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Series 8Q Family

Microsemi Adaptec Series 8Q with
maxCache 3.0

Optimizing the Structure of Server Storage

Microsemi Adaptec's maxCache solution delivers an evolved application acceleration benefit with read caching solution and support for fully redundant SSD write caching. Series 8Q adapters can deliver up to 25x improvement in IOPS and 25x reduction in latency compared to HDD-only storage arrays.

By using SSDs to cache copies of frequently accessed (aka "hot") data, maxCache exploits the performance capabilities of SSDs to store/access read data from them rather than spinning media. The read caching function is further improved with maxCache 3.0, with additional optimizations to the learned-path algorithm. By caching writes to a redundant SSD cache pool (RAID1, RAID1E or RAID5), maxCache 3.0 leverages the performance and latency capabilities of SSD technology for both read and write workloads.

Integration of maxCache 3.0 SSD caching technology is seamless. Adaptec Series 8Q adapters do not require changes to storage architectures, application software or operating systems.

Series 8Q adapters include our third-generation AFM-700 flash-based cache protection module to enable instant battery-free cache protection. Unique for the Adaptec 81605ZQ, flash backup is embedded on the board, eliminating the need for a daughterboard.

All of the "Q" adapters utilize our Zero-Maintenance Cache Protection (ZMCP), which provides full protection to cached data with no monitoring, maintenance, disposal, or replacement costs. ZMCP features SLC based NAND flash memory with super capacitor technology. During a system power loss, the flash memory-based cache protection can preserve data for years.

Advanced Data Protection
Adaptec RAID Code (ARC) delivers maximum reliability with RAID levels 0, 1, 1E, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60. ARC also offers RAID Level Migration (the ability to easily migrate RAID levels), Online Capacity Expansion (expand capacity without powering down the server), and Copyback Hot Spare (when a failed drive has been replaced, data is automatically copied from the hot spare back to the restored drive).

Adaptec maxView Storage Manager
Adaptec maxView Storage Manager provides the powerful features of Adaptec Storage Manager™ in an HTML5 web interface that can be viewed in standard desktop or mobile browsers without the need for separate software installation.

Featured Documents

Highlights


Models
  • 81605ZQ: 16 internal ports with embedded flash backup, and AFM-700 included
  • 8885Q: 16 ports (8 internal, 8 external), with flash backup and AFM-700 included
All Series 8Q:
  • 12 Gb/s throughput at each port
  • 16 native SAS/SATA ports in an LP/MD2 form factor
  • Microsemi 12Gb/s ROC
  • SAS 3.0 interface and PCIe Gen 3 Host Connection
  • Maximum performance for up to 16 SSDs (No expander needed)
  • Preinstalled flash backup — Adaptec Flash Module (AFM-700) with 2GB NAND flash
  • Flexible Configuration: Auto configuration of Simple Volume and HBA modes — "set it and forget it"
  • Mini SAS HD connectors and SAS HD cables — for fit and function in dense server configurations
  • Support for up to 256 SAS and SATA devices
  • Support for SSD, HDD, Autoloader, RBOD, Tape

Benefits

    Ideal for 12Gb/s performance-hungry server and workstations platforms, without compromising proven Adaptec reliability

Key Differentiators

  • maxCache 3.0 software
  • Third generation ZMCP; AFM-700
  • LP MD2 form factor for up to 16 native SAS/SATA ports

Customer Needs

    High I/O transaction and high bandwidth processing; solutions that reduce energy consumption and maintenance costs.

