LSI Flash Cache for MegaRAID 6Gb SATA+SAS Controllers

LSI Corporation announced MegaRAID CacheVault technology, providing flash-based cache protection for MegaRAID 6Gb/s SATA+SAS RAID controller cards.

MegaRAID CacheVault uses solid-state NAND flash memory to protect data stored in RAID controller cache by automatically transferring cached data to flash when a power failure occurs. CacheVault technology eliminates the need for Lithium-ion batteries, and their associated hardware maintenance costs, resulting in a greener, lower total cost cache protection solution.

"Traditionally, data in write cache has been protected from power and server failures using Lithium-ion battery backup units which require costly and time consuming hazardous shipping and disposal," said Brent Blanchard, director of worldwide channel sales and marketing, LSI. "CacheVault technology provides customers running small data centers or remote servers – where support staff may not be immediately available – with persistent, non-volatile cache protection that is more environmentally friendly and offers a lower total cost of ownership over the life of the MegaRAID controller."

CacheVault technology is powered by a super capacitor that keeps the electrical current running while DRAM cache memory is written to NAND flash memory during a power or server failure. When power is restored, the DRAM is recovered from flash and the workflow resumes without loss of data.

"Our customers look to us to protect their rapidly expanding volumes of data, meet the performance requirements of their applications and satisfy their evolving green initiatives," said Gautam Shah, CEO, Colfax International. "The addition of MegaRAID CacheVault technology to LSI’s high-performance RAID controllers will provide customers with maximum protection for cached data while eliminating the significant maintenance costs and environmental impact of traditional Lithium-ion batteries. CacheVault technology stores protected data for years with minimal monitoring, maintenance or disposal costs, or the need for emergency action to restore power to a server before the battery runs out."

Built on LSI MegaRAID 6Gb/s SATA+SAS controller cards, the MegaRAID CacheVault (CV) series includes the MegaRAID SAS 9260CV-4i controller, with four internal ports, and the MegaRAID SAS 9260CV-8i, with eight internal ports. The low-profile MD2 form factor controllers feature the 800MHz LSISAS2108 RAID-on-Chip IC, 512MB DDRII cache memory and x8 PCI Express 2.0 host interface.

Pricing and Availability

• MegaRAID SAS 9260CV-4i: $640
• MegaRAID SAS 9260CV-8i: $850

The products are available through the LSI worldwide network of distributors, system integrators and VARs.