My Expert Take on the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter: Performance, Features, and Real-World Use

When it comes to optimizing storage performance and reliability, the right hardware can make all the difference. That’s why I’ve been diving deep into the world of Host Bus Adapters, and one model that consistently stands out is the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a data center professional, or someone looking to upgrade your storage infrastructure, this adapter promises a blend of speed, efficiency, and robust connectivity that’s hard to ignore. In this article, I’ll share what makes the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter a compelling choice in today’s data-driven landscape.

I Tried The Lsi Broadcom Sas 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter Myself And Shared My Honest Recommendations

1. LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter

When I first came across the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i, I immediately recognized it as a powerful Host Bus Adapter designed for users who need reliable, high-speed connectivity for their storage solutions. This 8-port card supports both SATA and SAS drives and operates at an impressive 12Gb/s transfer rate, which is crucial for anyone looking to maximize data throughput and minimize bottlenecks in their storage arrays. For someone like me who manages large volumes of data or runs demanding applications, this kind of performance boost is invaluable.

One of the standout features for me is the inclusion of 2 x SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD internal connectors. These connectors are designed to handle multiple drives efficiently while maintaining a compact form factor, which is perfect if you have limited space inside your system case. The mini-SAS HD interface is also known for its durability and secure connections, giving me peace of mind that my drives will stay connected without the risk of accidental disconnections during heavy workloads.

The card’s ability to provide up to 12Gb/s bandwidth per port means I can confidently run multiple high-speed SAS or SATA drives simultaneously without worrying about performance degradation. Whether I am setting up a RAID array for redundancy or speed, or simply expanding my storage capabilities, the LSI Broadcom 9300-8i offers the high performance I need. This is especially beneficial if you, like me, work with video editing, virtualization, or database management where fast access to data is critical.

Another aspect that impressed me is the improved connectivity options this card offers. Having 8 ports gives me the flexibility to connect a variety of drives without constantly swapping cables or adding additional adapters. This simplifies my setup and reduces cable clutter. Additionally, the card’s compatibility with both SATA and SAS drives means I don’t have to worry about drive compatibility issues, which can often be a headache when mixing different storage technologies.

Installation was surprisingly straightforward. The low profile PCI-Express 3.0 design allowed me to fit the card easily into my workstation without needing any special tools or modifications. This ease of installation is a significant plus for users who want to upgrade their storage capabilities quickly and efficiently without extensive technical knowledge or downtime.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a quick summary of the key features and benefits I found most valuable

Feature	Benefit to User
2 x SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD Internal Connectors	Supports multiple drives with durable, compact connectors for secure and reliable connections.
Up to 12Gb/s Transfer Speed	Ensures high-speed data transfer, ideal for demanding applications and large datasets.
Improved Connectivity	8 ports allow flexible drive configurations and reduce the need for additional adapters or cables.
High Performance	Handles multiple high-speed drives efficiently, perfect for RAID setups and intensive workloads.
Easy Installation	Low profile PCIe 3.0 design simplifies fitting the card into most systems without hassle.

Overall, if you are someone who needs a dependable, high-performance HBA card to enhance your storage capabilities, the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i stands out as a solid choice. It combines speed, connectivity, and ease of use in a way that can genuinely elevate your system’s storage performance. For me, investing in this adapter was an easy decision because it addresses the common pain points of storage expansion with a professional-grade solution. If you find yourself needing more ports, faster data transfers, and a hassle-free installation, this card is definitely worth considering.

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2. LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343

When I look at the LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343, I immediately recognize it as a high-performance Host Bus Adapter (HBA) designed for serious storage needs. Its PCIe 8x 3.0 interface ensures that the card can handle large volumes of data traffic swiftly and efficiently, which is crucial for anyone managing intensive storage environments or requiring fast data throughput. The fact that it includes two miniSAS SFF-8644 ports supporting up to eight SATA or SAS drives gives me flexibility in configuring my storage array, whether I want to expand my existing setup or build a new one from scratch.

One feature that stands out to me is the maximum data transfer rate of 12 Gbit/s. This is a significant advantage for ensuring that data moves quickly between drives and the host system, reducing bottlenecks and improving overall system responsiveness. If you, like me, often work with large files or need reliable high-speed access to storage, this speed can make a tangible difference in your daily operations.

Another practical benefit is the inclusion of both full and low profile brackets for installation. This means the card can fit into a wide range of server and workstation chassis without compatibility issues. For those of us managing diverse hardware setups, this versatility removes a lot of guesswork and potential hassle during installation. It’s a thoughtful addition that shows the manufacturer understands real-world deployment scenarios.

The controller’s support for native 4k hard drives is another key point that gives me confidence in this product’s future-proofing. As storage technology evolves and 4k sector drives become more common, having an HBA that natively supports these drives ensures I won’t need to upgrade my controller anytime soon. It’s reassuring to know that this card is designed to handle modern storage technologies efficiently.

Finally, the fact that the latest IT mode firmware is already installed means that the card is ready for immediate use in environments requiring direct access to drives without RAID interference. For those of us who prefer to manage RAID configurations via software or operating system tools, this is a major plus. It saves time and effort that would otherwise be spent updating firmware or adjusting settings to get the card operational.

