Intel RAID Controller Storage Controller

Overview

The Intel RS3GC008 is a RAID controller card designed for administrators and power users who require high-speed data transfer and simple management across many drives. It supports up to 244 SAS or SATA devices and features eight external ports with 12 Gb/s throughput each, making it suitable for entry-level servers, storage enclosures, and workstation builds. The card uses a PCIe x8 Gen3 interface to ensure fast communication with the host system, while a dedicated LSI3008 processor handles RAID tasks efficiently, maintaining system performance during demanding workloads.

Key features

• Supports connection of up to 244 SAS or SATA drives, providing extensive scalability for large storage arrays
• Eight external ports deliver 12 Gb/s throughput per link, enabling fast data transfers during backups and large file operations
• PCIe x8 Gen3 interface ensures high bandwidth between the controller and host system, preventing bottlenecks
• LSI3008 processor offloads RAID calculations from the host CPU, improving overall system responsiveness
• Flexible RAID support including JBOD, RAID 0, 1, and 10, allowing tailored data protection and performance options
• Low profile MD2 form factor with interchangeable full and low profile brackets simplifies installation in various server and workstation cases

Key specs

• Drive support: up to 244 SAS or SATA devices
• Port count: 8 external ports
• Port speed: 12 Gb/s per link
• Interface: PCIe x8 Gen3
• RAID levels supported: JBOD, 0, 1, 10
• Processor: LSI3008 dedicated RAID controller
• Form factor: Low profile MD2 with full and low profile brackets included

Connectivity and compatibility

This controller card connects to the host system via a PCIe x8 Gen3 slot, ensuring ample bandwidth for high-speed data transfers. Its eight external ports support both SAS and SATA drives, making it compatible with a wide range of storage devices. The inclusion of both full height and low profile brackets allows installation in various server chassis, from rack mount to tower and compact storage appliances.

Ideal uses and environments

The Intel RS3GC008 fits well in small business storage setups, branch office backup servers, and lab environments requiring extensive drive arrays. Its ability to manage many drives with high throughput and flexible RAID options makes it a strong choice for users who need reliable data protection and fast access to large volumes of data. It is particularly suited to virtualization, media streaming, and transactional database workloads where maintaining system responsiveness is critical.