Microchip Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i Single

Microchip AdaptecSKU: 5057073

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Sale price$433.39

Description

Microchip Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i Single

Meet the Microchip Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i Single, a high-performance 12 Gbps host bus adapter that bridges the gap between a full-featured HBA and a hardware-accelerated RAID controller. Designed for enterprise storage ensembles, data centers, and demanding workstation environments, this eight-port internal SAS/SATA powerhouse delivers the versatility you need to scale storage without compromise. Built on the robust SmartIOC architecture, the 2100-8i combines dependable connectivity with the option to enable hardware RAID, empowering you to tailor protection, performance, and capacity to your unique workloads. Its compact MD2 low-profile form factor and PCIe Gen 3 x8 interface make it a perfect fit for dense server racks, tower systems, and small-form-factor systems that require serious storage capabilities. Whether you’re building a new storage array, expanding an existing one, or upgrading a mixed back-end, the 2100-8i is engineered to keep drives humming and data flowing with reliability and efficiency.

  • 8 internal SAS/SATA ports provide dense, scalable storage connectivity for modern arrays and backplanes.
  • 12 Gbps performance on each channel combined with PCIe Gen 3 x8 bandwidth delivers fast data transfer and low CPU overhead for storage-heavy workloads.
  • MD2 low-profile form factor fits into compact servers and workstations without sacrificing expansion or performance.
  • Hardware RAID capabilities enabled by the SmartIOC engine offer RAID levels and acceleration for data protection and faster rebuilds, while still allowing HBA-style operation when RAID is not required.
  • Designed for versatile deployments—from direct-attached storage to multi-drive enclosures—with software and driver support that integrates with common operating systems and server platforms.

Technical Details of Microchip Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i Single

  • Internal ports: 8 SAS/SATA ports
  • Interface: PCIe Gen3 x8
  • Form factor: MD2 low-profile
  • RAID engine: Hardware-accelerated RAID via SmartIOC
  • Performance: 12 Gbps per SAS/SATA channel (aggregate throughput scales with connected devices)
  • Compatibility: Supports SAS and SATA drives, suitable for direct-attached storage and backplane configurations
  • Management: Includes features for RAID configuration, monitoring, and drive health reporting through compatible utilities

How to install Microchip Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i

Installing the Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i is straightforward and can be completed in a few steps in most server or workstation environments. Follow these guidelines to ensure a proper, stable integration that preserves data integrity and performance:

  • Power down the system completely, unplug the power cord, and discharge any remaining static electricity before handling internal components.
  • Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe expansion slot. Prefer a PCIe x8 or higher slot to maximize bandwidth and to accommodate the card’s port count.
  • Install the 2100-8i card into the slot, ensuring the connector seats firmly and the card sits flush against the motherboard. Secure the bracket with a screw to avoid movement.
  • Connect internal SAS/SATA cables from your drives or backplane to the eight ports on the adapter. Use appropriate SFF-8087 or compatible connectors as required by your storage backplane or cabling.
  • Power on the system and enter the BIOS/UEFI or the Adaptec storage configuration utility to initialize the card. If needed, load the latest drivers from Microchip/Adaptec for your operating system.
  • Configure your storage topology in the utility: enable hardware RAID if you want redundancy, or run the card in HBA mode for simple pass-through access to drives. Save your settings and exit the utility.
  • Boot into your operating system, verify that the 2100-8i is detected, and initialize or format any new volumes according to your storage plan. Monitor drive health and performance through your preferred management tools.

Frequently asked questions

  • What does the Adaptec SmartHBA 2100-8i provide? It provides eight internal SAS/SATA ports, a PCIe Gen3 x8 interface, and the ability to function as a full-featured HBA with optional hardware RAID via the SmartIOC engine, combining robust connectivity with flexible data protection options.
  • Which systems is it compatible with? The 2100-8i is designed for a wide range of servers, workstations, and storage enclosures that support PCIe expansion cards and SAS/SATA backplanes. It supports standard operating systems and integrates with common RAID and storage management utilities.
  • Can I use it as a pure HBA? Yes. The card can operate in HBA mode to provide direct, non-RAID access to each connected drive, giving you maximum control over your storage configuration.
  • Do I need specialized cables? For internal SAS/SATA connections, you’ll typically use internal SAS/SATA cables with compatible connectors (such as SFF-8087) to connect drives or a backplane. Verify the backplane’s connector type and cabling requirements for optimal results.
  • Is hardware RAID supported? Indeed. The SmartIOC hardware RAID engine enables RAID levels and acceleration, which can improve rebuild times and data protection in configured arrays, while still allowing flexible deployment alongside HBA features when RAID is not required.
  • Where can I find drivers and management software? Drivers and management utilities are provided by Microchip/Adaptec and are available on their official support portals. Always use the latest version compatible with your operating system for best performance and reliability.

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