Hardware RAID Module

The Intel RMS25CB080 is a hardware RAID controller. Unlike PCI Express Slot based controllers, this controller is described as a "module" and connects to a proprietary interface on compatible Intel Server motherboards.

This module is a second generation SAS/SATA 6Gbit controller and is the successor to the RS2BL080 range of products. The RS2BL080 was a PCI Express Card based solution and the new module is designed to provide next generation performance at a lower price.

The Module

The module has a warning buzzer as per previous products and two SFF-8087 connectors for drives. There is no IPMB/I2C connector to connect to an enclosure or backplane; rather drive LED management is done through sideband capable cables such as HPBLEA-179.

Key Features:

• PCI Express 2.0 interface via Module connector (PCI Express 3.0 from revision G35316-610 or newer).
• 1GB Cache.
• Supports 8 drives directly connected.
• Supports up to 128 drives through expanders.
• LSI 2208 Chipset.
• Supports SAS and SATA drives.
• Supports RAID modes 0,1,5,6,10,50,60.

RAID Module Connector

Compatible motherboards include the Intel S1200V3RPL which has the module connector roughly in between the memory slots and the PCH. The approximate module location is shown below.

Driver Support

This module is supported by the same LSI Hardware Family Driver as per the RS2BL080, upgraded to support the new chipsets. Operating system migration between controllers is only possible if the new model controller has been present when Windows is booted, or if the Windows inbox driver supports the card. Only the Windows Server 2012 or newer Inbox LSI Driver supports the RMS25CB080 in emergency situations. 

RAID Web Console 2 version 13 or later should be used to perform management of this controller from within Windows.

Useful Links

• Download Page - https://downloadcenter.intel.com/SearchResult.aspx?lang=eng&ProdId=3456
• Video Demonstration of Configuring a RAID array from the RAID BIOS Console - http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/CS-032120.htm
• RAID Software Users Guide - http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/CS-022358.htm
• Guidance on Booting from Volumes Larger than 2TB (also see attached KB Article) - http://www.intel.com/support/motherboards/server/sb/CS-033697.htm

Applies to:

• ISRRAI-151 - Intel RAID RMS25CB080 8 Port 6Gbps SAS/SATA RAID *SIO Module* 1Gb LSI2208