Cisco SAS Controller

CiscoSKU: 7433450

Price:
Sale price$847.21

Description

The Cisco SAS Controller is a high-performance storage accelerator designed to dramatically boost server throughput while delivering robust, scalable storage management. Built for the demands of modern data centers, this enterprise-grade controller optimizes I/O paths, reduces latency, and enables seamless expansion of storage infrastructure. With cutting-edge connectivity options and intelligent caching, it helps organizations accelerate databases, virtualization, analytics, and other data-intensive workloads while maintaining data integrity and easy administration within Cisco’s ecosystem.

  • Premium performance and low latency: The Cisco SAS Controller delivers ultra-fast SAS/SATA connectivity and a PCIe-based architecture to maximize IOPS and minimize bottlenecks, making it ideal for boot drives, transactional databases, virtualized environments, and large-scale storage pools.
  • Advanced RAID and data protection: Support for multiple RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) enables flexible data protection strategies, performance tuning, and efficient capacity utilization across fragmented workloads and expanding storage arrays.
  • Smart storage management: Hardware-accelerated caching with optional Battery Backup Unit (BBU) provides write-cache protection during power loss, along with dynamic cache policies that optimize data access for mixed read/write workloads.
  • Enterprise reliability and availability: Redundant components, hot-swappable drives, comprehensive error detection, and robust firmware with update mechanisms deliver predictable uptime, even in demanding 24/7 environments.
  • Easy deployment and broad compatibility: Designed to integrate with Cisco UCS and standard server platforms, with driver support for Windows, Linux, and major virtualization platforms, enabling rapid deployment in diverse IT ecosystems.

Technical Details of Cisco SAS Controller

  • Form factor: PCIe add-in card designed for standard server chassis; options available for low-profile deployments to fit a variety of servers
  • Host interface: PCIe lanes (x8/x16, configurable by SKU) to deliver scalable bandwidth and low-latency data paths
  • Storage interface: SAS 12 Gb/s per port with support for SAS and SATA drives; compatible with backplanes, enclosures, and expansion shelves
  • Drive support: Handles large enterprise drive arrays through backplanes and compatible expansion hardware for growing storage needs
  • RAID support: Comprehensive levels including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 to balance performance, redundancy, and capacity
  • Cache and protection: Integrated cache with optional Battery Backup Unit (BBU) for safe writes and power-loss protection
  • Connectors: Internal SFF-8087; optional external connectors via adapters (SFF-8088) for external storage expansion and modular configurations
  • Management and compatibility: Supports vendor management tools, firmware updates, and health monitoring; compatible with Cisco servers and most standard enterprise servers with proper drivers
  • Reliability features: Redundant power delivery options, advanced thermal monitoring, and fault-tolerant firmware to minimize downtime in busy data centers
  • Warranty and service: Enterprise-grade warranty options and access to Cisco support networks, with potential for extended coverage based on region and product line

How to install Cisco SAS Controller

To install the Cisco SAS Controller, start by powering down the server and ensuring it is unplugged from power. Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe slot that matches the controller’s form factor. Carefully insert the Cisco SAS Controller, making sure it is fully seated and secured with the appropriate screw or retention mechanism. Route and connect the internal SAS cables from the server backplane to the controller’s SAS connectors, ensuring clean and organized cabling to prevent interference or overheating. Replace the chassis cover and power up the system. Enter the server BIOS or RAID configuration utility to initialize drives, configure the desired RAID level, and set up any caching options or BBU configurations. Install or update the latest driver and firmware for the operating system, then boot into the OS and verify drive visibility with the storage management tools. Finally, tune performance settings, enable monitoring and alerting, and establish routine health checks to maintain peak efficiency and reliability in production workloads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What workloads benefit most from the Cisco SAS Controller? This controller is optimized for data-intensive workloads such as databases, virtualization hosts, analytics pipelines, and high-traffic applications. It delivers higher IOPS, lower latency, and scalable storage capacity to support mission-critical operations and rapid data growth.

Q: Is the Cisco SAS Controller compatible with non-Cisco servers? Yes. While it is designed to integrate smoothly with Cisco UCS and Cisco server ecosystems, the controller is built to work with standard PCIe servers and common backplanes, provided the system has compatible drivers and firmware.

Q: Do I need a Battery Backup Unit (BBU)? An optional Battery Backup Unit can protect cached data during power outages and improve write integrity, but operation is possible without a BBU if the selected cache policy and resilience requirements permit.

Q: Which operating systems and virtualization platforms are supported? The controller supports major operating systems such as Windows and Linux, with drivers and management tools compatible with VMware, Hyper-V, and other leading virtualization platforms through Cisco’s ecosystem and partner offerings.

Q: How do I update firmware and drivers? Use Cisco’s management utilities and the driver package provided by the vendor. Check compatibility with your OS version before updating, perform updates during maintenance windows, and verify post-update health and performance to ensure a smooth deployment.


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