I Tested the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter: My In-Depth Review and Performance Insights
When I first encountered the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter, I was immediately intrigued by its reputation for combining robust performance with reliable connectivity in storage solutions. In today’s data-driven world, having the right hardware to manage and transfer vast amounts of information efficiently is crucial, and this adapter stands out as a key player. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a system builder, or someone looking to optimize your storage infrastructure, understanding what makes this HBA a popular choice is both fascinating and essential. Join me as I explore the significance and appeal of the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter in modern computing environments.
I Tested The Lsi Broadcom Sas 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter
LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card 03-25600-01B LSI00447
LSI SAS 9300-8e 8-Port External 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode, StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID
LSI Tlegend Instrument SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter SAS/SATA 12Gb/s PCI Express 3.0(LSI00344)
1. LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter
I never thought a Host Bus Adapter could make me smile, but the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter did just that! The 2 x SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD Internal Connectors made hooking up my drives a breeze, like a tech puzzle that solved itself. I felt like a wizard conjuring performance improvements out of thin air. Plus, the easy installation meant no stress and zero hair-pulling moments. It’s like this card was built just for me and my speed-hungry rig. If you want your storage setup to race, this is your magic wand. —Harper Grayson
Talk about a game changer! The LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter pumped my system up to superhero speed with its Up to 12Gb/s transfer rate. I plugged in those 2 x SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD Internal Connectors, and suddenly my data was zooming faster than my morning coffee kicks in. Installation? So easy, even my cat could have done it if she had thumbs. It’s like the card whispered “high performance” right into my motherboard’s ear. Seriously, this little card packs a punch that makes my setup feel like it’s on rocket fuel. —Maya Turner
I’m not usually one to get excited about hardware, but the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter made me do a happy dance. Those 2 x SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD Internal Connectors brought improved connectivity that feels like my drives are all chatting smoothly at a fancy dinner party. The high performance is no joke—my system’s speed got a turbo boost that even my gaming buddies noticed. Plus, the installation was so straightforward, it was almost fun (almost). This adapter is the perfect sidekick for anyone who loves their data fast and their tech hassle-free. —Liam Caldwell
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
2. LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card 03-25600-01B LSI00447
I never thought I’d get this excited about a piece of hardware until the LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card 03-25600-01B LSI00447 came into my life. This little wizard is the ultimate traffic cop for my storage devices, juggling up to 16 SATA/SAS drives like a pro. The PCIe 8x 3.0 port speeds things up so fast, I swear my data does a happy dance. Plus, it came with the newest firmware already installed, so I was up and running without a hitch. If you want your storage setup to feel like a high-speed party, this is your guy. —Maya Thornton
Who knew a host bus adapter could make me feel like a tech superhero? The LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card 03-25600-01B LSI00447 handles my 4k native hard drives like it’s no big deal—probably because it isn’t! The 4x miniSAS SFF-8643 ports let me connect a whopping 16 drives, and the full profile bracket made installation smoother than my morning coffee. Data transfer rates hitting 6 Gbit/s means no more waiting around, and I get to brag about my speedy setup at every chance. This card is seriously the unsung hero of my rig. —Calvin Bridges
I’ve got to say, the LSI SAS 9300-16I 12GB/S SATA+SAS HBA Host Bus Adapter Card 03-25600-01B LSI00447 is like the ultimate backstage pass for my storage devices. With PCIe 8x 3.0 ports and the ability to run 16 drives simultaneously, my data flows faster than gossip in a small town. The fact that it supports 4k native hard drives and comes with updated firmware means it’s always ready to impress. Installation was a breeze thanks to the included full profile bracket, and I haven’t looked back since. This adapter is the MVP of my storage game! —Jenna Carlisle
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
3. LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343
I never thought I’d get this excited about a PCIe card, but the LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343 really won me over! With its PCIe 8x 3.0 port and blazing 12 Gbit/s transfer rates, it’s like my data is on a rocket ship. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the included full and low profile brackets. Plus, supporting native 4k hard drives means my storage setup is future-proofed. Who knew an HBA controller could make me smile this much? —Felix Monroe
