10 Best Raid Controllers 2026 in the United States

The Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 730-8i is a RAID controller designed for those looking to manage their data storage with efficiency and reliability. It supports RAID levels 0 and 1, which are useful for either performance (RAID 0) or data redundancy (RAID 1). However, it lacks support for more complex RAID levels such as RAID 5 or RAID 10, which may be a drawback for users seeking advanced data protection and performance options.

With an interface type of PCI Express 3.0 x8 and a controller type of 12Gb/s SAS, it ensures fast data transfer rates and is suitable for modern servers and workstations. The card comes with 2GB of flash memory, which is beneficial for improving performance and caching data. The host interface supports hot-swapping, allowing you to replace drives without shutting down the system, a crucial feature for maintaining uptime in critical environments.

Compatibility-wise, it integrates well with SAS and PCI Express x8 hardware, making it versatile for various systems. Being a product from Lenovo, a reputable brand, adds to its reliability and support options. The limited RAID level support may not meet the needs of users looking for more comprehensive RAID configurations. This RAID controller is a solid choice for users needing basic RAID functionalities with good performance and reliability, but might not be suitable for those requiring advanced RAID setups.

The Broadcom MegaRAID 9560-8i is a solid choice if you're looking for a RAID controller that supports a wide range of RAID levels, including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, which covers most common data protection and performance setups. It offers 8 ports and supports both SATA and SAS drives, allowing you to connect multiple drives with speeds up to 6Gb/s for SATA and 12Gb/s for SAS. The PCIe 4.0 x8 interface means it can handle fast data transfer rates, which is great for servers or high-performance PCs. Hot swapping is supported, so you can replace drives without shutting down your system—a must-have feature for keeping your storage running smoothly. Compatibility is broad, covering Linux, Windows, and Ubuntu, which makes it flexible for various setups.

The product dimensions are quite small and light, which is good for installation but may suggest a compact design that could limit advanced cooling. Also, the EU spare part availability is stated as 3 years, which is something to keep in mind if you want long-term support. If you need a dependable, versatile RAID controller for personal computers, servers, or workstations, the MegaRAID 9560-8i provides a balanced mix of speed, flexibility, and reliability suitable for most RAID needs.

The MICROSEMI SOLUTIONS SDN BHD Adaptec Smartraid 3154-16I is a solid RAID controller that supports RAID levels 0 and 1, making it suitable for basic redundancy and performance setups. It connects via PCI Express 3.0 x8 and features a 12GB/s SAS interface, which ensures fast data transfer rates. This can be beneficial for users who need reliable and quick access to data, such as in businesses or server environments.

Its support for these RAID levels, however, limits its flexibility for more advanced configurations like RAID 5 or RAID 10, which might be a drawback for those looking for more robust data protection options. The controller weighs 520 grams and has dimensions of 14.5 x 9.5 x 2 inches, making it a reasonably sized unit for installations.

It offers good compatibility with various systems. Users who need a straightforward RAID controller for basic setups will find this product adequate, but those needing advanced features or extensive management options might need to look elsewhere.