Intel RAID Controller

Overview

The Intel RS3DC040 is a hardware RAID controller designed to enhance storage performance and data protection in servers and workstations. It supports multiple RAID levels including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing you to balance speed and redundancy according to your needs. With four internal Mini SAS HD ports capable of connecting up to 128 SAS or SATA drives, and SAS lanes rated at 12 Gb/s, this controller efficiently handles large datasets for demanding applications like database hosting and media streaming.

Key features

• Supports a wide range of RAID levels to optimize for speed, redundancy, or a combination of both
• Four Mini SAS HD connectors enable extensive drive connectivity, supporting up to 128 SAS or SATA drives
• 1 GB onboard cache paired with the LSI3108 RAID processor offloads parity calculations, maintaining consistent performance under heavy workloads
• Compliant with the MD2 form factor and includes both full height and low profile brackets for versatile installation options
• Compatible with Windows, Linux, and VMware, allowing seamless integration into various data center and lab environments
• Installs in a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot, providing high bandwidth for fast data transfer
• Intel RAID Web Console 2 offers an intuitive interface for creating, monitoring, and managing RAID arrays

Key specs

• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8
• Ports: 4 internal Mini SAS HD connectors
• Drive support: up to 128 SAS or SATA drives
• SAS lane speed: 12 Gb/s
• SATA speed: 6 Gb/s
• Cache memory: 1 GB onboard
• RAID processor: LSI3108
• Form factor: MD2 specification with full height and low profile brackets included

Connectivity and compatibility

This RAID controller connects through a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot, ensuring ample bandwidth for high-speed data transfers. Its four Mini SAS HD ports support extensive drive arrays, making it suitable for large-scale storage setups. Compatibility with major operating systems like Windows, Linux, and VMware means it integrates smoothly into diverse IT environments without requiring additional drivers.

Installation and setup

The RS3DC040 is designed for straightforward installation in both rack servers and tower workstations, thanks to its MD2 form factor and included mounting brackets. The Intel RAID Web Console 2 simplifies array configuration and monitoring, allowing administrators to manage storage efficiently and respond quickly to any issues. This ease of setup helps reduce downtime and keeps systems running smoothly.

Ideal uses and environments

This controller is well suited to environments that demand reliable and high-performance storage, such as data centers, media streaming servers, and backup consolidation systems. Its ability to handle large numbers of drives and maintain performance under heavy workloads makes it a strong choice for IT professionals building or upgrading file servers and storage nodes. The combination of speed, capacity, and data protection features supports critical workloads and helps ensure data availability.