LSI MEGARAID SAS 9271-8i

Unmatched RAID Performance for Next-Generation Servers and Storage
Today’s data center, cloud and high-performance computing environments not only require
increased storage capacity to handle massive volumes of data, but are also challenged to protect
and deliver data as quickly as possible to meet the needs of applications and end users. To address
these performance demands as capacity scales, the newest 6Gb/s SAS RAID controllers from LSI offer
a powerful combination of intelligent performance, enterprise RAID data protection and proven
interoperability with the latest server platforms based on the PCI Express 3.0 specification. The
MegaRAID SAS 9271-8i, with eight internal ports, delivers two 800MHz PowerPC® processor cores and
a 72-bit DDRIII interface that drives 1GB cache memory. Powered by the LSISAS2208 dual-core ROC,
the 9271-8i controller includes the latest PCI Express 3.0 and 6Gb/s SAS technology and helps users to
maximize the performance benefits of solid state storage.
Protect Cached Data with LSI MegaRAID CacheVault™ Technology or BBU
RAID caching is a cost-effective way to improve I/O performance by writing data to a controllers’
cache before it is written to disk. In write-back mode, data written to cache is vulnerable until it is
made permanent on disk. To avoid the possibility of data loss or corruption during a power or server
failure, LSI offers the CacheVault flash cache protection module or the LSIiBBU09 battery backup unit
for the MegaRAID SAS 9271-8i controller. CacheVault flash cache protection uses NAND flash memory
powered by a super-capacitor to help protect data stored in the MegaRAID controller cache. The RAID
controller automatically writes the data in cache memory to flash storage when a power failure occurs,
while the super-capacitor keeps the current going during the process. When the power comes back,
the DRAM is recovered from flash storage and the system goes on without loss of data. Customers
have the flexibility to choose a traditional LiON battery solution or a greener, lower total cost of
ownership (TCO) cache protection solution with MegaRAID CacheVault technology.
Support for Advanced Software Options
The LSI family of 6Gb/s MegaRAID controllers are designed to support advanced software options that
provide white box channel partners with enhanced performance and data protec¬tion capabilities.
These new software options help enable end users to address key business challenges while helping
to deliver a higher return on their IT investments. MegaRAID CacheCade™ Pro 2.0 software and
MegaRAID Fast Path software boost transactional I/O performance of solid state disk configurations,
while MegaRAID Recovery software and MegaRAID SafeStore™ software enable enhanced data
protection and security.
Intuitive RAID Management Utility
The MegaRAID Management Suite™ software provides essential tools to manage MegaRAID products,
whether deployed in an enterprise or small business. LSI offers a collection of applications and tools
including a pre-boot setup utility and a full spectrum of online RAID management utilities. This suite
of applications allows administrators to adjust SAS or SATA topology views from the system host,
controller and disk enclosure down to the logical and physical drive level. Extending to enterprise
deployments, these tools scale to more easily configure, monitor and manage RAID and JBOD
volumes locally or over the LAN network.