support and Documentation

Part number, 1THG8, is essential when seeking support or accessing documentation for the PERC H700 RAID Controller. Dell's support resources and knowledge base are organized based on specific model numbers, including part numbers. By referencing the correct part number, users can easily find relevant information such as user manuals, firmware updates, drivers, and troubleshooting guides. This ensures that users can efficiently resolve any issues or inquiries they may have regarding the controller.

Warranty and Service Coverage

The part number also plays a role in warranty and service coverage. Dell provides warranty services based on the specific model/part numbers of their products. By registering the controller with the correct part number, users can ensure that they receive the appropriate warranty coverage and support options specific to their PERC H700 RAID Controller.

Product Differentiation

In addition to its functional significance, the part number differentiates the PERC H700 from other RAID controllers in Dell's lineup. This differentiation helps users identify and select the specific model that aligns with their requirements and desired feature set. The part number acts as a unique identifier that distinguishes the PERC H700 from other RAID controllers, ensuring that users can make informed decisions based on their needs.

Future Upgrades and Replacements

The part number serves as a reference point for future upgrades or replacements. When expanding storage capacity or replacing a faulty controller, users can refer to the part number to ensure they acquire compatible hardware. This simplifies the upgrade or replacement process, allowing users to seamlessly integrate new hardware into their existing infrastructure.

In summary, the Dell PERC H700 RAID Controller offers a variety of features that make it an excellent choice for users seeking enhanced performance, data protection, scalability, and compatibility. The 512MB cache significantly improves data access speed and data protection. The 6GBPS SAS-SATA interface ensures faster data transfer rates, compatibility with various storage devices, and scalability options. Lastly, the unique part number simplifies compatibility verification, and ordering processes, and provides access to support and documentation resources. Whether you're looking to boost your system's performance or expand your storage capacity, the Dell PERC H700 RAID Controller with its cache, interface, and part number features is a reliable and efficient solution.