Controllers Information

RAID Controllers
If you do not intend to put your hard drives in a RAID array, then you do not need a RAID controller.

Dedicated hardware RAID controllers offer a much better solution for RAID than simple onboard controllers. These have better driver compatibility, work in both Windows and Linux, and support a wider range of array types. They also have dedicated processors, so that no extra load is put on the main CPU. For a high-end RAID solution where performance and stability are important, one of these is a must.

To help you select which one is best for you, match the type of connection available on your motherboard and the number of drives you need. Alternatively, talk to one of our customer service representatives and we can make sure you get the best product for your needs.

For more info on RAID arrays, check out our hardware article.

Other controllers
If you need additional ports above and beyond what your motherboard and case provide, we offer additional controller cards for most common port types.


 StarTech Type C USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbit/s CardAsus HYPER M.2 X16 Gen 4 CardVantec 4-port 5Gbps USB 3.0 CardAsus IPMI Expansion CardBlackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Monitor 4KLSI 9361-8i SAS/SATA RAID ControllerElgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 HDMI PCI-E Capture CardBlackmagic Design DeckLink IP HDBlackmagic Design DeckLink IP/SDI HDBlackmagic Design DeckLink Studio 4K 6G-SDINvidia Quadro Sync II KitBroadcom 9500-16i Tri-Mode SAS/SATA/NVME HBABlackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro Capture Card
Card Specifications
ManufacturerStartech VantecAsusBlackmagicLSIElgatoBlackmagic DesignBlackmagic DesignBlackmagic BroadcomBlackmagic
Type of PortsUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbit/s) USB 3.0  Mini-SAS SFF8643 10G RJ4510G RJ45, 2x SDI Ports, 1x Sync Output  SlimSAS 8i SFF-8654 
Number of Ports1 4 22214  2 
Port Location(s)External Rear  InternalExternalRearRear  Internal 
RAID Modes Supported     0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60       
Native Supported Disks     8       
Maximum Supported Disks     128     1024 
Battery Backup Available?     Yes       
Motherboard ConnectionPCI Express x4PCI Express x16PCI Express x4PCI Express x1PCI Express x4PCI Express x8PCI Express x4PCI Express x4PCI Express x4PCI Express x4 PCI Express x8PCI Express x8
InterfacePCI Express 3.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x16PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 3.0 x1PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 3.0 x8PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x4PCI Express 2.0 x4 PCI Express 4.0 x8PCI Express 3.0 x8
Form FactorLow/Full Height Low/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightFull HeightFull Height Low ProfileFull Height
Power Connector(s)  Molex6-Pin PCIe      6-Pin PCIe 6-Pin PCIe
Controller Chip
BrandAsmedia  Aspeed LSI       
ModelASM3242  AST2600 LSISAS3108 dual core RAID on Chip (ROC)       
Memory Amount     1024 MB       
Memory Expandable?     No       
Dimensions
Height      56 mm69 mm138 mm 111 mm67 mm 
Width      14 mm20 mm20 mm 19 mm155 mm 
Depth      122 mm183 mm138 mm 152 mm  
Net Weight0.175 kg 0.075 kg0.14 kg0.291 kg0.331 kg0.102 kg0.162 kg0.162 kg0.331 kg0.341 kg0.1 kg0.331 kg