Date: 20/01/2010

3ware RAID controllers, MegaRAID cards and HBAs from LSI based on 6Gb/s SAS tech

LSI has introduced a new family of 3ware SATA+SAS RAID controller cards based on 6Gb/s SAS technology. The new 3ware 9750 series cards feature exceptional performance, usability and reliability for small- to mid-sized enterprises in sequential I/O and multi-stream application environments such as video streaming and data archival.

The low-profile 3ware RAID controllers feature the LSISAS2108 6Gb/s SAS RAID-on-Chip (ROC) and are available in four- and eight-port configurations. The new controllers deliver up to 2.5 GB/s in sequential read and 1.1 GB/s in sequential write performance, more than doubling the data transfer rates of the previous generation products. The controllers are designed to integrate existing 3Gb/s SATA and SAS infrastructure, to protect current investments while improving read and write performance.

The 9750 series controllers utilize enhanced StreamFusion + firmware to deliver high levels of data protection and boost performance by allowing the controller to sustain multiple streams for optimized reads and writes even as data loads increase.

Usability is enhanced with 3DM2, a software suite with a high intuitive interface that remotely create, manage and monitor 3ware RAID arrays and individual drives.

New 6Gb/s SAS features include support for self-discovery/self-configuring expanders and longer cables, simplifying the deployment of larger and more storage topologies, and additional safeguards to enhance data protection.

LSI has also expanded its portfolio of 6Gb/s SAS-based products with the introduction of new MegaRAID cards and host bus adapters (HBAs).

The new MegaRAID entry line of controllers are designed for inside-the-box connectivity and include the four-port MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i and eight-port SAS 9240-8i cards. The controllers allow small to medium businesses using high-performance workstations and entry-level servers to employ robust RAID functionality at affordable prices.

"Pogo Linux customers rely on the advanced usability, high performance and extensive Linux support provided by 3ware RAID controllers," said Erik Logan, president of Pogo Linux. "The new 3ware 9750 series based on LSI 6Gb/s SAS technology will enable customers to implement a next-generation storage infrastructure without sacrificing their existing SAS and SATA investments or the rich product attributes they're accustomed to from the 3ware product line."

"The 3ware brand is well established in the channel, and the expansion of the product line by LSI coupled with continued service of the 3ware customer base is positive news for the market segment," said Ken Hostetler, director of product management, Silicon Mechanics. "Silicon Mechanics customers now have the option to integrate next-generation 3ware RAID controllers into their server and storage solutions to significantly expand capacity and deliver higher performance on both 3Gb/s and 6Gb/s systems."

"The LSI portfolio of RAID controllers and host bus adapters is the most extensive 6Gb/s SAS product line available to the channel," said Brent Blanchard, director of worldwide channel sales and marketing, LSI. "Our channel customers now have access to 6Gb/s SAS-based storage controllers that span the market from entry-level to enterprise-class systems, providing them with the flexibility to meet the demands of a broad range of applications at affordable price points."

Price:
3ware SAS 9750-4i: $389
3ware SAS 9750-8i: $599

MegaRAID Entry:
MegaRAID SAS 9240-4i: $229
MegaRAID SAS 9240-8i: $325

MegaRAID Value/Feature:
MegaRAID SAS 9261-8i: $599
MegaRAID SAS 9280-4i4e: $785

Host Bus Adapters:
LSI SAS 9212-4i4e: $309
LSI SAS 9200-16e: $619

For more details visit www.lsi.com