{"product_id":"intel-rs3uc080-rs3uc080j-12g-sas-host-bus-adapter-raid-controller","title":"Intel RS3UC080 RS3UC080J 12G SAS Host Bus Adapter \/ RAID Controller","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat Is the Intel RS3UC080?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe \u003cstrong\u003eIntel RAID Controller RS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e is a 12 Gb\/s SAS\/SATA RAID controller add-in card based on an LSI SAS3008 I\/O controller with:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePCIe \u003cstrong\u003e3.0 x8\u003c\/strong\u003e host interface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e8 internal SAS\/SATA ports\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRAID support for \u003cstrong\u003e0, 1, 1E, 10\u003c\/strong\u003e, and \u003cstrong\u003eJBOD\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLow-profile (MD2) half-height form factor This card is typically used in servers\/workstations to provide hardware RAID instead of relying on motherboard integrated storage controllers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDifference Between RS3UC080 vs RS3UC080J\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese two models are very similar hardware, but differ mainly in the \u003cstrong\u003efirmware behavior\u003c\/strong\u003e:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRAID Support\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes - Hardware RAID 0, 1, 1E, 10 (plus JBOD)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNo traditional RAID\u003c\/strong\u003e (JBOD only)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMode\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\"IR mode\" (Integrated RAID)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\"IT mode\" (Initiator Target \/ JBOD)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTypical Use\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eServers needing RAID capability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eServers needing simple pass-through\/JBOD storage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirmware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRAID firmware loaded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJBOD-focused firmware loaded\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn simple terms:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e: has RAID firmware - you can configure RAID arrays.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J\u003c\/strong\u003e: firmware is set to just expose drives directly (JBOD\/IT mode), useful in software RAID or passthrough setups.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite the suffix difference, the \u003cstrong\u003ephysical cards themselves are essentially the same hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e, just with different firmware loaded at the factory.Why This Matters\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you need hardware RAID, choose\/flash \u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e firmware.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you want direct drive access for ZFS, software RAID, virtualization, or passthrough, the \u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J\u003c\/strong\u003e card is ideal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMany enthusiasts even \u003cstrong\u003ere-flash the firmware\u003c\/strong\u003e to switch modes depending on need.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSummary\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J\u003c\/strong\u003e are Intel SAS\/SATA RAID controller cards based on LSI SAS3008.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThese cards are used in many Intel server systems and server boards (e.g., R1000, R2000 series).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe main difference is \u003cstrong\u003efirmware mode\u003c\/strong\u003e: the RS3UC080 supports hardware RAID, while the RS3UC080J is JBOD only.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWhat Servers or Workstations Use the RS3UC080?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntel lists validated compatible systems that the RS3UC080 is designed to work with - mainly \u003cstrong\u003eIntel branded servers\u003c\/strong\u003e (often discontinued models). Examples include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntel® Server Systems\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntel Server System \u003cstrong\u003eM20MYP1UR\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntel Server System \u003cstrong\u003eR1000 and R2000 family servers\u003c\/strong\u003e such as R1208WFTYSR, R1304WFTYSR, R2208WFQZSR, R2312WFTZSR and others\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntel Server System \u003cstrong\u003eR1000WT \/ R2000WT families\u003c\/strong\u003e These are rack or blade\/multi-bay servers where the RS3UC080 provides RAID\/SAS capability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntel® Server Boards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is also supported in validated Intel server boards (e.g., \u003cstrong\u003eS2600\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eS1200\u003c\/strong\u003e series boards listed as compatible on Intel's specification pages).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e🔁 But technically, like most PCIe RAID cards, it can work in any server or workstation with a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot - even non-Intel systems - though \u003cstrong\u003eofficial Intel support\/compatibility is only guaranteed on validated Intel server hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere are some **specific Dell, HP, and third-party servers where people commonly install\/try using the \u003cstrong\u003eIntel RS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e or its IT\/JBOD variant \u003cstrong\u003eIntel RS3UC080J\u003c\/strong\u003e, plus notes on offline\/community usage. Keep in mind that this card is a generic PCIe RAID\/HBA card - \u003cstrong\u003eIntel doesn't maintain an official \"validated systems\" list for Dell\/HP models\u003c\/strong\u003e, so most of these come from community experience and compatibility by virtue of having PCIe 3.0 slots and SAS backplanes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDell Servers (PowerEdge)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePeople in homelab and enterprise environments often install this controller in these Dell models (because they have spare PCIe 3.0 slots and SAS\/SATA backplanes):\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCommonly Used Dell Models\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDell PowerEdge R730 \/ R730xd \/ R730XD\u003c\/strong\u003e - slightly newer than R720 with PCIe 3.0 support; popular for homelabs that add external SAS JBODs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDell PowerEdge T330 \/ T340 Tower Servers\u003c\/strong\u003e - lower-end rack\/tower with usable PCIe slots.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDell PowerEdge R630 \/ R640\u003c\/strong\u003e - Gen13\/14 servers with PCIe 3.0 slots (can fit the RS3UC080).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDell VRTX\u003c\/strong\u003e - enclosure that lets you add PCIe cards to blade modules (often used with generic HBA\/RAID cards).