Best RAID Controllers of 2026

Mike Davis Avatar
Mike Davis
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

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RAID Controllers are essential components in modern computer systems that require high levels of data protection and performance. These devices are designed to manage and optimize multiple hard drives in a RAID array, ensuring that data is distributed evenly and redundantly across the disks. With a RAID Controller, users can benefit from faster data read and write speeds, improved data reliability, and better fault tolerance. These devices come in various configurations, including hardware-based and software-based controllers, and can be used in various applications, such as servers, workstations, and gaming computers. Overall, RAID Controllers are an essential tool for anyone who values data protection and performance in their computer systems.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 Card Cover #TOP 1
ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 Card
ftb score rating icon 9.8
LSI SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter Cover #TOP 2
LSI SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter
ftb score rating icon 9.7
HP Smart Array P840 Storage Controller Cover #TOP 3
HP Smart Array P840 Storage Controller
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 RAID Controllers

#TOP 1

ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 Card

HYPER M.2 X16 GEN5 CARD
ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 Card Cover
ASUS Hyper M.2 x16 Gen5 Card (PCIe 5.0/4.0) Supports Four NVMe M.2 (2242/2260/2280/22110) Devices up to 512 Gbps for AMD and Intel® Platform RAID Functions.

The ASUS Hyper M.2 Card is designed to elevate your storage capabilities by supporting up to four PCIe 5.0/4.0 M.2 drives. This allows you to benefit from impressive data transfer speeds of up to 512 Gbps, ensuring a smooth experience during heavy tasks. With a dedicated 6-pin PCIe power connector and an efficient two-phase power solution, you can confidently run the latest NVMe drives. Additionally, the large heatsink and active fan help keep your SSDs cool, preventing throttling and extending their lifespan. Furthermore, you can create a bootable RAID array across different platforms, enhancing your system's performance.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Effective cooling system
Supports RAID functions
Powerful performance for NVMe drives
#TOP 2

LSI SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter

LSI
H5-25573-00
LSI SAS 9300-8i Host Bus Adapter Cover
LSI Broadcom SAS 9300-8i 8-port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile Host Bus Adapter

The LSI SAS Adapter offers exceptional performance with its dual SFF-8643 mini-SAS HD internal connectors, allowing for data transfer speeds of up to 12Gb/s. This high-speed capability ensures you can efficiently manage large data volumes, making it ideal for demanding storage solutions. The improved connectivity enhances your system's ability to connect multiple devices seamlessly. Additionally, the easy installation process means you can set it up quickly without hassle, saving you valuable time and effort. Overall, this adapter is designed to elevate your storage experience with high performance and convenience.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Improved device connectivity
Easy to install
High performance
#TOP 3

HP Smart Array P840 Storage Controller

HP
726897-B21
HP Smart Array P840 Storage Controller Cover
HPE Storage Controller - Plug-in Card Components 726897-B21

The HP P840 Controller offers high-speed 12 GB/s SAS connectivity, which means you can enjoy faster data transfer when connected to compatible internal storage devices. This helps improve the performance of your server, especially for messaging tasks. It also includes an optional secure encryption feature, keeping your stored data safe by protecting it while it's at rest. The controller supports up to sixteen small form factor drives, allowing you to expand your storage capacity efficiently. Overall, the HP P840 Controller is designed to boost your server’s storage speed, security, and flexibility.

What We Like
High-speed 12 GB/s connectivity
Optional data encryption
Supports 16 SFF drives
Improved server performance
#TOP 4

LSI MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i

LSI
05-25420-08
8-Ports
LSI MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i Cover
LSI MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i 8-Port 12Gb/s SATA+SAS PCI-Express 3.0 Low Profile RAID Controller, Single

The LSI MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i is a high-performance RAID controller that is designed to provide fast and reliable data storage for your computer. With a PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface, this controller offers a seamless connection to your system. It supports both 12Gb/s SAS and Serial ATA/600 interfaces, allowing you to connect a wide range of storage devices. The RAID support enables you to configure your drives for enhanced data protection and performance. Whether you need to store large amounts of data or run demanding applications, the LSI MegaRAID SAS 9361-8i is a reliable choice that offers convenience and flexibility.

