MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide on

two similar technologies on the same controller and within the same enclosure.

Note: You cannot mix SAS and SATA drives within the same virtual disk(s).

The MegaRAID 8480 Storage Adapter is based on the LSI first-to-market SAS IC technology and proven MegaRAID technology. As the second-generation PCI Express storage adapter, the MegaRAID 8480 controller addresses the growing demand for increased data throughput and scalability requirements across midrange and enterprise-class server platforms. LSI offers a family of MegaRAID SAS adapters addressing the needs for both internal and external solutions.

The innovative LSI intelligent Transportable Battery Backup Unit 2 (LSIiTBBU02) is pre-installed on the MegaRAID 8480 RAID Controller. The LSIiTBBU02 provides cached data protection, which allows system builders to protect cached data even during the most catastrophic system failures.

Note: You must charge the battery before use. Refer to the

MegaRAID Battery Backup Unit User’s Guide on the

MegaRAID 8480 CD for more information.

The MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller supports the ANSI Serial Attached SCSI standard, version 1.1. In addition, the controller supports the SATA

IIprotocol defined by the Serial ATA specification, version 1.0a. Supporting both the SAS and SATA II interfaces, the controller is a versatile controller that provides the backbone of both server and high- end workstation environments.

Each port on the MegaRAID 8480 RAID controller supports SAS and/or SATA II devices using the following:

•SAS Serial SCSI Protocol (SSP), which enables communication with other SAS devices

•SATA II, which enables communication with other SATA II devices

•Serial Management Protocol (SMP), which communicates topology management information directly with an attached SAS expander device

•Serial Tunneling Protocol (STP), which enables communication with a SATA II device through an attached expander

1-2Overview

MegaRAID 8480 specifications

The IBM MegaRAID 8480 is a high-performance RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller designed for enterprise-class storage environments. It delivers advanced data protection, high availability, and exceptional scalability, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require robust data management solutions.

One of the main features of the IBM MegaRAID 8480 is its support for both SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) drives, providing flexibility in storage configurations. This controller supports up to 128 devices, allowing organizations to build large, efficient storage arrays that can accommodate extensive data needs.

The MegaRAID 8480 utilizes advanced RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, enabling users to select the level of data redundancy and performance that best fits their specific requirements. The controller also supports online capacity expansion and RAID level migration, ensuring that users can seamlessly adapt their storage configurations as their business evolves.

In terms of performance, the MegaRAID 8480 is equipped with 8GB of DDR4 cache memory, which significantly enhances data access speeds and provides improved I/O performance. With the ability to process a large number of transactions simultaneously, this controller is well-suited for demanding enterprise applications, such as database management systems and virtualized environments.

To further enhance data protection, the MegaRAID 8480 features battery-backed write cache technology. This ensures that data in the cache is not lost in the event of a power failure, safeguarding critical information. Furthermore, the MegaRAID SafeStore technology offers additional protection through encryption-key management, which helps safeguard sensitive data from unauthorized access.

Another notable characteristic is the intuitive management interface provided by the MegaRAID Storage Manager software. This tool streamlines storage monitoring and enables users to easily manage their RAID configurations. Additionally, the controller supports advanced diagnostic features that assist administrators in identifying and resolving potential issues before they escalate.

The IBM MegaRAID 8480 is designed for the modern data-driven enterprise, combining performance, reliability, and scalability into a comprehensive storage solution. With its robust set of features and cutting-edge technology, it empowers organizations to enhance their data management strategies while ensuring that their critical applications remain available and secure. This makes the MegaRAID 8480 a standout choice for businesses seeking to future-proof their storage infrastructure.