
( Brand: Dell ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: CN-0MX961-13740-7XX ), ( Part Type: Controller ), ( Compatible Brand: For Dell ), ( Unit Type: Unit ), ( Network Ports: Sas / Sata ), ( Compatible Port: Pci-e 1.0 ), ( Product Line: Poweredge )
The **Dell CN-0MX961-13740-7XX MX961 PERC 5/i PCIe RAID Controller** is a high-performance, enterprise-grade storage solution meticulously engineered to elevate the reliability, scalability, and efficiency of Dell PowerEdge server environments. Designed with cutting-edge **PCI Express (PCIe) Gen 2** architecture, this controller delivers blazing-fast data transfer speeds, ensuring seamless integration with modern storage configurations while maintaining backward compatibility with legacy systems. At its core, the MX961 PERC 5/i leverages **Intelligent RAID technology**, providing administrators with robust tools to optimize storage performance, enhance data protection, and minimize downtime through advanced features like **hot-swap drive support, hardware-based RAID acceleration, and comprehensive diagnostics**.
Equipped with **256MB of cache memory**, this controller excels in handling high-throughput workloads, including virtualization, database management, and high-performance computing (HPC) applications, by reducing latency and accelerating RAID operations. The **SAS/SATA compatibility** ensures flexibility, allowing users to deploy a mix of high-speed SAS drives for critical data and cost-effective SATA drives for secondary storage, all managed through a unified interface. The **Dell PERC 5/i** supports a wide range of RAID levels from **RAID 0 (striped) for performance** to **RAID 10 (mirrored striped) for fault tolerance** as well as **JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) mode** for non-RAID configurations, catering to diverse storage requirements with precision.
One of the standout features of the MX961 is its **integrated virtualization support**, enabling seamless integration with virtualized environments such as VMware, Microsoft Hyper-V, and KVM. This ensures that virtual machines (VMs) benefit from the controller s optimized storage performance, reducing I/O bottlenecks and improving overall system responsiveness. Additionally, the **Dell OpenManage Server Administrator (OMSA)** and **PERC CLI (Command Line Interface)** provide administrators with granular control over storage configurations, allowing for remote monitoring, firmware updates, and proactive troubleshooting all critical for maintaining high availability in mission-critical deployments.
Built to meet the demands of modern data centers, the **MX961 PERC 5/i** incorporates **hardware-based encryption** for enhanced data security, ensuring sensitive information remains protected even in the event of drive failure or physical theft. Its **low-profile PCIe form factor** ensures compatibility with a broad range of Dell PowerEdge servers, from compact 1U models to larger, high-density configurations, while its **hot-plug capable design** minimizes disruptions during maintenance or upgrades. Whether deployed in a small business environment or a large-scale enterprise infrastructure, this RAID controller delivers a perfect balance of performance, reliability, and ease of management, making it an indispensable component for any storage-intensive workload.
The Dell CN-0MX961-13740-7XX MX961 PERC 5/i (PCIe, 256MB SAS/SATA RAID Controller) is an older generation RAID controller designed for Dell PowerEdge servers. Below is a detailed analysis of its pros and cons, followed by a conclusion and recommendation.
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**Pros:**1. **Compatibility with Older PowerEdge Servers**: The MX961 PERC 5/i is designed to work with Dell PowerEdge servers from the mid-2000s to early 2010s, such as the R610, R710, R810, R910, and some R410/R510 models. If you are maintaining or upgrading an older server, this controller can be a cost-effective solution.
2. **Reliability and Proven Performance**: As a Dell-branded RAID controller, it has been tested and optimized for Dell hardware. The PERC 5/i series is known for its stability and performance in enterprise environments, particularly for small to medium-sized RAID arrays.
3. **Support for SAS and SATA Drives**: The controller supports both SAS and SATA drives, offering flexibility in drive selection depending on your budget and performance needs. It supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10, which are suitable for various workloads.
4. **256MB Cache**: The 256MB cache provides a balance between cost and performance, allowing for better read/write throughput compared to controllers with smaller caches. This can be beneficial for moderate workloads.
5. **Dell Management Tools**: The controller integrates with Dell s OpenManage software, which provides monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting capabilities. This can simplify server management, especially in environments where Dell s ecosystem is already in use.
6. **Cost-Effective for Legacy Systems**: For older servers that are still in use, replacing or upgrading the RAID controller can be a cost-effective way to extend the life of the hardware without investing in a new server.
7. **PCIe 2.0 Compatibility**: The controller uses PCIe 2.0, which is sufficient for many enterprise workloads, especially if the server s other components are not PCIe 3.0 or higher. This ensures compatibility with older server platforms.
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**Cons:**1. **Outdated Technology**: The PERC 5/i is based on older RAID technology (introduced around 2008-2010). Modern workloads, particularly those involving virtualization, databases, or high-performance computing, may benefit from newer controllers with better performance, power efficiency, and features like NVMe support or higher RAID levels (e.g., RAID 60).
