BROADCOM MegaRAID 9440-8i RAID Controller - 8-Channel PCIe

In this review the BROADCOM MegaRAID 9440-8i is assessed as a compact, higher-performance RAID controller aimed at system builders and IT pros who need reliable hardware RAID on compact PCIe profiles. The bottom line: it excels for server or workstation builds where multi-drive SATA and SAS support and a low-profile PCIe 3.1 x8 interface are required. Performance-oriented users will appreciate the sustained throughput and broad RAID level support, while those needing a simple consumer-level solution may find it more complex than necessary.

Key Features

• 8-Channel Support: Handles up to eight drives so users can build moderate capacity arrays without additional expanders.
• SATA 6Gb/s and SAS 12Gb/s: Supports both common drive interfaces for flexibility when mixing modern SATA SSDs and higher-speed SAS drives.
• PCIe 3.1 x8 Low-Profile: Fits in small form factor servers and workstations while delivering a full x8 PCIe lane bandwidth for array I/O.
• RAID Level Variety: Native support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50 covers performance, redundancy and balanced configurations for different workloads.
• Up to 1200 MB/s Throughput: Offers solid sustained throughput for RAID arrays in typical small to medium storage deployments.

Who It's For

The MegaRAID 9440-8i is best for IT professionals, system integrators and enthusiasts building compact servers or NAS appliances that need hardware RAID offload and compatibility with both SATA and SAS drives. Its low-profile PCIe card design makes it suited to 1U/2U rack servers and small desktop workstations where space is limited.

It is less appropriate for casual desktop users who want plug-and-play simplicity or for large enterprise arrays that require many more ports or external expanders; those buyers should consider multi-port controllers or storage arrays designed for much larger scale.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports mixed SATA and SAS drives, making upgrades flexible.
• Low-profile PCIe design fits small chassis without sacrificing lane width.
• Multiple RAID modes including RAID 5 and 50 provide redundancy and performance options.
• Reasonable sustained throughput reported up to 1200 MB/s for modest arrays.

Cons

• Not intended for very large scale deployments that need dozens of ports or external expansion.
• Advanced configuration and firmware management require some technical familiarity to get the most from the card.

Specifications

Model Number	05-50008-02
Channels	8
Interface	PCIe 3.1 x8, low-profile
SATA/SAS Speed	SATA 6Gb/s, SAS 12Gb/s
Supported RAID Levels	0, 1, 5, 10, 50
Max Throughput	1200 MB/s
Country of Origin	China

Our Verdict

The BROADCOM MegaRAID 9440-8i is a practical choice for small to mid-size storage arrays where hardware RAID performance and compact form factor matter. It offers a solid set of RAID modes, mixed drive interface support and respectable throughput for the price and footprint, making it good value for builders and administrators who need dependable RAID offload without enterprise scale complexity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card fit small server chassis?
Yes, the MegaRAID 9440-8i is a low-profile PCIe card designed to fit compact 1U/2U and small workstation cases.

Which RAID levels are supported?
The card supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50 for a range of performance and redundancy options.

Can it handle both SATA and SAS drives?
Yes, it supports SATA at 6Gb/s and SAS at 12Gb/s, allowing mixed-drive deployments where appropriate.