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNote:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dell servers use PERC RAID cards by default and don't officially support Intel RAID cards, but physically the RS3UC080 can work if the backplane\/BIOS doesn't block or expect a Dell-branded controller.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHewlett-Packard Enterprise (HPE \/ HP ProLiant)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHP\/ HPE ProLiant servers generally allow third-party PCIe cards if they have available expansion slots:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eFrequently Used Models\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 \/ Gen10\u003c\/strong\u003e - a classic rack server with multiple PCIe slots and SAS backplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPE ProLiant DL360 Gen9 \/ Gen10\u003c\/strong\u003e - similar to DL380 but shorter chassis; still plenty of PCIe expansion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPE ProLiant ML350 Tower Servers\u003c\/strong\u003e - tower option with expansion for add-in cards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPE BladeSystem c7000 + ProLiant BL460c\u003c\/strong\u003e - some blade chassis let you install mezzanine RAID\/HBA cards.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠ HP servers often use \"smart carriers\" and prefer HP-branded RAID cards at the backplane level, so you may need to use \u003cstrong\u003eIT\/JBOD firmware (RS3UC080J)\u003c\/strong\u003e to avoid firmware\/backplane mismatches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e⚙\u003cstrong\u003eThird-Party \/ Whitebox \/ OEM Systems\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBecause the RS3UC080 is a \u003cstrongstandard strong=\"\" sas=\"\" x8=\"\" pcie=\"\"\u003e, it will work in basically any server or workstation with a compatible slot and a SAS backplane or direct drive connections:\u003c\/strongstandard\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupermicro 1U\/2U Servers (e.g., X10\/X11\/X12 series)\u003c\/strong\u003e - very popular in labs; common to see RS3UC080 installed for SAS connectivity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLenovo System x Servers\u003c\/strong\u003e - similar design to older IBM\/Think servers with PCIe expandability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCisco UCS C Series Rack Servers\u003c\/strong\u003e - users report third-party controllers working if the chassis and BIOS allow it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Whitebox Builds\u003c\/strong\u003e - self-built servers using standard server boards with SAS expanders\/backplanes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCompatibility Tips (Practical)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003ePCIe Slot Requirements\u003c\/strong\u003e You need a \u003cstrong\u003ePCIe 3.0 x8 (or x16)\u003c\/strong\u003e slot. The controller will operate at x8 even in an x16 slot.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003eBackplane Interface\u003c\/strong\u003e To use backplane drives (hot-swap bays), ensure you have mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643) cabling from the card to the backplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003eFirmware Matters\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse normal \u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080\u003c\/strong\u003e if you want \u003cstrong\u003ehardware RAID levels\u003c\/strong\u003e (0,1,10,1E).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ \u003cstrong\u003eDrivers \u0026amp; OS Support\u003c\/strong\u003e Linux and modern hypervisors typically support the SAS3008 chipset natively; Windows drivers might need Intel driver packages.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSummary - Practical Usage\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eServer Brand\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eTypical Models Used With RS3UC080\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eNotes\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDell PowerEdge\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eR720, R730, R630, R640, T330\/T340, VRTX\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWorks if PCIe slot \u0026amp; backplane are generic; not officially supported\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHPE ProLiant\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDL380, DL360, ML350\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOften needs IT\/JBOD firmware for best compatibility\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSupermicro \/ Lenovo \/ Cisco \/ OEM\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMany rack\/tower systems\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenerally straightforward if PCIe 3.0 slot \u0026amp; SAS cables exist\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCustom Whitebox\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelf-built servers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExcellent choice for homelabs with ZFS or software RAID\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere's a \u003cstrong\u003epractical, hardware-level cabling and backplane guide\u003c\/strong\u003e for using the \u003cstrong\u003eIntel RS3UC080 \/ RS3UC080J (SAS3008)\u003c\/strong\u003e in Dell, HPE, Supermicro, and whitebox servers. This is the part that usually causes confusion or failed installs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1. RS3UC080 \/ RS3UC080J - Port \u0026amp; Cable Basicscs\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eController Ports\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e2 × Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643)\u003c\/strong\u003e internal ports\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach port = \u003cstrong\u003e4 lanes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTotal = \u003cstrong\u003e8 drives max\u003c\/strong\u003e (without expanders)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCable Types You'll See\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCable\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse Case\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eConnects to modern SAS backplanes (most servers)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → 4× SATA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDirect-attach SATA drives (no backplane)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SFF-8087\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOlder SAS2 backplanes (R720, older Supermicro)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠Direction matters Use \u003cstrong\u003eforward breakout\u003c\/strong\u003e cables only (controller → drives).