AMCC 3ware 9650SE-4LPML

The 9650SE-4LPML represents AMCC’s entry-level RAID controller. It runs off a PCI Express x4 interface and supports a decent array of RAID configuration options: 0, 1, 5, 1+0, and JBOD.

The card boasts an onboard 266MHz PowerPC CPU, which does its part to keep your general computer operations separate from the RAID equation. However, we ask ourselves: Is 266MHz enough? In the grand scheme of things, especially given that our test machine runs a quad-core Q6700 processor, will such a relatively underpowered onboard chip have much of an impact on our benchmarks?

The controller also comes with 256MB of onboard DDR2 memory. SATA drives are connected via a single multilane port using an included breakaway cable.
$400, www.3ware.com

AMCC 3ware 9650SE-24M8

The high-end version of AMCC’s 9650SE RAID controller is a bit bulkier than the 4LPML card—and that’s due to its extra connection ports. You get three multilane connectors on the large 24M8 card—for a maximum of 24 drives, with the appropriate breakaway cables, of course. The controller attaches to your motherboard using a PCI Express x8 connection.

This card expands upon the 4LPML’s RAID options in a rather dramatic fashion by supporting 0, 1, 5, 6, 1+0, 50, and JBOD. That puts it nearly on par with Adaptec’s 5405 controller.

We’re mildly taken aback by this pricey card’s paltry power potential, as the 24M8 runs a 266MHz processor, just like its far less expensive cousin. While this controller has double the RAM (512MB) of the 4LPML, we’re skeptical that this will provide a huge performance boost.
$1,600, www.3ware.com

Host-Based

LSI Logic MegaRAID SAS 8208ELP

On paper, LSI Logic’s MegaRAID SAS 8208ELP controller looks like a respectable contender at the entry-level end of the RAID marketplace. The controller doesn’t use an onboard processor to shuffle RAID duties from your CPU to the card, but it remains to be seen if this will have a demonstrable effect on next-generation computing systems.

The card does come with two separate multilane connectors for adding up to eight SATA devices with the breakaway cables that come included. You can then slap these drives into one of four RAID configurations: 0, 1, 5, or 1+0.

In practice, we found this PCI Express x4-based card to be quite frustrating, primarily because the drivers LSI shipped with the card flat-out didn’t work. A quick run to LSI’s website for updated drivers fixed the problem, but the fact remains: Out of the box, the 8208ELP does not function.
$315, www.lsi.com

Discrete

LSI Logic MegaRAID SAS 8888ELP

Thankfully, the 8888ELP works straight out of the box with the drivers LSI provides. As well it should—this is the company’s high-end RAID product, designed as a discrete-performing controller for handling RAID 1, 5, 6, 1+0, 50, and 60 arrays. The controller itself comes with the same two internal multilane connectors as the 8208ELP, with an additional two external connectors located on the rear of the card.

The 8888ELP attaches to your machine using a PCI Express x8 connector. The CPU itself chugs along at 500MHz. This, plus the controller’s 256MB of DDR2 memory, should help the card hold its own in our RAID benchmark showdown. It will also give us an interesting comparison point: What’s more important, a faster processor or more memory?
$945, www.lsi.com