LSI 03-25708-34004 Megaraid Sas Raid Controller SAS9361-16I 16-PORT 12GB

( Brand: Lsi ), ( Part Type: Controller ), ( Network Ports: Sas ), ( Product Line: Megaraid ), ( Country Of Origin: China ), ( UPC: 032570834004 )

Review LSI 16-port Megaraid Sas 12gb Raid Controller

The **LSI SAS9361-16i (LSI 03-25708-34004)** is a high-performance, enterprise-grade **16-port 12Gbps SAS RAID controller** designed to deliver uncompromising reliability, scalability, and data protection for demanding storage environments. Built on LSI s proven **MegaRAID SAS technology**, this advanced controller is engineered to optimize performance, reduce latency, and enhance data integrity across a wide range of applications, from high-density server deployments to mission-critical storage infrastructures. Featuring a **16-lane SAS interface**, it supports a maximum bandwidth of **240 Gbps**, enabling seamless connectivity to high-capacity SSDs, HDDs, and JBOD configurations while maintaining exceptional throughput for read/write operations. The controller incorporates **LSI s MegaRAID SAS9361 chipset**, which leverages **Intel s 12Gbps SAS technology** to ensure low-latency data transfer, making it an ideal choice for virtualized environments, database servers, and high-availability clusters where speed and consistency are paramount.

One of the standout features of the SAS9361-16i is its **flexible RAID support**, offering a comprehensive suite of **RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60)** to cater to diverse storage requirements. Whether deploying **high-speed RAID 10** for performance-critical workloads or **fault-tolerant RAID 6** for data protection in large-scale storage arrays, this controller provides enterprise-grade redundancy without sacrificing performance. Its **hardware-based RAID acceleration** offloads processing from the host CPU, significantly reducing system overhead and improving overall efficiency. Additionally, the controller supports **hot-swap drives**, allowing for seamless maintenance and upgrades without disrupting operations a critical feature for 24/7 data centers.

The SAS9361-16i is equipped with **advanced error correction and data integrity mechanisms**, including **LSI s proprietary MegaRAID technology**, which ensures minimal data loss and maximizes uptime. Its **low-power design** makes it energy-efficient while still delivering enterprise-level performance, making it suitable for both rack-mounted servers and high-density blade systems. The controller also integrates **LSI s MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM)**, a robust software suite that provides **remote monitoring, configuration, and management** via a web-based interface, CLI, or third-party tools like VMware vCenter and Microsoft System Center. This level of control ensures administrators can efficiently manage storage configurations, monitor health status, and perform firmware updates with minimal downtime.

Built for **future-proof scalability**, the SAS9361-16i supports **expansion through additional SAS backplanes or HBA configurations**, allowing for seamless integration into larger storage ecosystems. Its **PCIe 3.0 x8 interface** ensures compatibility with modern server platforms while maintaining high-speed data transfer rates. Whether deployed in **hyper-converged infrastructures, all-flash arrays, or traditional SAN environments**, this controller delivers a **balance of speed, reliability, and flexibility** that meets the demands of today s data-intensive workloads. With its **enterprise-grade build quality, robust RAID capabilities, and LSI s reputation for stability**, the SAS9361-16i stands as a **premium choice for organizations requiring high-performance, fault-tolerant storage solutions**.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a LSI 03-25708-34004 (SAS9361-16i) 16-Port MegaRAID SAS 12Gb RAID Controller**

#### **Pros**

1. **High Performance and Scalability**

- Supports **12Gbps SAS**, significantly improving data transfer speeds compared to older 6Gbps controllers, which is beneficial for high-throughput workloads such as databases, virtualization, and large-scale storage arrays.

- The **16-port design** allows for extensive expansion, making it suitable for enterprise environments where additional drives or backplane connections are needed.

2. **Enterprise-Grade RAID Functionality**

- Features **MegaRAID SAS 12Gbps RAID**, offering robust RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) for data redundancy, performance optimization, and fault tolerance.

- Supports **cache memory (up to 1GB)** for improved I/O performance and battery-backed write cache (BBWC) for data protection during power failures.

3. **Compatibility and Flexibility**

- Works with **LSI MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM)**, a comprehensive software suite for configuration, monitoring, and management via CLI or GUI.

- Supports **Linux and Windows** (via drivers), making it versatile for different operating systems in mixed environments.

- Compatible with **hot-swap SAS drives**, reducing downtime for maintenance.

4. **Reliability and Durability**

- Built for **enterprise use**, with robust hardware designed to handle continuous operation in data centers.

- Low-latency performance ensures consistent performance under heavy loads.

5. **Cost-Effective for High-End Needs**

- While not the cheapest option, it offers **better performance than consumer-grade controllers** (e.g., Intel RST or Marvell-based cards) at a relatively reasonable price for enterprise-grade hardware.

- Avoids proprietary vendor locks (unlike some HBA-only solutions), allowing flexibility in storage configurations.

