{"product_id":"lsi-megaraid-9260-16i-16-port-sas-raid-controller-reliable-server","title":"LSI MegaRAID 9260-16i 16-Port SAS RAID Controller - Reliable Server","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the LSI MegaRAID 9260-16i, the reviewer finds a solid choice for small to mid-size server builds that need dependable hardware RAID management. Designed as a 16-port SAS\/SATA controller on a PCI Express 2.0 x8 card, the unit's single biggest reason to buy is its ability to consolidate many drives under a single, mature RAID solution that supports common RAID levels without fuss. The review focuses on real use in storage-heavy systems where consistent throughput and compatibility with enterprise drives matter most.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e16-Port Connectivity:\u003c\/strong\u003e Provides direct connection for up to sixteen SAS or SATA drives, making it convenient to build dense storage arrays without additional expanders.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePCI Express 2.0 x8 Interface:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers a broad host connection that delivers the bandwidth this controller needs in standard server slots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRAID Support:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardware RAID support for common levels like 0, 1 and 5 lets administrators protect data or optimize performance depending on workload.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSerial ATA\/600 Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e Works with SATA 6Gbs drives for straightforward integration with modern disks and solid state drives.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePlug-in Card Form Factor:\u003c\/strong\u003e The card installs into standard server motherboards, keeping the build simple and serviceable for technicians.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis controller is aimed at IT professionals and system builders who need a dedicated hardware RAID card to manage multiple SAS or SATA drives in a compact server chassis. It fits well in small server rooms, lab rigs, and refurbished enterprise systems where proven compatibility and a straightforward PCI Express slot solution are priorities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThose who should look elsewhere include users seeking the very latest NVMe RAID capabilities or those who require an on-card battery backup module for caching; this model focuses on broad drive connectivity and established RAID levels rather than cutting-edge NVMe performance features.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupports up to sixteen drives on one controller, simplifying multi-drive arrays and reducing the need for additional controllers.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardware RAID offloads parity and striping from the host CPU for consistent performance under load.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompatibility with Serial ATA\/600 drives allows straightforward integration with many modern SATA disks and SSDs.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePCI Express 2.0 x8 is functional but not the latest interface generation, which limits maximum theoretical throughput compared with newer hosts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModel\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLogic MegaRAID 9260-16i\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePorts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e16 SAS\/SATA ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCI Express 2.0 x8\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDrive Support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSerial ATA\/600 and SAS drives\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eForm Factor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlug-in card\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRAID Levels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e0, 1, 5 and other supported RAID modes\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe LSI MegaRAID 9260-16i is a practical, no-nonsense RAID controller for users who need to manage many SAS or SATA drives without complicated infrastructure. It delivers reliable hardware RAID support and extensive drive connectivity at a sensible value for small to medium server deployments, though those seeking the newest interface or NVMe-focused designs should consider more recent alternatives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this card support SATA 6Gbs drives?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The controller lists Serial ATA\/600 compatibility, so it works with SATA 6Gbs drives.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat host slot does it require?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe card uses a PCI Express 2.0 x8 interface and fits in a matching or larger PCIe slot on the motherboard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it handle sixteen drives directly?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes. The controller provides sixteen direct SAS\/SATA ports to connect drives without an external expander.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"LSI","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48250466009307,"sku":"B00HDAWC5G","price":196.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/71KuwaTtutL._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1770977175","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/lsi-megaraid-9260-16i-16-port-sas-raid-controller-reliable-server","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}