Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i 8GB Flash PCIe Gen4 12Gb Internal Adapter

The Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i is a high-performance PCIe 4.0 SAS RAID controller designed to deliver enterprise-class storage connectivity for servers. Built as a RAID-on-Chip (ROC) adapter, it combines advanced caching, robust RAID capabilities, and efficient management features to meet the demands of data-intensive workloads. With 16 internal ports, a generous 8GB flash cache, and support for a wide range of RAID levels, this adapter is engineered to optimize throughput, reliability, and storage utilization in modern data centers, virtualization projects, and mission-critical applications. Its Gen4 PCIe interface and 12Gbps SAS backbone enable rapid data access and accelerated rebuilds, helping organizations scale performance without compromising data protection.

• High-performance ROC architecture delivers dedicated processing for RAID operations, enabling fast rebuilds, improved I/O latency, and consistent throughput across large storage arrays.
• PCIe Gen4, 12Gbps SAS connectivity provides ultrafast data paths between the server and internal drives, reducing bottlenecks and maximizing the potential of modern SAS/SATA enclosures.
• 16 internal ports support dense backplanes and multi-drive configurations, making it ideal for dense servers and storage-heavy implementations where every PCIe slot counts.
• 8GB of flash cache enhances read/write performance through intelligent caching, boosting random I/O performance and shortened response times for frequently accessed data.
• Comprehensive RAID level support covers 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60, delivering flexible data protection and capacity optimization for diverse workloads, from boot drives to large data repositories.

Technical Details of Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i 8GB Flash PCIe Gen4 12Gb Internal Adapter

• Controller type: RAID-on-Chip (ROC) SAS RAID controller designed for internal server connectivity
• Interface: PCIe Gen4, optimized for high-bandwidth communication with the server motherboard
• Internal ports: 16-port internal SAS/SATA connectivity to drive backplanes or backplane-specified enclosures
• Cache memory: 8GB of flash-based cache to accelerate read/write operations and improve overall IOPS
• Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 for flexible data protection and performance tuning
• RAID features: Advanced RAS (Reliability, Availability, Serviceability) features including battery-free cache protection, hot-spare support, fast rebuild algorithms, and health monitoring
• Management and compatibility: Designed to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem management tools and third-party enterprise management ecosystems for streamlined provisioning, monitoring, and firmware updates
• Form factor and placement: PCIe add-in card intended for servers with compatible PCIe Gen4 slots and sufficient internal routeing to connect to drive backplanes

How to install Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i

• Prepare your system: Power down the server, disconnect power, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge. Verify your chassis has a free PCIe Gen4 slot and that the internal SAS backplane wiring is accessible for connection to the 16 ports.
• Install the card: Insert the ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i into a compatible PCIe Gen4 x8 (or higher) slot. Secure the card with a screw to the chassis to ensure a stable fit and proper signal integrity.
• Connect internal cables: Attach the internal SAS cables from the server backplane or storage enclosure to the appropriate connectors on the RAID controller. Follow your server’s documentation to align ports correctly and avoid misrouting that could affect performance or cooling.
• Power up and configure: Reconnect power and boot the server. Access the RAID configuration utility during POST or use Lenovo management tools to initialize the cache and create your first logical drives (virtual disks).
• Create and tune arrays: Define RAID levels, stripe sizes, and cache policies tailored to your workload requirements. Validate array health, run consistency checks, and set up hot-spares if your deployment strategy requires automatic rebuilds.
• Update firmware and drivers: After initial provisioning, update the controller’s firmware and related drivers using Lenovo XClarity or your preferred management framework to benefit from performance improvements and security patches.
• Verify and monitor: Use the management console to monitor drive health, cache activity, and array status. Set up alerts for predictive failures and ensure logging is enabled for rapid diagnostics.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What workloads is the ThinkSystem RAID 940-16i best suited for? A: It is ideal for data-intensive environments needing reliable protection and fast access, such as databases, virtualization platforms, large-scale backups, and enterprise applications that require scalable internal storage performance.
• Q: How many drives can be connected via the 16 internal ports? A: The 16-port internal design supports substantial drive backplanes, enabling dense storage configurations within servers that require robust RAID protection.
• Q: Does the 8GB flash cache memory improve performance for all workloads? A: The 8GB flash cache accelerates frequently accessed data and hot reads, delivering noticeable improvements for transactional workloads and random I/O patterns. Some workloads may see more modest gains depending on data access characteristics.
• Q: Which RAID levels are supported by this controller? A: The controller supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, offering a balance of performance, redundancy, and capacity depending on the chosen configuration.
• Q: Is this adapter compatible with Lenovo ThinkSystem management tools? A: Yes, it is designed to integrate with Lenovo ThinkSystem management ecosystems, and can be managed via Lenovo XClarity Administrator or other supported enterprise management platforms for provisioning, monitoring, and firmware updates.