6. **Backward and Forward Compatibility**

- Supports **both 6Gbps and 12Gbps SAS**, allowing gradual upgrades without replacing existing drives.

- Works with **modern servers** (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) and can be used in **JBOF (Just a Bunch of Disks) configurations** for scalable storage.

---

#### **Cons**

1. **Complexity for Non-Enterprise Users**

- Requires **some technical knowledge** to configure RAID levels, optimize cache settings, and manage via MSM, which may be overwhelming for small businesses or home users.

- Lack of **user-friendly GUI** compared to some proprietary solutions (e.g., Dell PERC or HPE Smart Array), which can be more intuitive for beginners.

2. **Driver and Software Dependencies**

- **Linux drivers** may require manual installation or custom builds (e.g., megaraid_sas kernel module), which can be a hurdle for non-technical users.

- **Windows support** is available but may require periodic driver updates, especially for newer OS versions.

3. **Power and Heat Considerations**

- As a **high-performance controller**, it consumes more power than basic HBA or consumer RAID cards, which may impact server efficiency in power-sensitive environments.

- Generates **more heat**, requiring adequate cooling in server racks.

4. **Limited Consumer Market Availability**

- Primarily sold through **enterprise channels** (Dell, HP, eBay, specialized storage resellers), making it harder to find than mainstream consumer RAID cards.

- May require **custom ordering** for specific configurations (e.g., with or without cache battery).

5. **Potential for Overkill in Small Setups**

- For **small businesses or home labs** with fewer than 16 drives, a **cheaper 8-port or 4-port controller** (e.g., LSI 9207-8i) might suffice, making this model unnecessarily expensive.

- If only **basic RAID 0/1** is needed, simpler solutions (e.g., onboard RAID) may be sufficient.

6. **No Native NVMe Support**

- Unlike some newer enterprise controllers, this **does not support NVMe drives natively**, limiting its use in modern all-NVMe storage setups.

7. **Firmware and Bug Risks**

- Older LSI MegaRAID firmware versions may have **known bugs or compatibility issues** with certain OS or storage configurations. Users must ensure they are running the latest stable firmware.

- Some users report **occasional instability** with certain RAID configurations under extreme workloads.

---

### **Ending Conclusion**

The **LSI 03-25708-34004 (SAS9361-16i)** is a **high-quality, enterprise-grade RAID controller** ideal for users who need **scalability, performance, and reliability** in a storage solution. It excels in environments requiring **high I/O throughput, data redundancy, and future-proofing**, such as:

- **Data centers** managing large-scale storage arrays.

- **Virtualization hosts** (VMware, Hyper-V) with high disk I/O demands.

- **Database servers** (SQL, Oracle) needing low-latency storage.

- **Backup and archival systems** requiring fault tolerance.

- **Budget-conscious consumers** or small businesses with minimal storage needs.

- **Users without technical expertise** in RAID configuration and management.

- **Setups requiring NVMe support** or modern PCIe 4.0/5.0 compatibility.

If your use case aligns with **enterprise storage demands**, this controller delivers **excellent performance and flexibility**. For simpler or smaller setups, a **less expensive or lower-port-count alternative** may be more appropriate.

---

### **Recommendation**

You need **12Gbps SAS performance** for high-throughput workloads.

You require **16 drive support** with robust RAID protection.

You are comfortable with **enterprise-grade RAID management tools**.

Your environment runs **Linux or Windows with proper driver support**.

You plan to **scale storage** in the future without major hardware changes.

You only need **basic RAID 0/1** for a small number of drives.

You lack **technical knowledge** to configure and maintain RAID.

Your budget allows for **cheaper alternatives** (e.g., LSI 9207-8i, Dell PERC H730).

You are using **NVMe drives** or need **PCIe 4.0/5.0 support**.

- **LSI 9207-8i** (8-port, cheaper, simpler) Good for smaller setups.

- **Dell PERC H730** (if using Dell servers) Proprietary but highly optimized.

- **Adaptec 8805** Another enterprise option with similar features.

- **Intel RST e2720i** Consumer-friendly but less scalable.

For most **enterprise or high-performance storage needs**, the **SAS9361-16i remains a strong, reliable choice** when paired with the right expertise and infrastructure.

Details:

NEW - NEW/OTHER: Item is new, either in original box or non-factory packaging. Only items pictured are included - If a part is not pictured, or mentioned above, then it in the sale. Please refer to Item Condition before buying.

part #: 032570834004 prices

• $129.99-$260.00

specifications diskcontrolle:

• brand: Lsi
• part type: Controller
• network ports: Sas
• product line: Megaraid
• country of origin: China
• upc: 032570834004

shipping diskcontrolle:

• cost: $0.00
• class: Standard
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general diskcontrolle:

• condition: Used
• Enterprise Networking, Servers > Server Components > Disk Controllers/RAID Cards

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• sold: 0
• quantity: 1
• started: February 23, 2026
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• # reviews: 3475

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