Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-32i PCIe 4.0 12Gb SAS Controller

Overview

The Lenovo 4Y37A09733 is a ThinkSystem RAID 940-32i PCIe 4.0 controller designed to provide reliable hardware RAID and fast connectivity for enterprise server storage. It supports data transfer speeds up to 12 gigabits per second per SAS lane and can manage up to 32 SAS or SATA drives, making it suitable for demanding workloads like backups, analytics, and virtual machine storage. With an 8 GB flash cache and CacheVault protection, it ensures data integrity even during unexpected power interruptions.

Key features

• PCIe 4.0 x8 interface delivers high bandwidth to keep pace with modern processors and heavy workloads
• Supports a wide range of RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) to balance performance and data protection according to your needs
• Handles up to 32 SAS or SATA drives, allowing flexible and scalable storage configurations
• 8 GB onboard flash cache accelerates read and write operations for improved system responsiveness
• CacheVault technology safeguards cache contents during power loss, preventing data loss and ensuring transaction integrity
• S.M.A.R.T. monitoring helps detect potential drive failures early, reducing downtime risks
• Broad compatibility with enterprise operating systems such as Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, and VMware simplifies integration into existing environments

Key specs

• Host interface: PCIe 4.0 x8
• Data transfer rate: up to 12 Gbit/s per SAS lane
• Drive support: up to 32 SAS or SATA drives
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60
• Cache: 8 GB flash cache with CacheVault protection
• Monitoring: S.M.A.R.T. drive health support

Connectivity and compatibility

This RAID controller connects internally to server drive bays using SAS or SATA interfaces, providing flexibility in drive selection and configuration. Its PCIe 4.0 x8 slot ensures ample bandwidth for high-speed data transfers. Compatibility with major enterprise operating systems means it integrates smoothly into diverse IT infrastructures, supporting virtualization and database environments effectively.

Performance and reliability

The combination of a high-speed PCIe 4.0 interface and 12 Gbit/s SAS lanes enables sustained throughput for intensive data tasks. The onboard flash cache boosts performance by reducing latency in read and write operations, while CacheVault technology protects cached data during power outages, maintaining system reliability. S.M.A.R.T. monitoring further enhances uptime by alerting administrators to potential drive issues before failures occur.

Ideal uses and environments

This RAID controller is well suited for enterprise data centers, virtualization clusters, and database servers where fast, reliable storage is critical. It also fits branch office setups that require local storage with enterprise-grade protection but limited on-site maintenance. Its scalability and flexible RAID options make it a strong choice for organizations aiming to optimize storage performance and data security across various workloads.