RAID controllers manage the interaction between the computer and a redundant array of independent disks (RAID), a series of hard drives containing shared or duplicate data. They convert the storage units in the hard drives into logical units, so that the computer sees them as a single drive. They are usually part of the RAID system and are seldom sold separately.
Types Of RAID Controllers
Kinds of RAID controllers include the following:
Bus-based RAID controllers
Bus-based RAID controllers are directly connected to the RAID system inside the CPU.
They are commonly used in servers and personal computers, which have hard drives arranged in bays.
Integrated RAID controllers
Integrated RAID controllers are small cards built into the computer's motherboard.
They are commonly used with small computer system interface (SCSI) and advanced technology attachment (ATA) hard drives.
External RAID controllers
External RAID controllers come in a separate box operate outside of the computer system.
They usually have their own processors to manage the array and connect it to the server, typically using an SCSI channel.
Choosing RAID Controllers (Buying Tips)
Disk channels: Choose a RAID controller with an SCSI or serial ATA (SATA) channel for faster processing and performance. For applications that need high bandwidth, consider a fiber channel controller, which will work with SCSI channels as well. Array capacity: Choose a RAID controller that can handle large amounts of array storage. Dedicated external controllers usually have the best capacity and can manage up to terabyte units, although the capacities of regular external controllers are sufficient for most systems.
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