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 4KHighpoint RocketRAID 3720C 8 Port RAID ControllerElgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 HDMI PCI-E Capture CardElgato Cam Link Pro Multi Camera PCI-E Capture CardLSI 9361-8i SAS/SATA RAID ControllerBlackmagic Design DeckLink Studio 4K 6G-SDIHighPoint SSD7505 Gen4 M.2 CardBlackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro Capture CardNvidia Quadro Sync II Kit
Card Specifications
ManufacturerStartech VantecAsusBlackmagicHighpointElgatoElgatoLSIBlackmagicHighpointBlackmagic 
Type of PortsUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbit/s) USB 3.0  Mini-SAS SFF8643  Mini-SAS SFF8643    
Number of Ports1 4 28242    
Port Location(s)External Rear  RearExternalExternalInternal N/A  
RAID Modes Supported     0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50  0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 Single, 0, 1, 10  
Native Supported Disks     8  8    
Maximum Supported Disks     8  128 4  
Battery Backup Available?        Yes No  
Motherboard ConnectionPCI Express x4PCI Express x16PCI Express x4PCI Express x1PCI Express x4PCI Express x8PCI Express x4PCI Express x4PCI Express x8PCI Express x4PCI Express x16PCI 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 2.0 x4PCI Express 3.0 x8PCI Express 2.0 x4PCI Express 4.0 x16PCI Express 3.0 x8 
Form FactorLow/Full Height Low/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightFull HeightLow/Full HeightFull HeightFull HeightFull Height 
Power Connector(s)  Molex6-Pin PCIe       6-Pin PCIe6-Pin PCIe
Controller Chip
BrandAsmedia  Aspeed    LSI Highpoint  
ModelASM3242  AST2600    LSISAS3108 dual core RAID on Chip (ROC) 7500 series  
Memory Amount        1024 MB    
Memory Expandable?        No    
Dimensions
Height     69 mm56 mm56 mm  112 mm 111 mm
Width     18.5 mm14 mm14 mm  195 mm 19 mm
Depth     143 mm122 mm122 mm  21 mm 152 mm
Net Weight0.175 kg 0.075 kg0.14 kg0.291 kg0.15 kg0.102 kg0.146 kg0.331 kg0.331 kg.60 kg0.331 kg0.341 kg