LSI SAS9381-8I Controller

( Brand: Lsi ), ( Manufacturer Part Number: SAS9381-8I ), ( Part Type: Controller ), ( R2v3 Functional: F3 Key Functions Working ), ( R2v3 Cosmetic: C5 Used Very Good )

Review LSI Controller

The **LSI SAS9381-8i** is a high-performance, enterprise-grade SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) host bus adapter (HBA) designed to deliver exceptional reliability, scalability, and efficiency for demanding storage environments. Engineered with LSI s proven SAS technology, this 8-port internal HBA is built to accelerate data-intensive workloads while maintaining seamless compatibility with modern storage systems, including SAS, SATA, and SAS Expander configurations. The SAS9381-8i leverages the advanced **LSI SAS3008 chipset**, which supports up to **6 Gbps SAS data transfer speeds**, ensuring rapid data throughput and low-latency performance critical for applications such as virtualization, database management, and high-speed file serving. With its **8 internal SAS ports**, the controller provides ample connectivity for expanding storage arrays, RAID configurations, or direct-attached storage (DAS) solutions, making it an ideal choice for mid-range servers, workstations, and storage consolidation projects.

One of the standout features of the SAS9381-8i is its **low-profile design**, which allows for easy installation in standard server chassis without requiring additional space, while its **PCIe 2.0 x8 interface** ensures robust bandwidth and minimal bottlenecks. The controller is fully compatible with **Linux, Windows, and VMware environments**, offering broad flexibility for diverse IT infrastructures. Additionally, it supports **LSI s proprietary SAS Expander technology**, enabling the connection of up to **128 devices** across a single host, which is particularly advantageous for large-scale storage deployments. The SAS9381-8i also includes **firmware-based RAID support**, allowing for the creation of RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations directly on the controller, simplifying data protection and redundancy without requiring additional hardware.

Built with enterprise-grade durability in mind, the SAS9381-8i incorporates **hot-plug capable SAS connectors**, ensuring uninterrupted operation during storage expansions or replacements. Its **low-power consumption** and **efficient thermal management** make it suitable for energy-conscious data centers, while its **comprehensive diagnostic tools** and **detailed logging capabilities** facilitate proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. Whether deployed in a high-availability cluster, a virtualized data center, or a high-performance computing (HPC) environment, the SAS9381-8i delivers a perfect balance of speed, reliability, and versatility, making it a trusted solution for organizations seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure.

### **Pros and Cons of buying a LSI SAS9381-8i Controller**

#### **Pros**

1. **High Performance and Reliability** The SAS9381-8i is a well-regarded enterprise-grade controller designed for high-speed data transfer and robust operation. It supports SAS 6Gbps, ensuring fast read/write speeds and low latency, which is ideal for storage-intensive environments like servers, NAS, or RAID arrays.

2. **Compatibility with Multiple OSes** It works with a wide range of operating systems, including Linux (via IT mode), Windows (with drivers), and FreeBSD, making it versatile for different setups.

3. **RAID Functionality** The controller supports hardware RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60), which can improve data redundancy and performance without overloading the host CPU.

4. **Hot-Swap Support** The SAS interface allows for hot-swapping of drives, reducing downtime during maintenance or upgrades.

5. **Cost-Effective for Enterprise Use** Compared to some high-end HBA or RAID controllers, the SAS9381-8i offers a balance of performance and affordability, especially when purchasing used or in bulk.

6. **Backward Compatibility** It supports older SAS drives, making it a good choice for upgrading existing storage systems without requiring a full replacement.

7. **Low Power Consumption** As a passive controller (no active cooling required), it consumes minimal power, reducing operational costs.

8. **Widely Available and Supported** Being a LSI (now part of Broadcom) product, it has a strong community and vendor support, with drivers and firmware updates readily available.

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#### **Cons**

1. **Limited Ports (8x SAS)** While sufficient for many small to medium setups, larger installations requiring more ports may need additional controllers or expansion cards.

2. **No Native NVMe Support** The controller is primarily designed for SAS/SATA drives and does not natively support NVMe SSDs, which may limit its use in modern high-speed storage architectures.

3. **Driver Complexity in IT Mode** While Linux users can use the controller in IT mode for better performance, configuring drivers (e.g., lsisas2008 ) can be tricky for beginners, requiring some technical knowledge.

4. **No Built-in Cache** Unlike some high-end RAID controllers, the SAS9381-8i lacks onboard cache, which means performance may rely more heavily on the host system s resources.

5. **Potential Firmware Issues** Older firmware versions may have bugs or compatibility quirks, and users must ensure they are running the latest stable version for optimal performance.

6. **No Built-in Battery Backup (BBU)** Unlike some RAID controllers, this model does not include a battery backup unit (BBU) for write caching, which could risk data loss in power failures unless the host system handles it.

7. **Physical Size and Form Factor** The card is a full-length PCIe x8 slot, which may not fit in all server chassis, especially smaller or low-profile systems.

8. **Used Market Risks** If purchasing a used unit, there is a risk of counterfeit or damaged hardware, so sourcing from reputable sellers is crucial.

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### **Conclusion**

The **LSI SAS9381-8i** is a solid, cost-effective choice for users needing a reliable SAS RAID controller for small to medium storage setups. It excels in performance, compatibility, and enterprise-grade reliability, making it suitable for servers, NAS systems, or RAID arrays where SAS/SATA drives are used. However, its limitations such as the lack of NVMe support, driver complexity in IT mode, and limited ports may make it less ideal for cutting-edge storage architectures or large-scale deployments.

For most users running traditional SAS/SATA storage, the **SAS9381-8i is a strong recommendation**, especially if budget and compatibility are key factors. If NVMe support or higher port counts are required, alternatives like the **LSI SAS9207-8i** (for NVMe) or **LSI SAS9300-8i** (for more ports) may be worth considering.

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### **Final Recommendation**

- You need a reliable, high-performance SAS RAID controller for SAS/SATA drives.

- Your setup requires RAID functionality without overloading the host CPU.

- You are working with a budget-friendly, enterprise-grade solution.

- Compatibility with Linux, Windows, or FreeBSD is a priority.

- You require NVMe SSD support (opt for a controller like the LSI SAS9207-8i).

- Your system needs more than 8 SAS ports (consider expansion cards or higher-port models).

- You are unfamiliar with Linux driver configuration (IT mode may be challenging).

- Your server has limited PCIe slot space or requires low-profile cards.

Details:

part #: sas93818i price

• $64.99

specifications diskcontrolle:

• brand: Lsi
• mpn: Sas9381-8i
• part type: Controller
• r2v3 functional: F3 Key Functions Working
• r2v3 cosmetic: C5 Used Very Good

general diskcontrolle:

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

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• # reviews: 5815
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• city: Morgan Hill, California

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• started: May 6, 2026
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