Adaptec ASR-7805 1Gb PCIe 3.0 x8 SAS/SATA RAID Controller - Efficient

In this review of the Adaptec ASR-7805 controller card, the conclusion is straightforward: it is a practical, no-frills RAID card for small servers and workstations that need reliable SAS/SATA performance and a modest cache boost. Our review finds the ASR-7805 most valuable to system builders who want hardware RAID levels up to RAID 60, a full 1 GB cache, and the PCI-Express 3.0 x8 interface without paying for enterprise extras. It is not aimed at high-end datacenter deployments but fits compact servers and upgrade projects where compatibility and steady 6 Gb/s transfer rates matter.

Key Features

• 1 GB Cache: The onboard 1 GB cache smooths burst transfers and improves RAID performance for mixed workloads.
• PCI-Express 3.0 x8 Interface: The x8 PCIe 3.0 link provides ample bandwidth for multiple attached drives without saturating common midrange setups.
• SAS/SATA 6 Gb/s Support: Native support for SAS and SATA drives at up to 6 Gb/s lets the controller work with a wide range of modern storage devices.
• Extensive RAID Levels: Hardware support for RAID 0/1/1E/5/6/10/50/60 covers redundancy and performance needs for many server roles.
• Dual SFF-8643 Connectors: Two internal SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD connectors simplify connecting drive backplanes or drive cages in compact chassis.

Who It's For

The ASR-7805 is aimed at small businesses, home lab builders, and IT pros upgrading older servers who need dependable hardware RAID and a reasonable cache without moving to a premium enterprise controller. It works well in low-profile or standard tower and rack systems that accept a half-height or low-profile card, and it is appropriate where mixed SAS and SATA drive fleets are used.

Those who should look elsewhere include operators who need advanced enterprise features like battery-backed cache, NVMe support, or vendor-managed firmware ecosystems. High-performance datacenter arrays and NVMe-only storage nodes will outgrow this controller's capabilities.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable hardware RAID support across many levels, including RAID 6 and RAID 60.
• 1 GB cache improves sustained throughput for typical server workloads.
• Dual internal SFF-8643 connectors make wiring tidy in dense enclosures.

Cons

• Lacks enterprise extras such as battery backup or NVMe native support, which some datacenter users require.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The Adaptec ASR-7805 is a sensible upgrade for systems that need robust hardware RAID, dual mini-SAS HD connectivity, and a 1 GB cache at a modest cost. It offers clear value for small servers, NAS rebuilds, and home lab arrays where SAS/SATA drive support and proven RAID levels are the priority, but it is not positioned for high-end enterprise or NVMe-centric environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card support SATA drives?
Yes. The ASR-7805 supports both SAS and SATA drives at transfer rates up to 6 Gb/s.

What connectors does the card use for internal drives?
It provides 2 x SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD internal connectors for connecting drive backplanes or direct cabling.

Is the card suitable for datacenter enterprise use?
Not typically; it lacks enterprise features such as battery-backed cache and NVMe support, so it is better suited to small servers and home labs.