LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343 - External 8-Port HBA

Our review of the LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343 finds it to be a practical external host bus adapter for users who need to connect multiple SATA or SAS drives to a server or workstation. The single biggest reason to buy is straightforward: it provides reliable, high-throughput connectivity for up to eight drives via two miniSAS SFF-8644 ports while using a PCIe x8 3.0 interface. With recent IT mode firmware preinstalled and native 4k drive support, the card is aimed at IT professionals and home lab builders who prioritize compatibility and stable external storage expansion.

Key Features

• PCIe x8 3.0 port: Delivers ample host bandwidth for multiple drives without bottlenecking common server workloads.
• 2x miniSAS SFF-8644 ports: Allow connection of up to eight SATA or SAS drives using external cables and enclosures for flexible storage expansion.
• 12 Gbit/s transfer rate: Supports the faster SAS generation for improved throughput on compatible drives and arrays.
• IT mode firmware installed: Ships with the latest IT firmware so the card operates as a simple HBA for direct drive passthrough and easy integration into software RAID or ZFS setups.
• Native 4k drive support: Ensures compatibility with modern high-capacity drives formatted with 4k sectors without requiring firmware adjustments.
• Full and low profile brackets included: Provides installation flexibility across rackmount servers and small form factor systems.

Who It's For

The LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e is best for system administrators, NAS builders, and lab enthusiasts who need to expand external drive capacity while retaining direct drive access. Its IT mode firmware makes it particularly suited to setups that rely on host-managed RAID, ZFS, or virtualization where the OS requires raw drive access.

It is less appropriate for users who need internal drive connectors only or those seeking integrated RAID features on the controller itself, since this is an HBA intended for passthrough rather than a hardware RAID card with complex onboard management.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Supports up to eight external drives through two SFF-8644 ports for flexible expansion.
• 12 Gbit/s link speed and PCIe 3.0 x8 interface provide solid throughput for multi-drive arrays.
• IT mode firmware and native 4k support ensure broad compatibility with modern drives and software stacks.
• Includes both full and low profile brackets for easy installation in varied chassis.

Cons

• No built-in hardware RAID features, as it is designed to act as an HBA for passthrough use.
• External cabling and enclosures are required to connect drives, adding to system complexity and cost.

Specifications

Model	LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e (LSI00343)
Interface	PCIe x8 3.0
External Ports	2x miniSAS SFF-8644 (up to 8 drives)
Max Data Rate	12 Gbit/s
Firmware Mode	IT mode firmware preinstalled
Drive Support	Compatible with SATA and SAS, native 4k drives supported
Accessories	Full and low profile brackets included

Our Verdict

The LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e is a dependable choice for anyone needing external expansion of multiple SATA or SAS drives with reliable passthrough operation. It offers modern throughput and 4k support in a compact card, making it good value for administrators and home lab builders who will pair it with external enclosures and software-based arrays.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card support hardware RAID?
No, the 9300-8e ships in IT mode and functions as an HBA for direct drive access rather than providing onboard hardware RAID.

How many drives can I connect?
The card provides two miniSAS SFF-8644 ports and supports up to eight SATA or SAS drives with the appropriate cables and enclosures.

Is the card compatible with modern 4k drives?
Yes, native 4k sector drives are supported and the latest IT firmware is installed for broad compatibility.