SAS RAID/DAS Controller HighPoint Rocket 710L R710L — 8 ports, PCIe 3.0 x8, 12 Gb/s per port

The HighPoint Rocket 710L R710L is an 8-port SAS direct-attached storage (DAS) controller designed for installation in a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot. It supports 12Gb/s SAS links and provides multiple external and internal SAS connections for attaching hard drives, SSDs or SAS expanders. Engineered for server and workstation environments, the controller enables high-throughput data transfers and scalable direct-attached storage configurations without relying on networked storage layers.

Advantages

The controller delivers eight SAS lanes with 12Gb/s signaling per link to support sustained high data rates for sequential and random workloads. Its PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface provides sufficient bandwidth for multi-drive arrays while minimizing host CPU overhead. The combination of internal and external SAS ports simplifies drive attachment and chassis expansion, and the device is suitable for direct-attached setups where predictable latency and raw throughput are priorities.

Suitable for

• Server or workstation direct-attached storage using SAS HDDs or SSDs
• Storage arrays requiring multiple external expansion enclosures
• High-throughput backup or archive appliances
• Environments that need predictable, low-latency storage connectivity

Key specifications

• Interface to host: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• SAS link speed: up to 12Gb/s per port
• Port count: eight SAS ports (combination of internal and external connectors)
• Supported devices: SAS HDDs, SAS SSDs and SAS expanders
• Form factor: low-profile / standard PCIe add-in card (fits x8 slot)

How to use

Install the controller into an available PCIe 3.0 x8 (or x16) slot on a compatible motherboard following system safety procedures. Connect SAS cables from the controller’s internal and/or external ports to drive trays or expansion enclosures, ensuring cable types and connectors match the drives or expanders. Initialize attached drives in the host operating system or storage management utility and configure arrays or volumes as required for the intended workload. Verify firmware and driver compatibility with the operating system and apply updates when available.

Usage recommendations

Use high-quality SAS cables and matched-speed drives to achieve stable 12Gb/s operation. For multi-drive configurations, confirm the host platform and PCIe slot provide sufficient bandwidth and cooling. Check vendor documentation for supported operating systems and firmware updates to ensure reliable operation in server or workstation environments.