Intel RAID Controller Card

Overview

The Intel RS2VB080 is a RAID controller card designed to efficiently manage complex storage setups by supporting up to 128 devices through eight internal ports. It handles both SAS and SATA drives at speeds up to 6 Gb/s, making it a strong choice for IT professionals who need reliable data protection and performance in servers, workstations, or data center storage arrays. With 512MB of onboard cache and a Maintenance Free Backup Unit, it ensures faster data access and safeguards your information during power interruptions.

Key features

• Eight internal ports that support both SAS and SATA devices, allowing flexible storage configurations
• Ability to manage up to 128 connected drives, suitable for large-scale storage environments
• Data transfer speeds up to 6 Gb/s to maintain efficient throughput across multiple drives
• 512MB onboard cache memory that accelerates data access and improves overall system responsiveness
• Maintenance Free Backup Unit that protects data integrity during unexpected power loss
• Support for a wide range of RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60) to balance speed, redundancy, and capacity
• PCIe x8 Gen2 interface providing reliable and high-speed connectivity without occupying excessive system space
• Low-profile MD2 form factor that fits compact systems and offers versatile installation options
• Compatibility with major operating systems including Windows, Linux, Solaris, and VMware for broad deployment
• Includes two MiniSAS cables and brackets for both standard and low-profile slots, simplifying installation in various chassis

Key specs

• Ports: 8 internal MiniSAS ports supporting SAS and SATA devices
• Maximum devices supported: 128
• Data transfer rate: up to 6 Gb/s per port
• Onboard cache: 512 MB
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
• Interface: PCIe x8 Gen2
• Form factor: Low-profile MD2
• Operating system compatibility: Windows, Linux, Solaris, VMware

Connectivity and compatibility

This controller card connects via a PCIe x8 Gen2 slot, ensuring high-speed data transfer without bottlenecks. The eight internal MiniSAS ports support both SAS and SATA drives, providing flexibility to mix and match storage devices as needed. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems makes it suitable for diverse IT environments, from enterprise servers to virtualization platforms.

Installation and setup

The card’s low-profile MD2 form factor allows it to fit into compact systems, while the included brackets support both standard and low-profile slots for easy installation. Two MiniSAS cables are provided to connect your drives securely, reducing the need for additional accessories. This setup flexibility helps streamline deployment in various server or workstation configurations.

Ideal uses and environments

This RAID controller is well suited to data centers, enterprise storage arrays, and professional IT setups where managing multiple drives with high reliability and performance is critical. It works well in environments requiring a balance of speed and redundancy, such as virtualization hosts, database servers, and backup systems. Its broad OS support and extensive RAID options make it a practical choice for IT professionals managing complex storage needs.