What We Like
High-performance
Fast data storage
RAID support
#TOP 5

SAS HBA Card LANPAN LSI 9300-8i IT Mode

LSI SAS9300-8I
SAS HBA Card LANPAN LSI 9300-8i IT Mode Cover
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9300-8i IT Mode PCIe SATA Expansion Card, 8-Port 12Gbps PCIe 3.0, SAS Expander Support, HBA Controller with 2X SFF-8643 to 4X SATA Cables for ZFS TrueNAS unRAID NAS

The LANPAN SAS HBA Card is powered by the reliable LSI/Broadcom SAS3008 controller, delivering fast data transfer speeds up to 12Gbps for SAS and 6Gbps for SATA drives. With its PCIe 3.0 x8 interface, you can enjoy smooth and efficient connectivity to your system. The card features two Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643 connectors, allowing you to directly connect up to eight drives or expand further with a SAS expander for larger storage setups. This makes it an ideal choice for users running ZFS, FreeNAS/TrueNAS, unRAID, and other home lab or NAS storage systems, offering flexibility and performance for your data needs.

What We Like
High-speed SAS/SATA transfer
PCIe 3.0 x8 interface
Supports up to 8 drives
Compatible with popular NAS systems
#TOP 6

LANPAN LSI 9207-8i SAS HBA Card

9207-8i
LANPAN LSI 9207-8i SAS HBA Card Cover
SAS HBA Card Compatible with LSI 9207-8i IT Mode PCIe SATA Expansion Card, SAS Expander Support, 8-Port 6Gbps PCIe 3.0 x8, HBA Controller with 2 SFF-8087 to 4× SATA Cables,ZFS TrueNAS unRAID NAS

The LANPAN SAS HBA Card offers compatibility with the reliable LSI 9207-8i controller, ensuring smooth operation with your storage setup. It uses the HBA IT mode firmware, which means it focuses on direct drive access without RAID, perfect for users who want straightforward control over their drives. You’ll benefit from fast data transfer speeds of up to 6Gbps per lane, making file transfers and access quick and efficient. Equipped with a PCIe 3.0 x8 interface and two Mini-SAS SFF-8087 connectors, this card allows you to connect up to eight drives directly or expand further using a SAS expander, offering great flexibility for your NAS or home lab environment.

What We Like
LSI 9207-8i compatibility
HBA IT mode firmware
6Gbps data transfer speed
PCIe 3.0 x8 interface
Supports up to 8 drives
#TOP 7

BROADCOM 9305-16i 8-Channel SAS Controller

05-25703-00
Multi-Colour
BROADCOM 9305-16i 8-Channel SAS Controller Cover
BROADCOM 05-25703-00 8 Channel SAS 9305-16i Storage Controller - Multi-Colour

The BROADCOM 9305-16i SAS Controller offers a fast SAS interface running at 12Gb/s, allowing you to quickly transfer large amounts of data. With an 8-channel design, it supports multiple devices at once, making it ideal if you need to connect several storage drives. The controller uses a PCIe 3.0 x8 bus, which ensures a strong and reliable connection to your computer’s motherboard for smooth data flow. Additionally, it delivers impressive speed with a transfer rate of 1.2 GBps, helping you handle demanding storage tasks efficiently and without lag.

What We Like
High-speed SAS interface
Supports 8 channels
PCIe 3.0 x8 bus connection
Fast data transfer rate
#TOP 8

SVNXINGTII 9305-16i RAID Controller Card

9305-16i + 4* 8643 SATA
SVNXINGTII 9305-16i RAID Controller Card Cover
SVNXINGTII SAS9305-16i SATA SAS 16 Port HBA 12Gbs RAID Controller Card Host Bus Adapter PCIe 3.0 x8 IT-Mode 05-25703-00 Card (9305-16i + 4 * 8643 SATA)

The SVNXINGTII RAID Controller is designed to enhance your system's performance with its robust features. It supports an X8 PCI Express 3.0 interface, ensuring fast data transfer rates. With 16 internal ports for 12Gb/s SATA and SAS devices, you can easily connect multiple drives for increased storage capacity. The controller accommodates various link rates of 3Gb/s, 6Gb/s, and 12Gb/s, allowing you to choose the speed that best fits your needs. Additionally, it comes with four small SAS HD connectors, making it convenient to set up and manage your storage solutions efficiently.