Key Software Features

  • maxCache 3.0 software
  • Flexible Configuration: HBA Mode & Auto Volume Mode for automatic deployment
  • Optimized Disk Utilization (Multiple Arrays per disk)
  • Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 1E, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60
  • Supports up to 256 SAS or SATA devices using SAS expanders
  • Support for native 4K sector SAS and SATA devices in addition to 512byte sector devices
  • Hybrid RAID 1 & 10
  • Quick initialization
  • Online Capacity Expansion
  • Performance modes: Dynamic, OLTP & Big Block ByPass
  • Copyback Hot Spare
  • Dynamic caching algorithm
  • Native Command Queuing (NCQ)
  • Background initialization
  • Hot-plug drive support
  • RAID Level Migration
  • Hot spares - global, dedicated, and pooled
  • Automatic/manual rebuild of hot spares
  • SES and SAF-TE enclosure management
  • Configurable stripe size
  • Dual Firmware
  • S.M.A.R.T. support
  • Multiple arrays per disk drive
  • Dynamic sector repair
  • Staggered drive spin-up
  • Bootable array support
  • Support for Tape Devices, Autoloaders
  • MSI-X support for all device driver for all supported Operating Systems
  • secure boot support for the uEFI host bios

Management Utilities

Software
  • Adaptec maxView Storage Manager
  • Web based GUI Management Utility
  • OS Support: Windows, Linux, Solaris VMware
  • Remote configuration, monitoring & notification
  • Remote firmware updates
  • SMI-S Support
  • SMTP
ARCCONF
  • Command Line Interface
  • SMI-S support for VMware
Adaptec BIOS Configuration Utility (CTRL+A)
  • BIOS level configuration utility
  • Flashable BIOS support
Adaptec uEFI BIOS Configuration Utility
  • HII based configuration utility
  • Flashable BIOS support

Operating System

  • Microsoft Windows
  • Red Hat Linux
  • SUSE Linux
  • Fedora
  • Debian Linux
  • Ubuntu Linux
  • Solaris
  • FreeBSD
  • VMware ESXi
For a detailed list see ASK Answer ID 17318.

Data Transfer Rate

    12 Gb/s per port

Bus System Interface

    x8 PCIe 3.0

Form Factor

    MD2 – Low Profile

Cache Memory

    1024MB

Connector Configuration

  • 81605ZQ: Four internal mini SAS HD (SFF-8643)
  • 8885Q: Two internal mini SAS HD (SFF-8643), two external mini SAS HD (SFF-8644)

Package Contents

    Model 81605ZQ
  • Adaptec RAID 81605ZQ adapter, with embedded flash backup
  • Adaptec Flash Module 700 (AFM-700)
  • Additional low profile vented bracket
    Model 8885Q
  • Adaptec RAID 8885Q adapter, with included flash backup
  • Adaptec Flash Module 700 (AFM-700)
  • Additional low profile vented bracket
    *Single does not include cables

Physical Size

    2.535"H x 6.6"L (64mm x 167mm)

Operating Temperature

    0°C to 50°C* (with 200 LFM airflow)


    Note: This Adaptec card contains a powerful RAID processor which requires adequate airflow to operate reliably. Please install this card only into server or PC chassis with recommended airflow (200 LFM).

    * Ambient temperature measured 1" away from the RAID processor

Operating Humidity

    Relative humidity: 10% to 90%, non-condensing

Operating Voltage

    8885Q:
    0.1A @ 3.3VDC
    1.2A @ 12VDC

    81605Q:
    1.0A @ 3.3VDC
    1.1A @ 12VDC

Regulatory Certification

    CE, FCC, UL, C-tick, VCCI, KCC, CNS

Environmental Compliance

    RoHS

Mean Time Before Failure (MTBF)

    2,000,000 hours at 40°C

Warranty

    3 years

Flash Modules

12Gb/s Cables: Compatible with Series 8 Products

6Gb/s Cables: Compatible with Series 8 Products

Model 81605ZQ
Single P/N: 2281600-R (SRP) $1065.00

Model 8885Q
Single P/N: 2277100-R (SRP) $1100.00

*Single does not include cables

Where to Buy?

Find an Adaptec Authorized reseller or distributor.

For product questions, email us at adaptecsales@pmc-sierra.com or call 1-800-442-7274 / 408-957-7274