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e2. Dell PowerEdge Cabling (Most Common)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDell R720 \/ R720xd (SAS2 Backplane)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackplane connector: \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8087\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eController connector: \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eCorrect cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SFF-8087 (forward)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTypical setup:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePort 0 → Drives 0-3\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePort 1 → Drives 4-7\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWorks best when RS3UC080J (JBOD\/IT mode) is used for ZFS\/Proxmox\/TrueNAS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDell R730 \/ R730xd \/ R630 \/ R640 (SAS3 Backplane)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackplane connector: \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eCorrect cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNotes\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDell backplanes don't require Dell RAID cards, but Dell firmware may show warnings\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisable onboard PERC if not used\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDell Tower (T330 \/ T340)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOften SATA backplanes or direct SATA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eCorrect cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → 4× SATA\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e3. HPE ProLiant Cabling (DL360 \/ DL380)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDL360 \/ DL380 Gen9 \u0026amp; Gen10\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackplane connector: \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ \u003cstrong\u003eCorrect cable:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠Important HPE Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHP Smart Array firmware prefers HP-branded cards\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse \u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J (IT\/JBOD)\u003c\/strong\u003e to avoid:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Drive not authenticated\"\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRandom RAID metadata issues\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDisable HP Smart Array in BIOS if possible\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eML350 Tower Servers\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSATA or SAS depending on configuration\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e (SAS backplane)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643 → SATA\u003c\/strong\u003e (direct SATA)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e4. Supermicro Servers (Most Flexible)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eX10 \/ X11 \/ X12 Series\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBackplane connectors vary:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSAS2: \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8087\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSAS3: \u003cstrong\u003eSFF-8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCable choice\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSAS2 → \u003cstrong\u003e8643 → 8087\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSAS3 → \u003cstrong\u003e8643 → 8643\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSupermicro backplanes are the \u003cstrong\u003eleast picky\u003c\/strong\u003e - RS3UC080 works almost universally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e5. Whitebox \/ Custom Builds\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eNo Backplane (Direct Drives)\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRS3UC080 └── SFF-8643 → 4× SATA\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEach controller supports:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e8 SATA drives total (2 cables)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo hot-swap unless using hot-swap bays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e6. SAS Expanders (When You Need \u0026gt;8 Drives)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf your server has:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSAS expander backplane\u003c\/strong\u003e (e.g., 12-bay, 24-bay)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOne SFF-8643 cable\u003c\/strong\u003e can handle all bays\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerformance shared across lanes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCommon expander chips:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLSI SAS2X \/ SAS3X\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIntel RES2SV240 \/ RES3TV360\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✅ RS3UC080 works perfectly with expanders\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e7. Firmware + Cabling Best Practices\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse Case\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFirmware\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eZFS \/ TrueNAS \/ Proxmox\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J (IT\/JBOD)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWindows hardware RAID\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080 (IR mode)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVMware passthrough\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRS3UC080J\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e⚠Never mix RAID firmware with ZFS - it causes silent data corruption.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e8. Quick Cable Reference Table\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eServer\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCable Needed\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDell R720\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8643 → 8087\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDell R730 \/ R630\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8643 → 8643\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHPE DL380 Gen9\/10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8643 → 8643\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSupermicro X10\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDepends (8087 or 8643)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWhitebox SATA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8643 → 4× SATA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e9. Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e❌ Using \u003cstrong\u003ereverse breakout\u003c\/strong\u003e cables\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e❌ Leaving Dell PERC enabled\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e❌ Using RAID firmware with ZFS\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e❌ Mixing SATA power splitters on high-draw HDDs\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e❌ Forgetting airflow (SAS3008 runs hot)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Intel","offers":[{"title":"RAID -  RS3UC080","offer_id":48768038109440,"sku":null,"price":218.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"NON-RAID -  RS3UC080J","offer_id":48768038142208,"sku":null,"price":218.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0388\/5331\/2557\/files\/RS3UC080J.webp?v=1779884993","url":"https:\/\/alotechparts.com\/products\/intel-rs3uc080-rs3uc080j-12g-sas-host-bus-adapter-raid-controller","provider":"Alo Tech Solutions","version":"1.0","type":"link"}