Lenovo ThinkStation P510 Hardware Configuration page 5

Optional LSI SATA/SAS RAID controllers
ThinkStation P500/P510, P700/P710, and P900/P910 platforms utilize discrete controllers in order to
add support for SAS drives. These controllers offer support for both SATA and SAS drives, support more
drives than the standard onboard controller and in some cases offer increased performance and
reliability capabilities.
LSI SATA/SAS RAID FLEX Adapter

Specialized FLEX adapter that only installs to Lenovo FLEX Connectors

Capable of supporting up to 8 SATA or SAS drives using Blind Connect Assemblies

Uses LSI SAS3008 IOC controller

Support for RAID 0/1/5/10 for both SATA and SAS formats

Support for up to 12Gb/s

Does not occupy a traditional PCIe slot, allowing for additional system expansion

Utilizes mini-SAS HD connectors to connect the adapter to BCA

For the P500/P510 and P700/P710, the FLEX Adapter may utilize a manual connect option by
using the LSI to HDD Manual Tray Cable to avoid using Blind Connect Assemblies. If the LSI to
HDD Manual Tray Cable is used, then the FLEX Adapter can only support up to 4 SATA, SAS or
SATA and SAS drives.
LSI 9364-8i PCIe SATA/SAS ROC Adapter

Standard PCIe x8 card

Capable of supporting up to 8 SATA or SAS drives using Blind Connect Assemblies

Uses LSI SAS3108 ROC controller

Support for RAID 0/1/5/10 for both SATA and SAS formats

Support for up to 12Gb/s

Utilizes mini-SAS HD connectors to connect the adapter to BCA

Increased performance as all RAID workload is handled on card, instead of being offloaded to
system (CPU)

Includes support for optional SuperCap for added reliability in case of power outages.

For the P500/P510 and P700/P710, the FLEX Adapter may utilize a manual connect option by
using the LSI to HDD Manual Tray Cable to avoid using Blind Connect Assemblies. If the LSI to
HDD Manual Tray Cable is used, then the FLEX Adapter can only support up to 4 SATA, SAS, or
SATA and SAS drives.