Adaptec ASR-8805 8-Port RAID HBA Card - 12Gb/s Performance

In this review of the Adaptec ASR-8805 2277500-R, the bottom line is clear: this is a purpose-built RAID HBA for workstation and server builders who need reliable 12Gb/s SAS and SATA connectivity with onboard cache protection. The reviewer finds the card most valuable for users running multiple high-capacity drives or mixed SSD/HDD arrays where hardware RAID and battery-backed caching improve sustained throughput and rebuild resilience. The included Cache Flash Module and Battery Backup Unit add an important layer of data protection without extra maintenance, making the ASR-8805 a practical choice for stable storage platforms.

Key Features

• 8 Port Internal: Provides eight internal connections on two SFF-8643 connectors to support multi-drive arrays in compact server builds.
• 12Gb/s per port: High-speed SAS and SATA support helps maximize throughput with modern drives and reduces bottlenecks for RAID workloads.
• Multiple RAID modes: Hardware RAID support for levels 0, 1, 1E, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 and hybrid 1 & 10 gives flexible redundancy and performance tradeoffs for different storage needs.
• HBA and Auto modes: Switchable RAID, HBA and Auto volume modes let users choose pure host bus adapter behavior or full controller-managed arrays for versatility.
• Included cache protection: The 3rd Generation Cache Flash Module plus Battery Backup Unit delivers zero maintenance cache protection to preserve data during power events.

Who It's For

The ASR-8805 is aimed at small business servers, home lab enthusiasts, and IT pros who assemble systems with multiple internal SAS or SATA drives and require robust RAID features and sustained throughput. Its long profile card and enterprise-grade cache protection make it a sensible fit for rackmount or tower servers with available full-height slots.

Those who should look elsewhere include users with only one or two drives, or builders who need external ports, NVMe-only controllers, or a low-profile form factor. The ASR-8805 is not optimized for laptops, ultra-compact mini-PCs, or systems that cannot accommodate long-profile expansion cards.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports a wide range of RAID levels for flexible redundancy and performance configurations.
• 12Gb/s per port helps extract higher sustained bandwidth from modern drives and SSDs.
• Includes Cache Flash Module and Battery Backup Unit for nonvolatile cache protection without frequent service.
• Switchable RAID/HBA/Auto modes provide deployment flexibility for mixed environments.

Cons

• Long profile card requires a full-height slot and may not fit compact chassis.
• No external connectors provided; not suitable if external drive enclosures are required.

Specifications

Part Number	ASR-8805 2277500-R
Profile	Long Profile
Internal Ports	8 Port Internal (2 x SFF-8643)
Interface Speed	12Gb/s per port
Supported RAID Levels	0, 1, 1E, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, Hybrid 1 & 10
Modes	RAID mode, HBA mode, Auto volume mode
Included Accessories	Cache Flash Module and Battery Backup Unit (3rd Gen)

Our Verdict

The Adaptec ASR-8805 is a solid, no-frills RAID HBA that delivers enterprise-style features to small servers and enthusiast builds. Its combination of 12Gb/s ports, broad RAID support, and built-in cache protection provides tangible benefits for multi-drive storage arrays. Buy it if you need dependable internal SAS/SATA connectivity and nonvolatile cache; skip it if you require a low-profile card or external ports.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card include any cache protection hardware?
Yes. The ASR-8805 ships with a Cache Flash Module and a Battery Backup Unit providing third-generation zero maintenance cache protection.

How many internal drives can I connect?
The card provides eight internal ports via two SFF-8643 connectors, so it supports up to eight direct drive connections or downstream expanders as your chassis allows.

Can it operate as a plain HBA?
Yes. The controller supports RAID mode, HBA mode and an Auto volume mode, allowing use as a host bus adapter when desired.