3Ware 9550SXU-16ML User Guide - Page 12

Chapter 1. Introducing the 3ware® 9000 Series Controller What's New with the 3ware 9550SX Controllers Enhancements and changes in version 9.3 of the software for the 3ware 9000 series controllers include the following features and benefits for the 9550SX models. „ 200% faster than the industry-leading 3ware 9500S RAID controller „ PCI-X connectivity and 7th generation StorSwitch(TM) technology „ Support for 3Gbps, Native Command Queuing (NCQ), and Port Multiplication „ StorSave II profiles let you set the desired level of protection versus performance for a unit „ Drive Locate allows you to easily identify a drive by blinking the LED associated with it when you have a chassis that supports it „ Improved BIOS control lets you determine the level detail to display at power-up System Requirements 3ware RAID controllers require the following „ A workstation-class or server-class motherboard which meets the following criteria: „ PCI slots that comply with PCI 2.2 or above standards. „ PCI slot that meets the Plug and Play and PC99 specifications. Note: While the 3ware 9550SX RAID Controller can be installed in both 64-bit PCI and PCI-X slots, not all slots give equal performance. The 3ware 9550SX Controller performs best when installed in a PCI-X 133MHz 64-bit slot. However, it can also operate at 66MHz or 100MHz. „ Drives Depending on the particular model, the 3ware RAID controller may be connected to up to two, four, eight, twelve, or sixteen SATA drives using the supplied interface cables. Drives must meet serial ATA 150 (SATA-1)or serial ATA 300 (SATA 2) Gb/s standards. Drives may be of any capacity or physical form factor. The length of shielded and unshielded interface cables may not exceed 1M (39") for Serial ATA controllers. 2 3ware 9550SX Serial ATA RAID Controller User Guide