Intel SASWT4I Hardware User Guide - Page 11

1 Overview This chapter provides a general overview of the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I. It consists of the following sections: • Summary of SAS RAID Controller Features • Benefits of Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS) The Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I is a PCI Express* SAS RAID controller. It provides reliable and fault-tolerant disk subsystem management. This is an ideal RAID solution for the internal storage needs of mid to low-end servers and workstations for use by workgroups and departmental-sized organizations or individuals. The Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I offers a cost-effective way to implement RAID in a server for internal storage. The SAS controller allows you to use SATA II and SAS hard disk drives in the same system, so you can take advantage of the benefits of each type of drive; however, Intel does not recommend mixing SAS and SATA II drives in the same enclosure.. The controller supports up to 14 physical devices in IR mode and up to 122 devices, including expander devices, in IT (non-RAID) mode. See the ANSI SAS Standard Specification, Version 1.0 for more information about the use of expanders. As the second generation PCI Express* storage adapter, the Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I addresses the growing demand for increased data throughput and scalability requirements across mid to low-end servers and workstations. Simplified cabling between drives is an additional benefit. Summary of SAS RAID Controller Features Note: In this document, the term low-profile refers to the height, not the length, of a PCI add-in card. The Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I is a low-profile SAS RAID adapter with: • An LSI* 1064E SAS (including SATA) controller. • Four independent internal ports. • Support for both enterprise-class SAS devices and enterprise-class SATA II drives. • Support for up to 14 SAS or SATA II drives and 2 logical drives in IR mode. • PCI Express* connector that fits into a x4 PCI Express* (or larger) slot capable of 2.5 Gbps per lane over PCI Express* x1 or x4. • 3.0 Gbps point-to-point transfer rate. • Both a standard and a low-profile bracket. Intel® RAID Controller SASWT4I Hardware User's Guide 1