Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i 4GB Flash PCIe Gen4 12Gb Adapter

Meet the Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i, a high-performance RAID-on-Chip (ROC) server adapter designed to unlock the full potential of internal drive configurations in dense, enterprise-grade environments. Built on PCIe 4.0 with 12Gbps SAS capabilities, this adapter delivers the speed, reliability, and scalability required for data-intensive applications, from databases and virtualization to data analytics and large-scale backups. The 940-16i combines robust RAID protection with a generous 4GB flash cache, enabling faster data access, improved I/O consistency, and lower overall latency across mixed workloads. For IT teams aiming to maximize uptime and streamline management in Lenovo ThinkSystem ecosystems, this card is a compelling choice that aligns with modern data-center demands while staying compatible with a wide range of enterprise drives and backplanes.

• Powerful PCIe Gen4 ROC architecture delivers exceptional throughput and low-latency I/O, helping servers handle demanding workloads with minimal CPU overhead and smooth scalability as volumes grow.
• 16 internal SAS/SATA connection channels provide dense drive configurations within a single PCIe card, enabling high-capacity storage layouts and flexible drive topology for modern servers and storage backplanes.
• 4GB of flash cache accelerates hot data paths, improving read-ahead performance and write-back efficiency to boost throughput for databases, virtual machines, and data-intensive applications while reducing latency.
• Comprehensive RAID support covers 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, offering a versatile blend of performance and protection to meet a wide range of enterprise workloads and service-level requirements.
• RAID-on-Chip (ROC) with enterprise-grade reliability, availability, and serviceability (RAS) features plus centralized management capabilities, enabling streamlined monitoring, health reporting, and firmware updates across Lenovo ThinkSystem deployments.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i 4GB Flash PCIe Gen4 12Gb Adapter

• Interface and connectivity: PCIe Gen4 ROC card designed for integration into Lenovo ThinkSystem servers, delivering high-bandwidth paths to internal drives via 12Gb/s SAS backplanes.
• Cache and caching technology: 4GB of flash-based cache to accelerate frequently accessed data and improve overall I/O performance under mixed workloads.
• Drive connectivity: 16 internal SAS/SATA ports on a single adapter, enabling dense drive configurations and flexible backplane layouts within supported servers.
• RAID levels: Supports 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing a range of performance and fault-tolerance options to balance throughput, capacity, and data protection.
• Form factor and placement: PCIe add-in card intended for installation in compatible Lenovo ThinkSystem server chassis, designed to integrate with existing storage backplanes and drive enclosures.
• Management and reliability: RAID-on-Chip (ROC) architecture with enterprise-grade RAS features and management capabilities that help monitor health, predict failures, and simplify firmware updates across a Lenovo environment.

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i

• Prepare the server: power down the system, disconnect power, and discharge static electricity before handling components to protect both you and the hardware.
• Access the PCIe slots: remove the server cover or access panel as required by the chassis documentation to reach available PCIe slots for add-in cards.
• Install the RAID card: insert the ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i into a suitable PCIe slot (typically a PCIe Gen4 slot) and secure the card with any mounting hardware provided by the chassis or card.
• Connect drive backplane cables: attach the 12Gb/s SAS cables from the RAID controller to the appropriate internal drive backplane or SAS expander, ensuring proper routing to maintain airflow and reduce cable wear.
• Power up and configure: boot the server and enter the RAID controller’s setup utility during POST to configure desired RAID levels, volumes, and initialization options. Validate drive visibility and hot-spare settings as needed.
• Firmware and driver updates: after installation, apply the latest firmware and driver updates through the server management interface or the Lenovo support portal to optimize stability and performance over time.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What RAID levels does the Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i support? A: It supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, providing a spectrum of performance and data protection options for various workloads.
• Q: How much cache does the card have, and how does it benefit performance? A: The card includes 4GB of flash cache, which accelerates hot data, reduces latency, and improves throughput for mixed workloads such as databases and virtualization.
• Q: How many drive connections are available on this card? A: The 940-16i provides 16 internal SAS/SATA ports, enabling dense drive configurations within supported Lenovo ThinkSystem servers.
• Q: What interface does the card use to connect to the server? A: It is a PCIe Gen4 ROC adapter designed for robust, high-speed connectivity to internal drives via 12Gb/s SAS backplanes.
• Q: Is this a ROC (RAID-on-Chip) controller, and what management capabilities does it include? A: Yes, it is a ROC with enterprise-grade RAS features and centralized management capabilities to simplify health monitoring, error reporting, and firmware updates across ThinkSystem deployments.