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Cisco HCI-SAS-M7T M7 12G SAS HBA - 12Gb/s SAS Controller for 16 Drives - JBOD RAID Level
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Product Features
Product Overview
The Cisco M7 12G SAS Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a dedicated storage controller engineered for high-density server environments. This HBA delivers robust 12Gb/s SAS connectivity, supporting up to 16 drives through its 16 total SAS ports.
Designed for straightforward storage expansion, the adapter operates in JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) mode, presenting each connected drive individually to the host system. This makes it an ideal solution for applications requiring direct-attached storage without hardware RAID overhead, such as software-defined storage, hyper-converged infrastructure, or large-scale data pools.
As a 7th-generation SAS controller, it represents a mature and reliable platform for enterprise storage connectivity. The HBA focuses on pure host bus adapter functionality, offering a streamlined approach to storage expansion that integrates seamlessly into server architectures where RAID or data protection is managed at higher software or hardware layers.
Technical Overview
This SAS HBA leverages the 12Gb/s SAS interface, providing a maximum data transfer rate of 12 Gbit/s per port. The controller is optimized for server deployment, ensuring reliable performance in enterprise-grade storage subsystems.
With 16 SAS ports, the HBA supports extensive drive connectivity, enabling the management of multiple storage devices from a single adapter. The absence of hardware RAID functionality focuses the controller on pure host bus adapter duties, reducing complexity and potential points of failure in storage architectures that manage redundancy at the software or array level.
The adapter is designed for compatibility with server systems featuring appropriate PCIe slots, delivering the bandwidth necessary for high-speed data transfers across multiple drives. Its architecture supports efficient command queuing and error handling, contributing to stable operation in demanding storage environments.
Relevant factors for this section include Controller Type, RAID Supported, RAID Levels, Total Number of SAS Ports. When those points are considered together, they give buyers a clearer picture of how the product is equipped, how it fits into deployment, and what kind of day-to-day role it is meant to support.
Key Product Advantages
The Cisco M7 12G SAS HBA offers several distinct advantages for storage infrastructure. Its high port count and fast interface make it a capable foundation for expanding server storage capacity efficiently while maintaining simplicity and reliability.
High-Density Connectivity
Sixteen SAS ports allow direct connection to a large number of drives, minimizing the need for additional expanders or adapters in dense storage configurations.
- Supports up to 16 drives
- Reduces hardware footprint
- Streamlines cabling and management
Simplified Storage Management
JBOD operation provides straightforward drive presentation, ideal for environments where storage management is handled by software or higher-level array controllers.
- No RAID overhead
- Direct drive access
- Easier troubleshooting and monitoring
Enterprise Reliability
Built for server deployment, the HBA is designed to meet the demands of continuous operation in data center and enterprise storage applications.
- Server-grade components
- Stable performance
- Robust error correction
Deployment / Use Cases
This SAS HBA is tailored for specific storage expansion scenarios where high port count and direct drive access are paramount. Its design supports a range of practical applications in modern IT environments.
Common use cases include integrating additional drive bays into existing servers, building out software-defined storage nodes, or supporting hyper-converged infrastructure platforms that manage storage redundancy independently. The adapter is also suitable for archival storage systems, test labs requiring flexible drive configurations, or any deployment where JBOD presentation aligns with the storage management strategy.
In server rooms and data centers, the HBA enables efficient scaling of direct-attached storage without introducing unnecessary RAID controller complexity. It serves as a reliable connectivity layer for storage-heavy applications like databases, virtualization hosts, media servers, and backup targets, where raw capacity and speed are more critical than hardware-based data protection.
Server Storage Expansion
Add substantial direct-attached storage capacity to rackmount or tower servers, supporting applications like databases, virtual machine storage, or media repositories.
Software-Defined Storage Nodes
Serve as the physical connectivity layer for SDS platforms that implement data protection and management in software, leveraging the HBA's direct drive access.
Test and Development Environments
Provide flexible storage configurations for labs and development systems where drive presentation needs to be straightforward and easily reconfigured.
Highlights
- 12Gb/s SAS interface for high-speed data transfer
- 16 total SAS ports supporting up to 16 drives
- JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) RAID level operation
- No hardware RAID, focusing on pure HBA functionality
- Designed for server deployment and enterprise environments
- Ideal for high-density storage expansion
- Supports direct-attached storage configurations
- Simplifies storage management in software-defined architectures
- Optimized for continuous operation in data centers
- Streamlines storage connectivity with minimal overhead
Specifications
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cisco Systems, Inc |
| Manufacturer Part Number | HCI-SAS-M7T |
| Brand Name | Cisco |
| Product Name | M7 12G SAS HBA for (16 Drives) |
| Product Type | SAS Controller |
| Technical Information | |
| Controller Type | 12Gb/s SAS |
| RAID Supported | No |
| RAID Levels | JBOD |
| Maximum Data Transfer Rate | 12 Gbit/s |
| Device Supported | Server |
| Interfaces/Ports | |
| Total Number of SAS Ports | 16 |
FAQ
What is the maximum data transfer rate of this SAS HBA?
The Cisco M7 12G SAS HBA supports a maximum data transfer rate of 12 Gbit/s per port. This 12Gb/s SAS interface provides high-speed connectivity suitable for demanding storage workloads in server environments, ensuring efficient data movement between the host system and attached drives.
How many drives can this HBA support?
This HBA features 16 total SAS ports, allowing it to support up to 16 drives directly. This high port count makes it well-suited for dense storage configurations, enabling substantial capacity expansion without requiring additional SAS expanders in many deployments.
Does this HBA support hardware RAID?
No, this HBA does not support hardware RAID. It operates exclusively in JBOD (Just a Bunch of Disks) mode, presenting each connected drive individually to the operating system. This design is intentional for use cases where RAID functionality is managed at the software level or by external storage controllers.
What type of devices is this HBA compatible with?
The HBA is designed for server deployment. It is compatible with server systems that have an appropriate PCIe slot and require SAS connectivity for storage expansion. It is not intended for desktop or consumer-grade hardware, focusing instead on enterprise and data center environments.
What does JBOD mode mean for this adapter?
JBOD, or Just a Bunch of Disks, means the HBA presents each connected drive as an independent storage device to the host system. There is no striping, mirroring, or parity calculations performed by the adapter itself. This mode is ideal for storage pools managed by software, hypervisors, or external RAID controllers that handle data protection independently.
What connectivity or interface options are available?
Connectivity options include 16, helping the product integrate into common office or home setups.
| Qty | Price | Available |
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