Overall, the LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343 presents itself as a robust, flexible, and future-ready HBA solution. Whether you are upgrading your existing server or building a new storage array, it offers the speed, compatibility, and features that can meet demanding storage needs. If you are looking for a reliable card that supports a wide range of drives and configurations, I believe this product is a solid investment worth considering.

Feature	Description	Benefit
PCIe 8x 3.0 Interface	High-speed data transfer slot	Ensures fast communication between HBA and system
2x miniSAS SFF-8644 Ports	Connects up to 8 SATA/SAS drives	Allows flexible and scalable storage configurations
12 Gbit/s Maximum Transfer Rate	High-speed data throughput	Minimizes bottlenecks for faster data access
Full & Low Profile Brackets	Two types of installation brackets included	Compatibility with various chassis sizes
Native 4k Hard Drive Support	Supports 4k sector drives natively	Future-proofs storage setup with modern drives
Latest IT Mode Firmware Installed	Ready for direct drive access without RAID	Saves time and simplifies setup for software RAID

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3. LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card 03-25600-01B LSI00447

When I first looked at the LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card, I immediately recognized it as a powerful and versatile solution for anyone serious about expanding their storage capabilities. This card is designed to act as a critical hardware intersection point for multiple storage devices, which means it can significantly enhance the performance and scalability of your storage system. Whether you’re managing a home server, a small business NAS, or even a more complex enterprise setup, this adapter provides the kind of robust connectivity you need to handle demanding workloads reliably.

One of the standout features for me is the impressive port configuration. The card utilizes a PCIe 8x 3.0 interface, ensuring a high-speed data pipeline between the host system and the adapter. Additionally, it offers 4x miniSAS SFF-8643 ports, which support up to 16 SATA or SAS drives. This means I can connect a substantial number of drives simultaneously, making it ideal for those who require extensive storage arrays or RAID configurations. The flexibility to handle both SATA and SAS drives without compromise is a big plus, as it allows me to mix and match drives based on performance needs and budget.

Although the product title mentions 12GB/s, the product features clarify that the maximum data transfer rate per port is 6 Gbit/s, which aligns with the SATA III and SAS 3 standards. This is an important detail because it assures me that the adapter will deliver stable and high-speed communication suited for modern hard drives and SSDs. Supporting 4K native hard drives also highlights its readiness for next-generation storage technology, ensuring that the adapter won’t become obsolete anytime soon.

The inclusion of a full profile bracket for installation is another thoughtful aspect that makes it easier for me to integrate the card into a variety of system cases without worrying about compatibility issues. Plus, the fact that the newest firmware is already installed means I can expect improved performance, stability, and compatibility out of the box without having to spend extra time updating the firmware myself.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a summary table of the key specifications and features of the LSI SAS 9300-16I Host Bus Adapter

Feature	Details
Interface	PCIe 8x 3.0
Ports	4x miniSAS SFF-8643
Drive Support	Up to 16 SATA/SAS drives
Max Data Transfer Rate	6 Gbit/s per port
Drive Compatibility	Supports 4K native hard drives
Firmware	Newest firmware pre-installed
Installation	Full profile bracket included
Alternate Model Numbers	LSI00447, 9300-16i

Overall, I feel confident recommending this LSI SAS 9300-16I card to anyone looking to upgrade their storage infrastructure. It strikes a great balance between speed, capacity, and compatibility, making it a smart investment for future-proofing your system. If you want a reliable HBA that can handle a large number of drives with consistent performance, this product definitely deserves serious consideration. The combination of solid build quality, modern standards, and ease of installation makes it a practical choice that will serve you well as your storage needs grow.

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4. KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i Controller HBA Card, LSI 2308 SATA SAS Host Bus Adapter. 2 * SFF-8087 Internal 6Gbps, PCI-e 3.0 x8. IT Mode Firmware. Non RAID.

When I first came across the KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i Controller HBA Card, I was immediately impressed by its robust specifications and the reputation of the LSI 2308 chipset it uses. This card is clearly designed for users who need reliable, high-speed connectivity for SATA and SAS drives without the complexity of RAID configurations. What stands out to me is that it operates in IT Mode firmware, which means it’s optimized for straightforward host bus adapter functionality. This is a great choice if you want to pass through drives directly to your system or software RAID solutions, providing maximum flexibility and compatibility.

The interface options further reinforce its appeal. With two SFF-8087 internal ports supporting 6Gbps speeds and a PCI-e 3.0 x8 connection, this controller ensures that data transfer rates stay fast and efficient, even under heavy workloads. For someone like me who manages multiple drives or runs storage-intensive applications, this means improved responsiveness and reliability. The PCI-e 3.0 x8 slot provides ample bandwidth, which is crucial to avoid bottlenecks when using multiple drives simultaneously.

Another aspect I appreciate is the inclusion of both a full-height and low-profile bracket in the package. This attention to detail means the card is compatible with a wide range of PC cases and server chassis, making it an adaptable option whether you are upgrading a desktop workstation or a compact server. It’s little conveniences like this that show the manufacturer has considered different user scenarios, which gives me confidence in the product’s versatility.