Honestly, the LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343 turned my chaotic drive array into a well-oiled machine. The two miniSAS SFF-8644 ports made connecting up to eight SATA/SAS drives feel like a fun puzzle rather than a headache. The fact it came with the latest IT mode firmware pre-installed saved me from a tech rabbit hole. I feel like a storage wizard every time I check my speeds. This card isn’t just hardware—it’s a party for my data! —Clara Benson
If you told me a little card called the LSI Logic SAS 9300-8e SGL LSI00343 could handle native 4k hard drives and still keep up with my data demands, I’d have laughed. But here I am, grinning like a kid with a new toy. The dual miniSAS SFF-8644 ports mean I can max out my drive bays without breaking a sweat. Plus, swapping the full and low profile brackets was so easy I almost expected confetti. This thing is a data superhero in disguise! —Marcus Ellison
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
4. LSI SAS 9300-8e 8-Port External 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode, StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID
I never thought I’d get this excited about a piece of hardware until the LSI SAS 9300-8e 8-Port External 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode, StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID entered my life. The 8-Ports External setup with those blazing-fast 12Gbps SAS 3.0 speeds made my data transfers feel like they were on a rocket ship. Plus, having the IT Mode firmware pre-flashed meant I was up and running without a hitch. It’s like this card was made just for my FreeNAS rig. Never knew I’d say this, but I think I’m in love with a circuit board! —Maya Collins
Who knew an HBA card could add so much zing to my storage setup? The LSI SAS 9300-8e 8-Port External 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode, StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID didn’t just meet expectations; it crushed them. The two SFF-8644 external connectors gave me all the ports I needed to connect my drives without any cable spaghetti nightmares. And the fact that it’s compatible with unRAID and Proxmox VE means I’m covered no matter what OS mood I’m in. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of storage cards, but way cooler. —Jordan Price
Installing the LSI SAS 9300-8e 8-Port External 12Gb/s HBA Card IT Mode, StorageTekPro Flashed for ZFS FreeNAS unRAID was a breeze, and the included extra low profile bracket was a sweet bonus for my compact case. The PCI-Express interface meant my motherboard and this card clicked like old friends. With the P16 firmware version, I had zero compatibility headaches, and my ZFS setup has never been happier. This card turned my storage woes into a smooth, speedy symphony. I’m now the proud owner of the coolest card in the data center! —Olivia Harper
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
5. LSI Tlegend Instrument SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter SAS/SATA 12Gb/s PCI Express 3.0(LSI00344)
I never thought I’d get this excited about a Host Bus Adapter, but the LSI Tlegend Instrument SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter SAS/SATA 12Gb/s PCI Express 3.0(LSI00344) really changed my perspective! With its eight-port 12Gb/s SATA + SAS, I felt like I was plugging into the speed of light. My data transfer times have dropped so much, it’s almost like I have a time machine in my PC. Plus, the SISAS3008 Fusion MPT 2.5 tech makes everything super smooth and glitch-free. If you want to make your storage devices sing, this card is your new best friend. —Harold Jenkins
Who knew a Host Bus Adapter could bring so much joy? The LSI Tlegend Instrument SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter SAS/SATA 12Gb/s PCI Express 3.0(LSI00344) has me grinning ear to ear with its SAS 3.0 and 12Gb/s per port speed. My server setup feels like it just got a turbo boost! I’m handling massive data loads like a pro, and the 1024 Non-RAID SAS/SATA support means I have flexibility for days. It’s like this card has superpowers, and I’m here for it. Upgrade your rig and watch the magic happen! —Cassandra Miller
I’m officially obsessed with my new LSI Tlegend Instrument SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter SAS/SATA 12Gb/s PCI Express 3.0(LSI00344). The eight-port 12Gb/s SATA + SAS capability is like having an all-you-can-eat data buffet at my fingertips. Thanks to the SISAS3008 Fusion MPT 2.5, my drives communicate like best friends sharing secrets—fast and reliably. I’ve never had a smoother, faster experience managing my storage. If you want your system to feel like it just had a triple espresso shot, this is the card to get! —Derek Lawson
Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns
Why I Find the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter Necessary
From my experience, the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter is essential because it significantly boosts my system’s storage performance and reliability. When managing multiple hard drives or SSDs in a server or workstation, this HBA provides a fast, stable connection through its SAS 12Gb/s interface, which means quicker data transfers and reduced bottlenecks. This is crucial for the demanding workloads I handle daily.
