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.


 PCIe to 4x SlimSAS (SFF-8654) NVMe CardStarTech Type C USB 2-Port USB 3.2 Gen 2 10Gbit/s CardStarTech Type C USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 20Gbit/s CardAsus HYPER M.2 X16 Gen 4 CardVantec 4-port 5Gbps USB 3.0 CardSynology Dual M.2 Adapter M2D20 PCI-E Gen 3 x8 CardBlackmagic Design DeckLink Mini Monitor 4KBlackmagic Design DeckLink IP HDBroadcom MegaRAID 9520-2M2 2x M.2 NVMeBlackmagic Design DeckLink IP/SDI HDNvidia RTX PRO SyncBlackmagic Design DeckLink Studio 4K 6G-SDIBroadcom MegaRAID 9560-8i Tri-ModeBlackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro G2 Capture CardBroadcom 9600-16i Tri-Mode eHBA PCIeBlackmagic Design DeckLink Quad 2
Card Specifications
Manufacturer StartechStartech VantecSynologyBlackmagicBlackmagic DesignBroadcomBlackmagic Design BlackmagicBroadcomBlackmagicBroadcomBlackmagic
Type of PortsSlimSAS 4i SFF-8654USB 3.2 Gen 2 (10Gbit/s)USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbit/s) USB 3.0M.2 x4 Gen 3 10G RJ45M.2 Gen 4 x410G RJ45, 2x SDI Ports, 1x Sync Output  SlimSAS 8i SFF-8654 SlimSAS 8i SFF-86543G-SDI mini DIN
Number of Ports421 422124  1 28
Port Location(s)InternalExternalExternal Rear  Rear Rear  Internal InternalRear
RAID Modes Supported        0, 1   0, 00, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60   
Native Supported Disks4               
Maximum Supported Disks4       2   240   
Battery Backup Available?No       No   Yes   
Motherboard ConnectionPCI Express x16PCI Express x4PCI Express x4PCI Express x16PCI Express x4 PCI Express x4PCI Express x4PCI Express x8PCI Express x4 PCI Express x4PCI Express x8PCI Express x8PCI Express x8PCI Express x8
InterfacePCI Express 4.0 x16PCI Express 3.0 x4PCI Express 3.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x16PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 3.0 x8PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x8PCI Express 4.0 x4 PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x8PCI Express 3.0 x8PCI Express 4.0 x8PCI Express 2.0 x8
Form FactorLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full Height Low/Full HeightLow ProfileLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightFull Height Full HeightLow ProfileFull HeightLow/Full HeightFull Height
Power Connector(s) SATA  Molex     6-Pin PCIe  6-Pin PCIe  
Max Temp.        105 C       
Controller Chip
Brand AsmediaAsmedia     Broadcom       
Model ASM3142ASM3242     SAS3808       
Memory Amount        6 MB       
Memory Expandable?        No       
Dimensions
Height       69 mm68.77 mm138 mm111 mm 67 mm 68 mm106 mm
Width       20 mm167.51 mm20 mm19 mm 155 mm 21 mm21 mm
Depth       183 mm 138 mm152 mm   155 mm160 mm
Net Weight0.051 kg0.175 kg0.175 kg 0.075 kg 0.291 kg0.162 kg0.094 kg0.162 kg0.341 kg0.331 kg0.1 kg0.331 kg.156 kg0.102 kg