Cisco C220 M5 (8-Drive) SATA Interposer Board

The Cisco C220 M5 (8-Drive) SATA Interposer Board is a purpose-built solution designed to amplify storage capacity in data centers, while preserving performance, reliability, and efficiency. This compact interposer enables seamless integration of SATA drives into the Cisco C220 M5 server, delivering expanded internal storage with simplified cabling and optimized airflow. Ideal for virtualization, database workloads, media libraries, and backup solutions, this interposer board helps organizations scale storage without compromising service levels. Built to Cisco’s rigorous standards, it pairs robust hardware with precise engineering to ensure steady operation in demanding 24/7 environments.

• Seamless eight-drive SATA integration: The interposer board provides a direct pathway for up to eight SATA drives to connect with the Cisco C220 M5, enabling substantial storage density within a compact footprint. This reduces cable clutter, improves airflow, and simplifies drive management, making maintenance faster and less disruptive.
• Enhanced data-center performance: By delivering low-latency, high-throughput access from each drive to the host system, the interposer supports demanding workloads—virtualization, databases, and file services—with improved IOPS and sustained throughput. This translates to faster boot times, quicker backups, and snappier application performance under load.
• Flexible drive compatibility for tiered storage: This interposer supports a mix of SATA SSDs and HDDs, enabling you to craft tiered storage configurations that balance cost efficiency and performance. Deploy high-speed SSDs for hot data and cost-effective HDDs for archival or bulk storage, all within a single server chassis.
• Reliability-focused design for data centers: The board is engineered for continuous operation in demanding environments, featuring durable connectors, robust power handling, and compatibility with Cisco’s management and monitoring ecosystem. Its design helps maintain stable temperatures and consistent performance, even during peak loads.
• Easy installation and green field readiness: Designed for straightforward installation in the Cisco C220 M5 platform, the interposer supports rapid expansion with minimal downtime. Its compact form factor and standardized Cisco interfaces simplify deployment, inventory management, and future upgrades, while helping to optimize total cost of ownership.

Technical Details of Cisco C220 M5 (8-Drive) SATA Interposer Board

• Compatibility: Designed specifically for Cisco C220 M5 servers, enabling eight-drive SATA interconnection within the supported chassis configurations. Intended for data-center deployments that require expanded internal storage without replacing the server platform.
• Interfaces and connectivity: Provides the appropriate SATA interposer interfaces to connect multiple drives directly to the host system, preserving direct data paths and reducing intermediate bottlenecks. Engineered to maintain reliable signal integrity across all supported drive connections.
• Power and thermal characteristics: Built to integrate with standard server power rails and cooling expectations, with attention to minimizing additional heat generation and ensuring stable operation under load. Designed to harmonize with Cisco’s thermal and power management practices.
• Form factor and mounting: Compact, server-grade interposer board compatible with the C220 M5 form factor and installation guidelines, ensuring a secure and clean integration within the chassis without obstructing other components or airflow.
• Reliability and compliance: Manufactured to meet enterprise reliability standards, with robust connectors and quality materials intended for continuous operation in data-center environments and compatibility with Cisco management tooling and documentation.

How to Install Cisco C220 M5 (8-Drive) SATA Interposer Board

• Prepare the environment: Power down the Cisco C220 M5 server and disconnect it from any power source. Ground yourself with an ESD strap to prevent static discharge from damaging sensitive components. Gather the necessary tools and the interposer board documentation before starting the installation.
• Access and inspection: Remove the server chassis access panels to reveal the internal layout. Locate the drive backplane area and the designated connector region for the interposer board. Inspect connectors and cables for any signs of wear or damage before proceeding.
• Install the interposer board: Align the interposer board with its intended mounting slots and connector interface. Gently seat the board to ensure a secure, full connection. Use the appropriate screws or fasteners as specified by Cisco’s installation guidelines to secure the board firmly without over-tightening.
• Connect SATA drives and cabling: Attach each SATA drive to the interposer board according to the drive layout plan. Route cables to minimize airflow obstruction and prevent stress on connectors. Confirm that each drive is properly seated and recognized by the interposer before closing the chassis.
• Final checks and boot: Reassemble the chassis, reconnect power, and boot the server. Enter the BIOS/UEFI and Cisco management tools to verify drive detection. Configure storage pools or RAID settings as needed in accordance with your deployment plan and performance requirements.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Cisco C220 M5 8-Drive SATA Interposer Board? It is a dedicated interposer module that enables eight SATA drives to be connected to a Cisco C220 M5 server, expanding internal storage capacity while preserving performance, reliability, and ease of management.
• Which systems is it compatible with? The interposer is designed for the Cisco C220 M5 platform and is not guaranteed to work in non-Cisco systems. Always verify compatibility against Cisco’s official product matrices and your specific server configuration.
• Can I mix SATA SSDs and HDDs? Yes. The interposer supports both SATA solid-state drives and hard disk drives, enabling you to tailor storage tiers to your workload and budget.
• How many drives can be connected? Up to eight drives can be connected through the interposer board on supported Cisco C220 M5 configurations.
• What tools or cables are needed? Standard server maintenance tools and appropriate SATA cables/connectors are required. Refer to Cisco installation guides for exact components, screw sizes, and cabling instructions to ensure proper installation.