Best RAID Controllers of 2025

Tom Law Avatar
Tom Law
Last Updated: 31 Jan 2025

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RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controllers are hardware devices used to manage multiple hard drives as a single logical unit for improved performance, reliability, and data protection. These controllers come in different types, including hardware RAID, software RAID, and hybrid RAID. They are commonly used in servers, workstations, and high-performance computing environments. RAID controllers offer a range of benefits, including improved data access times, reduced risk of data loss, and simplified storage management. They are recommended for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their storage capabilities and protect their data.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller Cover #TOP 1
StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller
ftb score rating icon 9.8
StarTech.com M.2 SSD RAID Controller with SATA Ports Cover #TOP 2
StarTech.com M.2 SSD RAID Controller with SATA Ports
ftb score rating icon 9.7
IO Crest 8 Port SATA III Controller Card Cover #TOP 3
IO Crest 8 Port SATA III Controller Card
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 RAID Controllers

StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller

PEXSAT34RH
Silver
4 Port
StarTech.com 4-Port PCIe SATA RAID Controller Cover
StarTech.com 4 Port PCI Express 2.0 SATA III 6Gbps RAID Controller Card with HyperDuo SSD Tiering - PCIe SATA 3 Controller Adapter (PEXSAT34RH)

The StarTech.com SATA Controller Card allows you to easily add four SATA III 6Gbps ports to your desktop or server. This is particularly useful for connecting additional hard drives or SSDs, enhancing your storage capabilities. With its Marvell RAID controller, you can configure JBOD or RAID modes to suit your data management needs. The HyperDuo feature intelligently allocates frequently accessed files to a faster SSD, improving access speeds. Furthermore, the easy installation process ensures you can set it up without hassle.

What We Like
High-performance storage expansion
Multiple RAID configurations available
Compatible with various operating systems
Easy installation with included brackets

StarTech.com M.2 SSD RAID Controller with SATA Ports

PEXM2SAT3422
Silver
PCIe
StarTech.com M.2 SSD RAID Controller with SATA Ports Cover
StarTech.com 2x M.2 NGFF SSD RAID Controller Card plus 2x SATA III Ports - PCIe - Two Slot PCI Express M.2 RAID Card plus Two SATA Ports (PEXM2SAT3422)

The StarTech.com RAID Controller enhances your storage capabilities by adding two internal M.2 SATA ports and two SATA ports via PCIe. This allows you to set up hardware RAID configurations or add extra storage drives easily. It supports various RAID levels, providing flexibility for your data management needs. The wide compatibility with different drive sizes ensures that you can integrate this controller into your existing system without hassle, making it a perfect fit for your storage upgrades.

What We Like
Expands storage options
Supports various RAID configurations
High compatibility with drives
Improves system performance

IO Crest 8 Port SATA III Controller Card

SI-PEX40137
IO Crest 8 Port SATA III Controller Card Cover
IO Crest 8 Port SATA III Non-RAID PCI-e x4 Controller Card Supports FreeNAS and ZFS RAID - Includes Mini SAS to SATA Breack out Cables

The IO Crest SATA Controller is designed to enhance your storage capabilities with its advanced features. It utilises an ASM1806 PCIe bridge, removing the need for a Port Multiplier, which allows you to enjoy maximum bandwidth per port. With support for communication speeds of up to 6.0 Gbps, you can expect fast data transfers, making it ideal for demanding applications. The controller also supports Native Command Queue (NCQ), improving the efficiency of operations. Additionally, the hot plug and hot swap capabilities ensure that you can easily manage your drives without powering down your system.

What We Like
High data transfer speeds
Efficient Native Command Queue
Hot plug and hot swap support
Easy compatibility with older systems
#TOP 4

LSI 9201-8i RAID Controller Card with SFF-8087

LANPAN
LSI 9201-8I
LSI 9201-8i RAID Controller Card with SFF-8087 Cover
LSI 9201-8i RAID Controller Card 6G HBA FW P20 9211-8i IT Mode ZFS FreeNAS unRAID SAS PCI E Expander Card + 2*SFF-8087 SATA

The LSI 9201-8i Controller offers impressive features for users needing efficient data management. With a robust data transfer rate of 6Gbps, you can expect quick and reliable access to your data, enhancing overall performance. The use of IT Mode firmware ensures compatibility with various systems, making installation straightforward. Additionally, the dual Mini-SAS SFF8087 connectors provide flexibility for connecting multiple drives, allowing for expanded storage options. This means you can easily scale your system to meet your growing data needs.

What We Like
High data transfer rate
Easy installation
Flexible drive connections
Compatible with various systems
#TOP 5

Broadcom MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i Controller

LSI
05-25420-08
Multi-Colour
Broadcom MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i Controller Cover
Broadcom MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i SGL

The Broadcom MegaRAID 9361-8i is a powerful RAID controller designed to enhance your data management. With its compatibility for DDR3 SDRAM, you can expect improved performance and efficiency in data processing. This product's robust features ensure that you can effectively manage storage devices, providing better data protection and reliability. By utilising this controller, you can streamline your system's performance, making it an excellent choice for users looking to optimise their storage solutions.

