Supermicro 12Gb/s Eight-Port SAS Internal RAID Adapter

Unlock uncompromising storage performance with the Supermicro MegaRAID AOC-S3008L-L8i, an 12Gb/s eight-port SAS internal RAID adapter engineered for demanding servers, virtualization hosts, and data-intensive workflows. This PCI Express-based controller centers around the trusted LSI SAS 3008 I/O processor with Fusion-MPT, delivering hardware-accelerated RAID operations, accelerated data throughput, and robust reliability for enterprise ecosystems. With eight internal SAS connectors, it enables dense drive arrays and scalable storage backplanes, reducing bottlenecks while maximizing I/O efficiency. In environments where every IOPS counts—databases, analytics, VDI, and large-scale backups—this card provides the dependable backbone you need to sustain high sequential and random performance across multi-drive configurations.

The AOC-S3008L-L8i is designed to integrate seamlessly into standard server chassis, offering a PCI Express host interface that harnesses the bandwidth between the CPU and storage subsystem. The combination of an LSI SAS 3008 controller and Fusion-MPT technology delivers a mature, feature-rich RAID stack that supports a wide range of RAID levels and caching options. This translates into faster rebuild times, improved data protection, and predictable performance under heavy I/O loads. Because it’s built around MegaRAID-compatible firmware and management software, administrators can adopt a familiar interface for RAID creation, monitoring, and maintenance, minimizing downtime and simplifying lifecycle management. The card’s rugged build and compatibility with backplanes and enterprise storage environments make it a reliable upgrade path for servers that require parallelism, fault tolerance, and scalable storage capacity without sacrificing space or energy efficiency.

Key advantages include enhanced data protection with hardware-assisted RAID, streamlined administration through MegaRAID Storage Manager, and flexible connectivity that supports both SAS drives and high-capacity storage backplanes. The eight internal SAS channels enable large RAID arrays with multiple spindles, improving throughput for workloads such as large-scale backups, streaming media, virtualized desktops, and database applications. The combination of 12Gb/s SAS speed and PCIe host interface ensures high bandwidth for read-heavy and write-intensive tasks, while the Fusion-MPT engine helps optimize the path to storage with efficient command queuing and reduced CPU overhead. In short, the AOC-S3008L-L8i is a versatile, scalable solution that balances performance, protection, and manageability for modern data centers and enterprise IT environments.

• Eight internal SAS ports provide dense, scalable connectivity to drive enclosures and backplanes, enabling large, fast storage arrays without sacrificing rack space or cable routing.
• LSI SAS 3008 I/O processor with Fusion-MPT delivers hardware-accelerated RAID operations, proven reliability, and efficient data paths for improved throughput and lower CPU overhead.
• 12Gb/s SAS data transfer on each port combined with a PCI Express host interface offers high bandwidth to support demanding workloads and large sequential transfers.
• Hardware-accelerated MegaRAID engine supports a broad range of RAID levels with fast rebuilds, robust write cache, and data protection features to safeguard critical information.
• Enterprise-friendly management through MegaRAID Storage Manager, firmware updates, and straightforward RAID configuration—ideal for administrators seeking proven tools and predictable performance.

Technical Details of Supermicro 12Gb/s Eight-Port SAS Internal RAID Adapter

• Model: AOC-S3008L-L8i
• Interface: PCI Express host interface
• Ports: 8 internal SAS connectors
• Controller: LSI SAS 3008 I/O processor
• Technology: Fusion-MPT (Message Passing Technology)
• SAS Speed: 12Gb/s per port
• Form Factor: PCIe add-in card
• Management: MegaRAID firmware with MegaRAID Storage Manager compatibility

how to install Supermicro 12Gb/s Eight-Port SAS Internal RAID Adapter

Installing the AOC-S3008L-L8i is a straightforward process that minimizes downtime when upgrading storage capabilities in servers. Follow these practical steps to ensure a clean, reliable integration:

1) Power down the server, unplug the power cords, and discharge static electricity. Remove the chassis access panel according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.

2) Identify an available PCI Express slot with sufficient x8 or x16 lanes. Fully reseat the server to confirm the slot is accessible and unobstructed for the RAID adapter.

3) Carefully insert the AOC-S3008L-L8i into the PCIe slot, applying even pressure until it seats firmly. Secure the card with a screw to the chassis bracket to ensure stability during operation.

4) Connect the eight internal SAS cables from the card’s SAS connectors to the appropriate backplane, SAS expander, or directly to SAS drives as per your storage architecture. Ensure cables are routed neatly to prevent tension or interference with fans and other components.

5) Reassemble the chassis, plug in power, and boot the server. During POST, the system should recognize the new PCIe device. If a BIOS option for the MegaRAID controller appears, enter the RAID BIOS configuration utility to initialize the card.

6) Install or update the storage management software. For most deployments, MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM) is used to configure RAID arrays, monitor health, and manage firmware updates. Install the required drivers for your operating system (Windows or Linux) to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance.

7) Create one or more RAID volumes according to your capacity, redundancy, and performance goals. Choose appropriate RAID levels (for example, RAID 5/6 for fault tolerance, RAID 0/1/10 for performance and redundancy, or RAID 50/60 for larger arrays) and enable caching options as supported by the card and your workload. Regularly review SMART data, drive health, and array consistency to maintain data integrity.

8) Benchmark and tune. After initial configuration, run representative I/O workloads to validate performance and adjust stripe sizes, read/write policies, and cache settings to align with application demands. Document the configuration for future maintenance and audits.

Note: Always follow your organization’s change-management procedures when installing new hardware and updating storage controllers. Firmware updates should be applied from reputable sources, and compatibility with existing backplanes, drive types, and rack-mounted environments should be confirmed prior to deployment.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the AOC-S3008L-L8i used for? It is an eight-port internal SAS RAID adapter designed to connect multiple SAS drives to a server, enabling scalable, high-performance RAID storage with hardware-accelerated RAID processing.
• Which RAID levels does it support? The MegaRAID engine typically supports common RAID configurations such as 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, offering a balance of performance and fault tolerance for various workloads. Check specific firmware capabilities for your deployment.
• Is it compatible with different operating systems? Yes. The card supports drivers and management tools for major operating systems (Windows and Linux) via MegaRAID Storage Manager and related software.
• Can I hot-swap drives with this adapter? Yes. The eight internal connectors are designed for compatibility with hot-swap drive backplanes in enterprise servers, allowing drive replacement without powering down the system in most configurations.
• How do I manage and monitor the RAID arrays? Use MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM) to configure, monitor, and manage RAID volumes, monitor drive health, perform firmware updates, and run diagnostic tests. Regular monitoring helps maintain performance and data protection.