In the era of NVMe SSDs and massive data throughput, the storage controller is often the bottleneck. The Broadcom MegaRAID 9560-8i is the answer to that bottleneck.
As the flagship of the "9500 Series," this card marks a significant leap from the previous generation. It introduces PCIe Gen 4.0 bandwidth, massive 8GB onboard cache, and the versatility of Tri-Mode connectivity.
Whether you are upgrading a data center server or building a high-performance workstation, here is everything you need to know about the 9560-8i.
Table of Contents
- 1. Decoding the Specs: Why the 9560-8i Matters
- 2. What is "Tri-Mode"? (NVMe, SAS, SATA)
- 3. The Connectivity Shift: SlimSAS (SFF-8654)
- 4. Comparison: 9560-8i vs. 9460-8i
- 5. Accessories: Protection with CacheVault
- 6. Conclusion
1. Decoding the Specs: Why the 9560-8i Matters
The 9560-8i is built around the SAS3908 RAID-on-Chip (ROC). Unlike entry-level HBA cards, this is a full-featured RAID controller designed for maximum data protection and speed.
Key Specifications Matrix
| Feature | Specification | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Host Interface | PCIe Gen 4.0 x8 | Double the bandwidth of Gen 3 cards ($16 \text{ GT/s}$). |
| Internal Ports | 8 Ports | Supports up to 240 devices via Expanders. |
| Cache Memory | 8GB DDR4 (2666 MHz) | Massive buffer for write-intensive workloads. |
| RAID Levels | 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 | Full hardware RAID support. |
| Drive Support | Tri-Mode | NVMe, SAS3 (12Gb/s), SATA (6Gb/s). |
| Connector | 1x SFF-8654 (x8) | Note: This is the new "SlimSAS" standard. |
The Power of 8GB Cache
Previous generations typically topped out at 2GB or 4GB. The 8GB cache on the 9560-8i is crucial for absorbing massive random write spikes typical in database and virtualization environments, preventing latency stutters.
2. What is "Tri-Mode"? (NVMe, SAS, SATA)
The defining feature of the 9560-8i is its ability to speak three languages.
Traditionally, you needed separate controllers for SAS HDDs and NVMe SSDs. Tri-Mode SerDes technology allows the 9560-8i to operate in all three modes simultaneously:
- NVMe Mode: Connect U.2 or U.3 NVMe SSDs for Tier 0 hot storage.
- SAS Mode: Connect 12Gb/s SAS drives for high-reliability bulk storage.
- SATA Mode: Connect high-capacity SATA drives for cold storage / backups.
This flexibility allows IT architects to use a single card type across various server configurations, simplifying inventory and drivers.
3. The Connectivity Shift: SlimSAS (SFF-8654)
Installation Warning
⚠️ Important: If you are upgrading from a 9361-8i or 9460-8i, your old cables will not fit.
- Old Standard: Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643).
- 9560-8i Standard: SlimSAS (SFF-8654).
The 9560-8i features a single, wide x8 SFF-8654 connector (instead of two x4 connectors). This reduces the board footprint and improves signal integrity for PCIe Gen 4 speeds.
Common Cables Needed:
- To Backplane: SFF-8654 to 2x SFF-8643 (if your backplane is Mini-SAS HD).
- To NVMe: SFF-8654 to 2x U.2 (SFF-8639).
4. Comparison: 9560-8i vs. 9460-8i
Should you upgrade from the Gen 3 9460-8i?
| Feature | 9560-8i (New) | 9460-8i (Previous) |
|---|---|---|
| Interface | PCIe Gen 4.0 | PCIe Gen 3.1 |
| Cache Size | 8 GB | 4 GB |
| Connector | SlimSAS (x8 width) | Mini-SAS HD (x4 width) |
| IOPS (RAID 5) | ~3.5 Million | ~1.5 Million |
| ROC | SAS3908 | SAS3508 |
Verdict: If your server has a PCIe Gen 4 motherboard (AMD EPYC or Intel Xeon Scalable Gen 3+), the 9560-8i unlocks the full potential of your system. If you are stuck on PCIe Gen 3, the 9460-8i is still capable, but you miss out on the larger cache.
5. Accessories: Protection with CacheVault
Enterprise RAID is nothing without power protection. The 9560-8i relies on the CacheVault Power Module.
- Module Model: CVPM05
- Function: In the event of a power failure, the CVPM05 provides power to offload the data in the 8GB DRAM cache to non-volatile NAND flash.
- Lifespan: Unlike old Lithium-Ion Battery Backup Units (BBUs) that needed replacement every year, the CVPM05 uses SuperCapacitors, which typically last the life of the server (5+ years).
6. Conclusion
The Broadcom MegaRAID 9560-8i is the gold standard for PCIe Gen 4 storage. By combining an enormous 8GB cache with Tri-Mode flexibility, it allows businesses to maximize the performance of NVMe arrays while retaining legacy SAS support. Just remember to order the correct SlimSAS cables!
Sourcing RAID Controllers Building a high-performance server? Visit Aichiplink.com to search for the 9560-8i, the CVPM05 module, and compatible cabling.
Written by Jack Elliott from AIChipLink.
AIChipLink, one of the fastest-growing global independent electronic components distributors in the world, offers millions of products from thousands of manufacturers, and many of our in-stock parts is available to ship same day.
We mainly source and distribute integrated circuit (IC) products of brands such as Broadcom, Microchip, Texas Instruments, Infineon, NXP, Analog Devices, Qualcomm, Intel, etc., which are widely used in communication & network, telecom, industrial control, new energy and automotive electronics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Broadcom MegaRAID 9560-8i used for?
It is a high-performance PCIe Gen 4 RAID controller for NVMe, SAS, and SATA storage.
What does Tri-Mode mean on the 9560-8i?
Tri-Mode allows the card to support NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives on the same controller.
How much cache does the 9560-8i have?
It includes 8GB DDR4 onboard cache for high IOPS and write-intensive workloads.
Does the 9560-8i support PCIe Gen 3 systems?
Yes, but it performs best on PCIe Gen 4 platforms.
Are old Mini-SAS cables compatible with the 9560-8i?
No. It requires SlimSAS (SFF-8654) cables.