2. **Limited Cache Size**: While 256MB of cache is adequate for many applications, it may become a bottleneck for high-performance or high-throughput workloads. Newer controllers often come with larger caches (e.g., 1GB or more) or even battery-backed write caches (BBWC) for improved performance and data protection.
3. **No Support for NVMe or U.2 Drives**: The PERC 5/i does not support NVMe or U.2 drives, which are becoming increasingly common in modern storage solutions. If you are planning to upgrade your storage in the future, this limitation could become a constraint.
4. **Lack of Modern RAID Features**: Newer RAID controllers often include advanced features such as:- **RAID 60**: For better data protection in large arrays.
- **NVMe Support**: For faster storage performance.
- **Dual-Port SAS**: For improved redundancy and connectivity.
- **Integrated SSD Caching**: For enhanced performance.
- **Support for Larger Drives**: Many newer controllers support drives larger than 14TB, which may be necessary for modern storage needs.
The PERC 5/i lacks these features, making it less versatile for future-proofing.
5. **End of Life (EOL) Status**: Dell has likely discontinued support for this controller, meaning:- No new firmware updates or security patches.
- Limited or no support from Dell for troubleshooting or warranty claims.
- Potential compatibility issues with newer operating systems or storage technologies.
6. **Performance Limitations**: Compared to modern RAID controllers (e.g., Dell PERC 9, H740, or H730), the PERC 5/i may offer lower throughput and latency. This can be a significant drawback for modern applications that require high I/O performance.
7. **No Support for Modern Operating Systems**: While the controller may work with older versions of Windows Server or Linux, it may not be fully supported or optimized for the latest operating systems. This could lead to compatibility issues or reduced functionality.
8. **Higher Power Consumption**: Older RAID controllers often consume more power than their modern counterparts. This can be a consideration if energy efficiency is a priority in your data center.
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**Conclusion:**The Dell CN-0MX961-13740-7XX MX961 PERC 5/i RAID controller is a functional and reliable option for maintaining or upgrading older Dell PowerEdge servers. It offers a balance of cost, compatibility, and performance for legacy systems where modern workloads are not a priority. However, its outdated technology, lack of support for modern storage formats, and end-of-life status make it unsuitable for new deployments or environments requiring high performance, scalability, or future-proofing.
If you are working with an older server that is still performing adequately and does not require high-performance storage, the PERC 5/i can be a practical choice. However, if you are planning to modernize your infrastructure, invest in a newer RAID controller that supports current and future storage technologies.
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**Recommendation:** - **Use the PERC 5/i if:**- You are maintaining or upgrading an older PowerEdge server (e.g., R610, R710) that is still in use.
- Your workloads are not performance-intensive (e.g., file servers, legacy applications).
- You have no plans to upgrade the storage or server in the near future.
- You are on a tight budget and need a cost-effective solution for legacy hardware.
- **Avoid the PERC 5/i if:**- You are deploying a new server or upgrading to a modern PowerEdge model (e.g., R740, R750, R840).
- Your workloads require high I/O performance, virtualization, or modern storage technologies (e.g., NVMe, large-capacity drives).
- You need long-term support, security updates, or compatibility with the latest operating systems.
- You plan to expand your storage infrastructure in the future.
**Alternatives to Consider:** For newer PowerEdge servers, consider Dell s current-generation RAID controllers such as:- **PERC H740/H740P**: Offers RAID 60, NVMe support, and better performance.
- **PERC H730/H730P**: A more cost-effective option with RAID 60 and support for larger drives.
- **PERC 9**: For high-performance workloads, with features like NVMe support and advanced caching.
- **MegaRAID LS**: For servers requiring high reliability and performance in enterprise environments.
If you are working with an older server and the PERC 5/i is the only option, ensure that you have backups and consider monitoring the server closely for any potential compatibility or performance issues.
Set of two 2 Dell MX961 PERC 5/i PCI-E SAS/SATA RAID Controllers Good working cosmetic condition, well packed for safe shipping, includes the following: 1 CN-0MX961-13740-75U-0025 REV A00 Controller CN-0MX961-13740-7AI-00Z9 Controller, NLD327R23215F-D32K1B 256MB PC2-3200R-333-12ZZ DIMM Memory Module NLD327R23215F-D32K8C Module, CN-0WH749-42940-79D-0077 33mm/13in. 4-PIN 2-WIRE LED Cable, 1 J1520-AX OEM PowerEdge SATA 4 Drive Power Cable Assembly 3 RAID Controller Battery Clips. Controller to Back plane Cable 1 FR463 KR-0NU209-71769-43P-AE97-A01 3.7VDC 7WH Lithium-Ion Battery Pack unknown charge condition , CN-0YH927-38560-692-01QF 37mm/14in. Controller to Battery Pack Cable 1 CN-0PD147-48402-799-01PZ 30mm/12in.