LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i 6GB/s 8-port RAID Controller - Reliable

In this review of the LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i the reviewer finds a solid, no-frills hardware RAID option aimed at server and workstation builds that need dependable storage management. It is particularly well suited for IT professionals and system builders working with Lenovo ThinkServer systems who want a proven controller that includes a battery backup unit and SAS cables out of the box. The single biggest reason to buy is the complete bundle: an 8-port 6GB/s controller with BAT1S1P FRU support and two LC SAS cables, which simplifies deployment into existing rack servers.

Key Features

• 8-port SAS/SATA: Provides eight internal ports to connect a mix of SAS and SATA drives, enabling flexible storage arrays in a single controller.
• 6GB/s per port: Delivers SAS 6Gb/s throughput for improved sequential transfer speeds when paired with compatible drives.
• Includes BAT1S1P FRU 03X3618: Ships with a battery backup module which preserves cache integrity during power events and aids in data protection.
• Includes two LC SAS cables: Comes with two LC P/N 31054212 750mm SAS cables to reduce parts hunting and speed installation into servers.
• ThinkServer compatibility: Listed for Lenovo ThinkServer RD640 integration, easing server compatibility concerns in Lenovo environments.

Who It's For

This controller is aimed at system administrators, small datacenter operators, and advanced home lab enthusiasts who need a durable hardware RAID solution with battery-backed cache. It fits scenarios where mixed SAS and SATA drive pools are required and where a pre-bundled battery and cables reduce downtime during upgrades or rebuilds.

Users who want consumer-level plug-and-play simplicity or who need NVMe acceleration should look elsewhere; the 9260-8i is a SATA/SAS focused card and is best paired with traditional spinning disks or SATA SSDs rather than the latest NVMe drives.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Robust hardware RAID support with eight internal ports, suitable for RAID 0/1/5/6/10 style arrays.
• Bundled BAT1S1P battery backup unit reduces risk of cache loss and makes deployment into Lenovo ThinkServer setups straightforward.
• Includes two 750mm LC SAS cables, which save time and ensure correct cabling during installation.
• Proven 6Gb/s SAS throughput for legacy high-capacity storage environments.

Cons

• Not designed for NVMe or the very latest PCIe storage standards, which limits future-proofing for some environments.
• Firmware management and driver support may require IT familiarity; not a consumer plug-and-play appliance.

Specifications

Model	LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i
Interface Speed	6GB/s per port
Ports	8 internal SAS/SATA ports
Included Battery	BAT1S1P FRU 03X3618
Included Cables	Qty 2 LC P/N 31054212 750mm SAS cables
Intended Servers	Lenovo ThinkServer RD640 compatibility noted

Our Verdict

The LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-8i is a dependable RAID controller for IT professionals who need a bundled, battery-backed solution for SAS and SATA drives. Its inclusion of the BAT1S1P unit and SAS cables makes it good value for server upgrades and repairs, though shops focused on NVMe or bleeding-edge PCIe storage should consider more modern alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this card include a battery?
Yes, it includes the BAT1S1P FRU 03X3618 battery backup module for cache protection.

Are cables included for installation?
Yes, the package includes two LC P/N 31054212 750mm SAS cables to connect drives to the controller.

Will this work in newer NVMe-focused systems?
It is designed for SAS and SATA storage at 6GB/s and is not intended for NVMe devices; systems requiring NVMe should use a different controller.