Intel Integrated RAID Module RMS3AC160: High-Performance 12Gb/s SAS/SATA RAID Solution

Meet the RMS3AC160, a purpose-built 12Gb/s SAS3 mezzanine RAID module engineered for enterprise servers seeking maximum storage density, reliability, and flexible data protection. This 16-port internal SAS/SATA mezzanine card is built around a PCIe 3.0 dual-core RAID-On-Chip (ROC), delivering robust RAID processing right where you need it—near your data. With support for a broad range of RAID configurations, optional maintenance-free backup, and premium feature upgrades, the RMS3AC160 is designed to boost throughput, reduce latency, and simplify storage management in virtualization hosts, database servers, and high-demand applications. If you’re modernizing your data center or expanding a mission-critical deployment, this RAID module provides the performance and resilience required to keep operations flowing smoothly and securely.

• Blazing 12Gb/s SAS3 performance: The RMS3AC160 leverages SAS 3.0 (12Gb/s) speeds to maximize throughput across 16 internal SAS/SATA ports, enabling fast data access and improved IOPS for demanding workloads.
• Compact mezzanine design with PCIe 3.0 ROC: Built as a PCIe 3.0 dual-core RAID-On-Chip, this module brings intelligent RAID processing directly to the server’s I/O path, reducing CPU overhead and delivering responsive rebuilds and steady streaming performance.
• Comprehensive RAID level support: Choose from 0, 1, 10, 5, 50, 6, and 60 to tailor data protection and performance to your workloads. The ROC-based controller enables flexible array configurations across multiple disks for both performance and fault tolerance.
• Optional Maintenance Free Backup Unit and Premium Feature keys: When you need added reliability and capability, you can opt for a Maintenance Free Backup Unit to protect cache and data integrity without the burden of a traditional battery, along with Premium Feature upgrade keys to unlock advanced features as your storage needs evolve.
• Easy integration for enterprise environments: Designed for server platforms that require high-density, high-availability storage, the RMS3AC160 fits into standard mezzanine slots, integrates with existing RAID utilities, and supports scalable configurations for growing deployments.

Technical Details of Intel Integrated RAID Module RMS3AC160

• 12Gb/s SAS3 (SAS 3.0) data transfer speed for high-throughput workloads
• 16 internal SAS/SATA ports on a single mezzanine card
• PCIe 3.0 dual-core RAID-On-Chip (ROC) for optimized RAID processing
• Supports RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 for flexible data protection and performance tuning
• Optional Maintenance Free Backup Unit (MFBU) to preserve cache data without a traditional battery
• Optional Premium Feature upgrade keys to unlock additional capabilities as needed
• Mezzanine card form factor designed for enterprise servers and scalable storage deployments
• Designed to minimize CPU overhead and improve I/O performance in virtualization, databases, and analytics

How to install Intel Integrated RAID Module RMS3AC160

• Power down the server, unplug power cables, and remove the chassis cover to access the motherboard and mezzanine slots.
• Identify an available PCIe mezzanine slot that supports the RMS3AC160’s form factor and electrical interface. If the slot requires a specific mezzanine adapter, install it per the server vendor’s guidance.
• Carefully align the RMS3AC160 with the mezzanine connector and firmly seat the card into the slot. Ensure there is no obstruction and that the card is fully engaged.
• Secure the module with the appropriate retaining screw or bracket, then reconnect any backplane or low-voltage cables as required by your server chassis and deployment scenario.
• Reassemble the server, power up, and enter the RAID controller BIOS or management utility. Initialize the ROC, verify detection of the RMS3AC160, and begin configuring your arrays with the desired RAID level(s). If you have an MFBU or Premium Feature keys, apply them during or after initialization to enable the corresponding capabilities.
• Document the configuration, perform a safety check for drive health, and monitor initialization progress. Run a basic integrity check after creating your arrays and establish a baseline performance profile to guide future optimizations.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the Intel RMS3AC160? It is a 12Gb/s SAS3 mezzanine RAID module built on a PCIe 3.0 dual-core RAID-On-Chip (ROC) designed to provide enterprise-grade RAID capabilities across 16 internal SAS/SATA ports, suitable for high-density servers and data-intensive workloads.
• Which RAID levels are supported? The RMS3AC160 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, offering a range of performance and redundancy options to match your application needs, from speed-focused configurations to high-availability layouts.
• What about data protection and backup options? It supports an optional Maintenance Free Backup Unit (MFBU) to protect cached data without relying on a traditional battery, and Premium Feature upgrade keys to unlock additional capabilities as your storage strategy evolves.
• How does installation work in a server? After powering down, install the mezzanine card into a compatible slot, secure it, boot the server, and configure arrays via the RAID utility. Optional licenses and the MFBU can be added as needed.
• Is this module compatible with all servers? The RMS3AC160 is designed for enterprise servers that provide mezzanine PCIe slots and support for SAS/SATA backplanes. Always verify compatibility with your server model and firmware before purchase.