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 4KElgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 HDMI PCI-E Capture CardLSI 9361-8i SAS/SATA RAID ControllerBlackmagic Design DeckLink Studio 4K 6G-SDINvidia Quadro Sync II KitBroadcom 9500-16i Tri-mode SAS/SATA/NVME HBAHighPoint SSD7505 Gen4 M.2 CardBlackmagic Design DeckLink 8K Pro Capture Card
Card Specifications
ManufacturerStartech VantecAsusBlackmagicElgatoLSIBlackmagic  HighpointBlackmagic
Type of PortsUSB 3.2 Gen 2x2 (20Gbit/s) USB 3.0   Mini-SAS SFF8643     
Number of Ports1 4 222     
Port Location(s)External Rear  ExternalInternal   N/A 
RAID Modes Supported      0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60   Single, 0, 1, 10 
Native Supported Disks      8     
Maximum Supported Disks      128   4 
Battery Backup Available?      Yes   No 
Motherboard ConnectionPCI Express x4PCI Express x16PCI Express x4PCI Express x1PCI Express x4PCI Express x4PCI Express x8PCI Express x4  PCI 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 2.0 x4PCI Express 3.0 x8PCI Express 2.0 x4  PCI Express 4.0 x16PCI Express 3.0 x8
Form FactorLow/Full Height Low/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightLow/Full HeightFull Height  Full HeightFull Height
Power Connector(s)  Molex6-Pin PCIe    6-Pin PCIe  6-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     56 mm  111 mm 112 mm 
Width     14 mm  19 mm 195 mm 
Depth     122 mm  152 mm 21 mm 
Net Weight0.175 kg 0.075 kg0.14 kg0.291 kg0.102 kg0.331 kg0.331 kg0.341 kg .60 kg0.331 kg