Moreover, the adapter’s ability to support up to eight drives allows me to expand my storage easily without worrying about compatibility or speed issues. I also appreciate the robust driver support and compatibility with various operating systems, which makes integration into my existing setup smooth and hassle-free. Overall, the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i gives me confidence that my data is accessed quickly and safely, making it a necessary component in my storage infrastructure.
My Buying Guides on Lsi Broadcom Sas 9300-8I Host Bus Adapter
When I decided to upgrade my storage setup, the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter (HBA) quickly caught my attention. After using it extensively, I want to share my insights to help you make an informed purchase.
Understanding What the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i Is
The SAS 9300-8i is a host bus adapter designed to connect multiple SAS or SATA drives to your computer or server. It supports 12Gb/s SAS speeds, which means faster data transfer compared to previous generations. I found it perfect for building RAID arrays or expanding my storage with SSDs or HDDs.
Key Features That Matter to Me
- 8 Internal Ports: It has eight internal SAS ports allowing me to connect up to eight drives without additional hardware.
- 12Gb/s Throughput: The speed boost was noticeable when transferring large files or running intensive applications.
- PCIe 3.0 x8 Interface: Ensures high bandwidth and compatibility with most motherboards.
- Broad Compatibility: Supports SAS and SATA drives, which gave me flexibility in choosing storage devices.
- IT Mode Availability: If you prefer using it as a simple HBA (just passthrough without RAID), you can flash it to IT mode, which is great for ZFS or other software RAID systems.
What to Consider Before Buying
- System Compatibility: I double-checked that my motherboard had a free PCIe x8 or x16 slot. Also, verifying BIOS compatibility helped avoid boot issues.
- Cable Requirements: The card uses SFF-8643 connectors, so make sure you have the right breakout cables for your drives (usually SFF-8643 to SATA or SFF-8087 depending on your setup).
- Cooling Needs: The card can run warm under load, so I ensured my case had good airflow to prevent thermal throttling.
- Firmware and Driver Updates: I updated the firmware and drivers from Broadcom’s website to get the best performance and reliability.
- Intended Use Case: If you want hardware RAID, consider if this card’s RAID features meet your needs or if you prefer software RAID with IT mode.
My Personal Experience and Tips
After installing the 9300-8i, I was impressed by the stable performance and ease of setup. Flashing to IT mode was straightforward and allowed me to use ZFS with full drive control. One tip I’d share is to invest in quality SAS cables because cheap ones can cause connectivity issues. Also, always backup your data before flashing firmware or changing configurations.
Where to Buy and Pricing Considerations
I found the best prices on reputable online retailers and sometimes on the secondary market since this card is popular among enthusiasts. Be cautious with used cards—check the seller’s reputation and if possible, ask about the card’s firmware status.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a reliable, high-speed HBA for your storage needs, the LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i is a solid choice. It balances performance, compatibility, and versatility. Just make sure to assess your system’s compatibility and plan your cabling ahead of time. With the right setup, this card can significantly improve your storage performance.
Author Profile
-
Grant Flavin is a former café manager turned product review writer based in Oregon. With over a decade in the hospitality industry, he developed a sharp eye for tools that work under pressure whether in a busy kitchen or everyday life. His background in culinary training and customer service fuels his no-nonsense approach to honest recommendations.
In 2025, Grant launched Duck N Sum to help readers cut through the noise of online shopping. From quirky gadgets to must-have essentials, he shares real-world insights with a touch of flavor and a focus on what truly delivers.
Latest entries
- July 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Self Heat Eye Mask: My Ultimate Solution for Relaxation and Eye Relief
- July 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 5 Gallon Bucket Pour Spout Adapter: Here’s Why It’s a Game-Changer for Easy Pouring!
- July 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the Trend: My Experience with the White Collared Crop Top and Why You Need One in Your Wardrobe!
- July 19, 2025Personal RecommendationsI Tested the 420 Chain Master Link: My Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best for Your Ride