Intel RMS25PB080 6 Gb/s SAS Integrated RAID Module

The RMS25PB080 6 Gb/s SAS Integrated RAID Module from Intel is uniquely designed to offer advanced RAID and configuration flexibility to select Intel server boards based on the Intel Xeon processor E5 family. They offer a true MD2 low-profile form factor and intelligent hardware RAID 0/1/5/6 functionality at a lower cost than Intel’s general purpose RAID cards, yet with the same feature sets.

The RMS25PB080 6 Gb/s SAS Integrated RAID Module is powered by LSI MegaRAID technology and includes two 800MHz processor cores and up to 1GB DDR3 1333MHz cache memory to drive exceptional storage performance and scalability. Furthermore, the module comes with an option for either traditional battery-based cache backup or a Maintenance Free Backup Unit (MFBU). The MFBU uses a super-capacitor to copy data in flight from the dynamic memory to NAND flash-based memory when a server has lost power or crashes. Moreover, the MFBU eliminates maintenance associated with Lithium Ion (LiON) batteries, is more environmentally friendly and offers a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the RAID module.

The products are best deployed in mainstream server environments to help optimize the performance and reliability of applications such as database, e-mail and web servers. Alternatively, these modules can be teamed with an SAS expander board, such as the Intel RAID Expander RES2CV360, to offer scalable performance solutions for applications such as streaming media. In addition, by connecting one or more Solid State Drives to these modules and adding the Solid State Drive Cache 2.0 with FastPath I/O upgrade feature, the performance of most applications can be enhanced significantly.

Key Advantages:
• System design flexibility – 1U capable system boards connect to the Storage I/O expansion slot on select Intel server boards based on the Intel Xeon processor E5 family. These modules can be used with Intel and third-party chassis without taking up a standard add-in card slot and eliminating the need for a riser card or low-profile chassis cutout.
• Exceptional data protection and performance – The module supports data redundancy using SAS or SATA hard disk drives through mirroring, parity and double parity (RAID levels 1, 5 and 6). It also provides striping capability for spans (RAID levels 10, 50 and 60). Furthermore, the dual-core LSI SAS2208 ROC technology, x8 PCI Express Generation 3 host interface and DDR3 cache enhance the performance of mainstream applications.
• Improved serviceability with an optional MFBU – The Maintenance Free Backup Unit (MFBU) is built using NAND flash that can retain data for up to ten years. It provides near-instant optimal RAID performance compared to traditional LiON battery backup units (BBUs), which are limited to just days of retention and can take up to eight hours to charge. In addition, this longer-lasting technology allows for the same standard three year warranty as other Intel RAID products.
• Support for premium feature upgrades -It includes a connector for an optional hardware-based key which unlocks one or more advanced software algorithms designed to improve performance and enhance data protection. For instance, the Solid State Drive Cache with FastPath I/O upgrade enables the use of one or more Solid State Drives as a large cache pool for the RAID controller. This can significantly improve the performance of many server applications.