Lenovo RAID 940-8I 8GB Flash PCIe 4.0 SAS RAID Controller

Overview

The Lenovo 4Y37A09729 is a PCIe 4.0 SAS RAID controller designed to enhance data protection and performance in Lenovo rack and tower servers. Equipped with an 8GB flash-backed cache and powered by the Broadcom SAS3908 RAID-on-chip processor, it supports multiple RAID levels to balance redundancy and speed. This controller is ideal for environments that require high throughput and reliable data integrity, such as database clusters, virtualization hosts, and file servers.

Key features

• 8GB flash-backed write cache that preserves data during unexpected power loss, ensuring data integrity.
• Broadcom SAS3908 processor optimized for handling intensive RAID workloads efficiently.
• PCIe 4.0 interface delivering up to 12 Gb/s per SAS lane for fast data transfer with SSDs and high-capacity drives.
• Support for a wide range of RAID levels (0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60) plus JBOD mode, allowing flexible configuration to match workload needs.
• Certified compatibility with Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, and VMware ESXi for versatile deployment across mixed operating systems.

Key specs

• Processor: Broadcom SAS3908 RAID-on-chip
• Cache: 8GB flash-backed write cache
• Interface: PCIe 4.0 host interface
• SAS connectivity: 12 Gb/s per lane
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD
• Operating system support: Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server, VMware ESXi

Connectivity and compatibility

This RAID controller integrates seamlessly with Lenovo rack and tower servers, providing high-speed SAS connections that maximize the performance of connected storage devices. Its broad OS certification ensures it fits well in diverse data center environments, simplifying management and reducing the need for multiple spare parts across platforms.

Performance and reliability

The combination of the Broadcom SAS3908 processor and the 8GB flash-backed cache delivers consistent performance under demanding workloads. The cache safeguards data during power interruptions, minimizing the risk of data loss and downtime. This makes the controller a dependable choice for IT teams focused on maintaining continuous availability and fast data access.

Ideal uses and environments

This RAID controller is well suited to midsize and enterprise IT environments that require a balance of speed and data protection. It works effectively in setups such as high-performance database servers, virtualization hosts managing multiple virtual machines, and file servers handling large sequential data transfers. Its flexibility and robust support make it a strong option for organizations modernizing their storage infrastructure.