Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 930-16i 4GB Flash PCIe 12Gb Adapter

Overview

The Lenovo 7Y37A01085 is a ThinkSystem RAID 930-16i adapter designed to provide high-speed, reliable storage control for servers. It features a PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface combined with 12 Gb per second SAS bandwidth, enabling fast data transfer between the system board and up to sixteen internal drives. With 4 GB of flash-backed cache, it protects write data even during unexpected power loss, ensuring data integrity and system stability.

Key features

• Supports both SAS and SATA drives, allowing flexible configurations with 12 Gb or 6 Gb hard drives and solid-state drives to match workload demands
• Flash-backed 4 GB cache accelerates write performance while safeguarding data against power interruptions
• Comprehensive RAID support including levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, and JBOD for tailored balance between performance, capacity, and fault tolerance
• Ability to define up to 64 virtual disks and 128 arrays, providing extensive storage segmentation for databases, virtual machines, and file shares
• Mini SAS HD 36-pin internal connectors simplify cabling and installation within server chassis
• Compatible with major enterprise Linux distributions and Windows Server editions, making it suitable for diverse IT environments
• Compliance with RoHS and industry standards ensures environmental and regulatory adherence

Key specs

• Host interface: PCIe 3.0 x8
• Data transfer rate: 12 Gb per second SAS bandwidth
• Cache: 4 GB flash-backed
• Drive support: Up to 16 internal SAS or SATA drives
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD
• Maximum virtual disks: 64
• Maximum arrays: 128
• Connector type: Mini SAS HD 36-pin internal

Connectivity and compatibility

This RAID adapter connects internally via mini SAS HD 36-pin cables, supporting a wide range of SAS and SATA drives. Its PCIe 3.0 x8 interface ensures compatibility with modern server motherboards, while driver support covers major enterprise Linux and Windows Server editions. This makes it a versatile choice for upgrading Lenovo ThinkSystem servers or custom-built systems requiring robust storage solutions.

Performance and reliability

The combination of 12 Gb per second SAS bandwidth and a 4 GB flash-backed cache delivers both speed and data protection. The cache preserves write data during power outages, reducing the risk of data loss. Flexible RAID options allow administrators to optimize for speed, capacity, or fault tolerance depending on the application, making it well suited for demanding environments like database servers, virtualization clusters, and file servers that require consistent uptime and low latency.

Installation and setup

Installing the adapter is straightforward: connect the mini SAS HD cables to your drives, insert the card into an available PCIe 3.0 x8 slot, and install the appropriate driver for your operating system. This simplicity helps minimize downtime during upgrades and ensures quick integration into existing server setups.

Ideal uses and environments

This RAID controller is a strong choice for enterprise IT environments that demand a balance of speed, capacity, and data protection. It fits well in database servers that require low latency, virtualization clusters hosting multiple virtual machines, and file servers where uptime is critical. Its compatibility with major operating systems and support for a wide range of drives make it adaptable to various storage needs and workloads.