Intel SRCSASPH16I SAS and Sata Features, Online Capacity Expansion and RAID Level Migration Rules

Models: SRCSASPH16I

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I/0 setting: Determines whether to read/write from cache to improve performance:

^Cache I/O: Writes to the cache and next read checks the cache first.

^Direct I/O: Never uses cache, all data goes from host to disk to host.

Redundancy through:

Configuration stored in nonvolatile RAM and on the drives (COD).

Hot swap support.

Optional battery backup for cache memory. Controller provides fast or trickle charges.

SAS and SATA Features

Provides sixteen independent PHYs, each supporting 3.0 Gbps and 1.5 Gbps SAS and SATA data transfers.

Scalable interface that supports up to 16 directly attached SAS/SATA devices, 64 logical devices, or 122 SAS devices via expanders.

Transfers data using SCSI information units.

Supports SSP to enable communication with other SAS devices.

Supports SMP to communicate topology management information.

Supports single PHY or wide ports consisting of 2, 3, or 4 PHY within a single quad port.

Allows addressing of multiple SATA targets through an expander if using SATA 2.0- compliant hard disk drives.

Allows multiple initiators to address a single target (in a fail-over configuration) through an expander.

Online Capacity Expansion and RAID Level Migration Rules

Migration must occur to the same or larger capacity configuration.

Migration cannot occur if there is more than one virtual disk in a logical array.

Migration and OCE cannot be done on Spanned Arrays (RAID 10, 50).

Migrations supported are: RAID 1 to RAID 0, RAID 5 to RAID 0.

With OCE, migrations supported are RAID 0 to RAID 1, RAID 0 to RAID 5, RAID 1 to RAID 5.

Intel® RAID Controller SRCSASPH16I Hardware Guide

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Intel SRCSASPH16I manual SAS and Sata Features, Online Capacity Expansion and RAID Level Migration Rules

SRCSASPH16I specifications

The Intel SRCSASPH16I is a powerful and versatile RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller designed specifically for enterprise environments. Offering robust performance and high data protection capabilities, it is ideal for server applications requiring reliable storage solutions. This card is particularly well-suited for those who demand enhanced I/O performance and fault tolerance.

One of the main features of the SRCSASPH16I is its support for SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) drives. This dual compatibility allows users to leverage both high-performance SAS drives and cost-effective SATA drives, providing flexibility in storage configurations. It supports up to 16 devices, enabling the creation of extensive storage arrays suitable for handling large volumes of data.

The SRCSASPH16I utilizes a high-speed PCIe (Peripheral Component Interconnect Express) interface, ensuring minimal latency and maximum throughput. This is crucial in environments where data access speeds are critical, such as database management systems or virtualized environments. With a throughput capability of up to 6 Gbps per port, users can expect efficient data transfer rates for demanding workloads.

Another notable characteristic of the Intel SRCSASPH16I is its sophisticated RAID support. It offers a variety of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing for customizable levels of data redundancy and performance. This flexibility enables administrators to tailor their storage solutions according to specific application needs, whether prioritizing performance, redundancy, or a balance of both.

The controller features advanced management tools, including Intel’s RAID Web Console, which provides a user-friendly interface for monitoring performance, configuring RAID arrays, and managing storage devices. This reduces administrative overhead and helps ensure optimal performance through proactive monitoring.

Additionally, the SRCSASPH16I supports various technologies to enhance reliability and performance. It includes features like hot-swappable drives, which allow for the replacement of failed drives without downtime, and battery-backed write cache (BBWC) that preserves data during power outages to prevent data loss.

In summary, the Intel SRCSASPH16I is a high-performance, feature-rich RAID controller that meets the demands of modern enterprise environments. With its dual compatibility for SAS and SATA, advanced RAID capabilities, robust management tools, and focus on reliability, it is an excellent choice for businesses looking to optimize their storage infrastructure while ensuring data integrity.