What We Like
High-performance data management
Compatible with DDR3 SDRAM
Enhances storage reliability
Streamlines system performance
#TOP 6

LSI SAS 9207-8i 8-Port HBA Kit

LSI
LSISAS9207-8iKIT
LSI SAS 9207-8i 8-Port HBA Kit Cover
LSI SAS 9207-8i KIT 8-Port 6Gbps SATA+SAS PCI-E 3.0 HBA Kit

The LSI SAS 9207-8i is an advanced 8-port HBA kit that features 6Gb/s SAS and SATA connections. With eight internal ports, you can easily connect multiple SSDs, HDDs, or tape drives, enhancing your storage capabilities. The PCI Express 3.0 interface ensures high-speed data transfer, ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications. Additionally, the two x4 internal mini-SAS connectors provide flexibility in configuring your storage setup, allowing you to tailor your system to your needs.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Supports multiple storage types
Flexible connectivity options
Easy installation
#TOP 7

Supermicro AOC-S3108L-H8IR RAID Controller

AOC-S3108L-H8IR
Multi-Colour
Supermicro AOC-S3108L-H8IR RAID Controller Cover
Supermicro AOC-S3108L-H8IR PCI Express 12Gbit/s RAID controller - RAID

The Supermicro RAID Controller offers a low-profile interface that supports both SATA 6Gb/s and SAS 12Gb/s, ensuring versatile connectivity options for your storage needs. With a data transfer rate of 1.2 Gbps, you can expect efficient data handling, which is crucial for maintaining system performance. It supports multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing you to choose the best configuration for your data protection and performance requirements. Additionally, its PCIe 3.0 bus type provides a fast and reliable connection, enhancing overall system efficiency.

What We Like
Versatile connectivity options
Efficient data handling
Multiple RAID level support
Fast and reliable connection
#TOP 8

LSI Logic SAS9211-8I 8-Port RAID Controller

LSI00194
LSI Logic SAS9211-8I 8-Port RAID Controller Cover
LSI Logic SAS9211-8I 8PORT Int 6GB Sata+SAS Pcie 2.0

The LSI Logic SAS9211-8I offers a robust solution as a SAS RAID Controller with a PCI Express x8 interface. This allows for efficient data transfer and connectivity to your system. Supporting up to 256 physical drives, it provides scalability for users looking to expand their storage capabilities. With its advanced RAID functionality, you can enhance data protection and improve performance, giving you peace of mind and faster access to your critical data.

What We Like
High drive support capacity
Efficient data transfer
Advanced RAID functionality
Scalable storage solutions
Reliable performance
#TOP 9

LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i RAID Controller Kit

LSI00201
LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i RAID Controller Kit Cover
LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260-4i 512MB 4 Port 6Gbps PCIe 2.0 SAS SATA RAID Controller Kit

The LSI MegaRAID SAS 9260 offers four internal 6Gb/s SATA and SAS ports, allowing you to connect multiple drives easily. It also features a Mini-SAS internal connector for added flexibility in drive connections. With 512MB of 800MHz DDRII cache memory, this controller enhances data processing speeds significantly, improving your overall system performance. Supporting RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 6, it provides various configurations to ensure your data is safe and optimised for performance, giving you peace of mind and efficiency.

What We Like
Multiple drive connections
Flexible Mini-SAS connector
High-speed cache memory
Multiple RAID configurations

HP Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Storage Controller

HP
830824-B21
HP Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Storage Controller Cover
HP 830824-B21 Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 - Storage controller (RAID) - 8 Channel - SATA 6Gb/s/SAS 12Gb/s - 1.2 GBps - RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60,

The HP P408i-p Storage Controller is a reliable RAID controller designed to enhance your computer's storage capabilities. With eight channels supporting SATA 6Gb/s and SAS 12Gb/s, it offers impressive data transfer speeds of up to 1.2 GBps, ensuring that you can efficiently manage large amounts of data. The various RAID options, including levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, provide flexibility for your data security and performance needs. Weighing just 0.454 kg, it is lightweight and easy to handle, making installation straightforward for users.

What We Like
High data transfer speeds
Multiple RAID options
Lightweight design
Reliable brand
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the types of RAID controller?

RAID controllers contain and manage the guidelines or protocols to achieve this task. There are many classifications of RAID. Commonly used RAID types include RAID 0 (Data Striping), RAID 1 (Disk Mirroring) and RAID 5 controller (Striping with Distributed Parity).

2. Do I need a RAID controller?

RAID 5 and 6 will get you significantly improved read performance. But write performance is largely dependent on the RAID controller used. For RAID 5 or 6, you will most certainly need a dedicated hardware controller. This is due to the need to calculate the parity data and write it across all the disks.

3. What is a RAID 5 controller?

RAID 1 - makes a copy of data on at least two disks without parity information, striping or spanning disk space across multiple disks. RAID 5 - distributes data across two or more disks with distributed parity.

4. What is SAS RAID controller?

SAS Controllers have all but replaced SATA controllers on the mid and high-end because they are compatible with both high performance SAS hard drives and high capacity SATA drives.

Editor's Notes

During our raid controller research, we found 235 raid controller products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 8,035 customer reviews through our big data system to write the raid controllers list. We found that most customers choose raid controllers with an average price of £123.15.

The raid controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of raid controllers, including StarTech.com, IO Crest, LANPAN, LSI, Supermicro.

Written by
Tom Law Avatar

Tom Law is an adventurer who has captured his love for nature into all of his works. A native of Newcastle, Tom has always wanted to share beautiful stories alongside the lovely sights of nature. Fortunately, he took into photography on one of his many journeys and gradually grew a passion for it. Tom Law is now an expert photographer who tours the world while creating and keeping memories of his adventures. He frequently puts his thoughts and experiences into writing.