LSI LOGIC Megaraid SAS 9240-8I Single - Reliable RAID Performance

Our review of the LSI LOGIC Megaraid SAS 9240-8I Single finds it is a focused RAID controller for small servers and advanced workstations that need reliable disk-level protection and moderate throughput. The standout reason to consider this card is its support for a wide range of RAID modes, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50, which gives administrators flexibility to balance speed, redundancy and capacity. With eight internal SATA+SAS ports and 512MB cache, it delivers consistent background maintenance features such as patrol read and consistency check that keep arrays stable without constant intervention.

Key Features

• RAID modes: Support for RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 and 50 lets users match protection and performance to workload needs.
• Ports and connectors: Eight internal 6Gb/s SATA+SAS ports with two x4 Mini-SAS (SFF8087) internal connectors provide plenty of device connectivity for multi-drive enclosures.
• Data rate: A 6Gb/s data transfer rate per port helps maintain fast sequential throughput for large file operations.
• Cache: The built-in 512MB cache improves write performance and helps sustain I/O bursts for mixed workloads.
• Maintenance tools: Patrol read, consistency check and S.M.A.R.T monitoring reduce the need for manual array checks and help detect failing drives early.
• Management: MegaRAID Storage Manager provides a graphical option for configuring arrays and monitoring status remotely.

Who It's For

This controller is best suited for IT professionals, small business servers and prosumers who assemble multi-drive storage systems and need flexible RAID choices and robust background maintenance. The combination of eight internal ports and RAID 50 support makes it a practical choice for space-constrained servers and direct-attach storage arrays.

Those who need integrated external connectors, bundled cables, or enterprise-level hardware offload features should look elsewhere, since cables are sold separately and the card focuses on direct internal connectivity and mainstream RAID features rather than advanced proprietary acceleration.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flexible RAID level support covers common redundancy and performance configurations for most small server use.
• Eight internal 6Gb/s ports and dual SFF8087 connectors support multi-drive enclosures and straightforward expansion.
• 512MB of cache and background tools like patrol read and consistency check help maintain array health and performance.

Cons

• Cables for Mini-SAS connectors must be purchased separately, adding to setup cost and planning.
• No mention of onboard battery or supercap for cache protection in the basic spec, so users should confirm cache protection options for critical write-back scenarios.

Specifications

Our Verdict

The LSI LOGIC Megaraid SAS 9240-8I Single is a solid value for small servers and storage builders who need versatile RAID options and dependable maintenance features. It pairs useful hardware connectivity and 512MB cache with background tools that reduce administrative overhead, making it a pragmatic choice when external cabling and enterprise battery backup are not required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do cables come with the card?
No, Mini-SAS and other cables are not included and must be purchased separately.

Can it manage both SATA and SAS drives?
Yes, the eight internal ports support both 6Gb/s SATA and SAS drives for mixed drive arrays.

Is there monitoring and maintenance software?
Yes, MegaRAID Storage Manager plus S.M.A.R.T, patrol read and consistency check features handle monitoring and background array maintenance.