10 Best Raid Controllers 2025 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 9480-8i8e is a robust storage controller providing an extensive range of RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, JBOD, and 60. This versatility ensures it can meet various data protection and performance requirements. With 16 channels and support for both SATA 6Gb/s and SAS 12Gb/s interfaces, it offers flexible connectivity options and high data transfer rates up to 1200 MBps. The card utilizes a PCIe 3.1 x8 bus type, which ensures fast and reliable data processing speeds suitable for high-performance environments.

Additionally, the inclusion of Cache Vault flash cache protection adds an extra layer of security for data integrity, making it a reliable choice for data-critical applications. However, it is fairly large in size (6.6 x 3.94 x 2.71 inches) and might not be the best fit for systems with limited space. It is compatible with both desktops and laptops, expanding its usability across different hardware setups.

Although it is not the top seller in its category, it has a solid customer rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars, indicating satisfaction among users. This product appears best suited for users who require a high degree of data protection, flexibility, and performance, such as in business-critical environments or data centers.