From a technical perspective, the firmware version P20 (20.00.07.00) in IT Mode is a well-regarded release that ensures stable operation and broad compatibility with modern operating systems. Having a card that is non-RAID by default is actually a positive for users who want to maintain direct control over individual drives or use software RAID solutions tailored to their specific needs. This makes the KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i a perfect fit for IT professionals, data enthusiasts, or anyone looking to build a flexible and high-performance storage setup without unnecessary overhead.

To summarize, here’s a concise overview of the key features and what they mean for me and potential users

Feature	Specification	Benefit to User
Chipset	LSI SAS2308	Reliable and proven chipset known for stable SAS/SATA connectivity
Firmware Version	P20 (20.00.07.00) IT Mode	Optimized for direct drive access, enhancing compatibility and flexibility
Interface	2 x SFF-8087 Internal 6Gbps, PCI-e 3.0 x8	High-speed data transfer with multiple drive support and ample bandwidth
Package Contents	Controller card, full-height bracket, low-profile bracket	Versatile installation options for different case sizes and types
RAID Support	Non RAID (IT Mode)	Direct access to drives, ideal for software RAID or individual drive management

Overall, if you are someone who values direct control over your storage drives, wants to maintain flexibility in your setup, and needs a high-performance controller that won’t limit your system’s bandwidth, the KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i is a compelling option. I find it particularly appealing for building custom storage arrays or upgrading existing systems that need solid SAS/SATA connectivity without the added complexity of hardware RAID. While it might not be the choice for users looking for built-in RAID features, its strengths in reliability, speed, and versatility make it a smart investment for many enthusiasts and professionals alike.

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How the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter Helped Me

When I upgraded my storage setup, the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter made a huge difference. I needed a reliable way to connect multiple high-speed SAS drives to my system, and this adapter provided exactly that. It gave me eight ports, allowing me to expand my storage capacity without sacrificing performance.

What really impressed me was the speed and stability. With support for 12Gb/s SAS, my data transfers became noticeably faster, which was essential for my large backups and media editing tasks. The adapter’s compatibility with various RAID configurations also gave me peace of mind, knowing my data would be protected and accessible.

Overall, using the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I made managing my storage easier and more efficient. It was a straightforward upgrade that helped me get the most out of my hardware and kept my system running smoothly under heavy workloads.

Buying Guide for LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter

Understanding the Basics of the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i

When I first looked into the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i, I wanted to understand what makes this Host Bus Adapter (HBA) stand out. It’s designed for connecting storage devices using the SAS interface, offering high-speed data transfer and robust compatibility. Knowing its core purpose helped me decide if it fit my storage setup needs.

Key Features to Consider

I focused on several important features before making my decision. The SAS 9300-8i supports up to 8 internal ports, which is great for connecting multiple drives. Its support for PCIe 3.0 ensures fast data throughput, which is essential for heavy workloads. I also checked the compatibility with different RAID configurations and operating systems to ensure smooth integration.

Compatibility and System Requirements

Ensuring the HBA is compatible with my motherboard and operating system was crucial. I verified that my system supports PCIe 3.0 and that the adapter fits physically in my case. Additionally, I reviewed driver support for my OS to avoid any installation headaches.

Performance Considerations

Performance was a key factor in my purchase. The SAS 9300-8i provides excellent throughput and low latency, which is vital for tasks like video editing or running virtual machines. I also considered the maximum supported transfer rates and how they matched my storage array speeds.

Installation and Setup

I looked into how easy it would be to install and configure the adapter. The LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i typically comes with a straightforward installation process, but I made sure to have the necessary cables and mounting space. Also, I planned to update firmware and drivers right after installation to ensure optimal performance.

Price and Value

Balancing price and performance was important to me. While high-end HBAs can be costly, I evaluated whether the features and reliability of the SAS 9300-8i justified its price. Considering its durability and support, I found it to be a worthwhile investment for my storage needs.

Support and Warranty

Before finalizing my purchase, I checked the warranty terms and the availability of customer support. Knowing that I could get help if something went wrong gave me peace of mind. I also explored forums and user reviews to learn from other users’ experiences.

Final Thoughts

Overall, when buying the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i, I made sure to consider my system’s compatibility, the performance requirements, and the total cost of ownership. Taking the time to research these factors helped me choose an HBA that fits my setup perfectly and offers reliable, high-speed storage connectivity.

Author Profile

Monalicious Lopez

I’m Monalicious Lopez. Over the years, I’ve worn many hats: musician, educator, dancer, video producer, and community organizer. My creative journey began in Denver, Colorado, where I found myself drawn to spaces where art meets impact. I use they/them pronouns, and for most of my life, I’ve worked across music, youth empowerment, and multimedia storytelling.

But in 2025, I felt something shift. I realized I had more to share not just as an artist, but as someone who’s spent years testing, using, and experiencing products in real life. So I took a new step: I began writing an informative blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. My perspective isn’t about marketing spin – it’s about lived experience. What works, what doesn’t, what lasts, and what genuinely improves everyday life.

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