RAID controller Broadcom MegaRAID SAS 9361-16i PCIe x8 12 Gbit/s, 16-port, 1024 MB cache

The Broadcom MegaRAID SAS 9361-16i is a 16-port internal RAID controller designed for servers and storage arrays that require high throughput and reliable data protection. It supports SAS and SATA drives, offers hardware RAID levels suitable for enterprise workloads, and includes 1024 MB of onboard cache to improve performance and resiliency.

Advantages

This RAID controller delivers up to 12 Gbit/s per port and supports PCI Express x8 (PCIe 3.0) host connectivity for high-bandwidth applications. It can connect up to 16 direct-attached drives or scale to larger configurations using SAS expanders, and it supports common RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) for balancing performance and data protection. Onboard 1024 MB cache and optional flash cache protection increase write performance and reduce data-loss risk in power events. The low-profile form factor and side-mounted SAS connectors enable installation in a variety of rack servers.

Suitable for

• Database servers and transactional systems requiring consistent I/O performance
• Virtualization hosts and hyperconverged infrastructure
• Storage arrays and file servers that need a mix of capacity and redundancy
• High-performance computing nodes that use SAS/SATA SSDs and HDDs

When it may not be suitable

This controller is intended for use in server and data center environments and may be excessive for simple desktop or single-drive consumer systems. It requires a PCIe x8-compatible slot and appropriate chassis space for a low-profile card with side-mounted connectors, so small form-factor systems without these provisions may not be compatible.

Key specifications

• Interface to host: PCI Express x8 (PCIe 3.0)
• Drive interfaces supported: SAS and Serial ATA (SATA)
• Number of direct-attached ports: 16 internal
• Maximum native data rate: 12 Gbit/s per port
• Onboard cache: 1024 MB
• Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
• Form factor: low-profile (side-mounted SAS connectors)
• SSD support: yes

How to use

Install the MegaRAID SAS 9361-16i into a server PCIe x8 slot and secure the card in the chassis. Connect SAS or SATA drives to the card using appropriate internal cables or connect to SAS expanders to increase drive count. Configure RAID arrays using the controller's firmware BIOS utility or management software supplied by Broadcom. If required, install optional CacheVault or flash cache modules following the vendor instructions to enable additional cache protection. After configuration, initialize arrays and verify drive and array health through the management interface.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure the server has an available PCIe x8 slot and supports low-profile cards if needed
• Verify cable/connectivity requirements for internal SAS or SATA connections and any SAS expanders
• Confirm required RAID levels and onboard cache capacity meet performance and protection needs
• Check compatibility with your drives (SAS/SATA and SSD support) and server firmware/OS

Usage recommendations

Use appropriate RAID levels based on workload: RAID 10 for high IOPS/low latency transactional workloads, RAID 5 or 6 for capacity-efficient redundancy, and RAID 60 for larger arrays with improved fault tolerance. Regularly update controller firmware and monitor array health to maintain performance and data protection.