What We Like
High-speed data transfer
Multiple drive connectivity
Flexible link rate options
Convenient setup with connectors
#TOP 9

HighPoint SSD7105 RAID Controller

HighPoint
SSD7105
Individual Retail
HighPoint SSD7105 RAID Controller Cover
HighPoint 4-Port M.2 SSD7105 PCIe Gen3 Bootable NVMe RAID Controller for Windows & Linux Systems.

The HighPoint RAID Controller, or HighPoint SSD7105 RAID Controller, offers comprehensive NVMe boot support for both Linux and Windows. It is truly platform independent, accommodating up to four M.2 NVMe SSDs. With advanced bootable NVMe RAID technology supporting RAID 0, 1, and 10, this controller allows for up to 32TB capacity per controller. The Low-Noise Hyper-Cooling Solution and full fan control ensure optimal performance and longevity for your SSDs, while integrated monitoring capabilities keep track of SSD TBW and temperature, providing you with peace of mind.

What We Like
Comprehensive NVMe Boot Support
Advanced Bootable NVMe RAID Technology
Up to 32TB capacity
#TOP 10

KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i SAS HBA Card

LSI 9207-8i
KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i SAS HBA Card Cover
KCMconmey LSI 9207-8i Controller HBA Card, LSI 2308 SATA SAS Host Bus Adapter. 2 * SFF-8087 Internal 6Gbps, PCI-e 3.0 x8. IT Mode Firmware. Non RAID.

The KCMconmey SAS HBA Card is designed with the LSI SAS2308 chipset, ensuring reliable and efficient data handling for your storage needs. It runs on the P20 IT Mode firmware, which is ideal if you want a non-RAID setup, giving you direct access to your drives for better control. The card features two internal SFF-8087 ports, allowing you to connect multiple SATA or SAS drives easily. With a PCI-e 3.0 x8 interface, it offers fast data transfer speeds, making it suitable for high-performance computing environments. This card also comes with both full-height and low-profile brackets, so it fits different PC cases conveniently.

What We Like
Reliable LSI SAS2308 chipset
P20 IT Mode firmware
Dual internal SFF-8087 ports
High-speed PCI-e 3.0 x8 interface
Includes multiple bracket options
Buying Guide Image

How to Choose the Best RAID Controllers

Introduction to RAID Controllers

RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controllers are specialized hardware that manage and control access to storage devices in a computer system. They are essential components in any system that requires high-speed and/or redundant data storage. Choosing the right RAID controller can greatly improve the performance and reliability of your system, but with so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start.

Understanding the Different RAID Levels

Before choosing a RAID controller, it's important to understand the different RAID levels and how they affect performance and data redundancy. The most commonly used RAID levels are:

  • RAID 0: This level offers striping, which means that data is split across multiple disks to improve performance. However, it offers no redundancy, so a failure of any disk will result in the loss of all data.

  • RAID 1: This level offers mirroring, which means that data is duplicated across multiple disks to provide redundancy. If one disk fails, the other disks can continue to operate without interruption.

  • RAID 5: This level offers striping with distributed parity, which means that data is split across multiple disks, and a portion of each disk is dedicated to storing parity information used for error correction. This provides some performance improvement and data redundancy, but the performance can be impacted by the need to calculate and store parity information.

  • RAID 6: This level offers striping with double distributed parity, which means that data is split across multiple disks, and a portion of each disk is dedicated to storing parity information used for error correction. This provides even better data redundancy than RAID 5, but at the expense of additional overhead and reduced performance.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a RAID Controller

When choosing a RAID controller, there are several factors to consider, including:

  • Compatibility: The RAID controller must be compatible with your system's motherboard, operating system, and storage devices.

  • Performance: The RAID controller must be able to handle the performance requirements of your system, including the data transfer rates and number of disks.

  • Features: The RAID controller should offer the features that you need, such as support for multiple RAID levels, hot-swapping, and advanced management tools.

  • Price: The RAID controller should be within your budget, but be careful not to sacrifice performance and reliability for the sake of cost.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right RAID controller is an important decision that can greatly affect the performance and reliability of your system. By understanding the different RAID levels and considering factors such as compatibility, performance, features, and price, you can make an informed decision that will help ensure the success of your system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it necessary to have a RAID controller?

Yes, a RAID controller is necessary for hardware-based RAID. It is a dedicated controller that needs to be installed in the server to manage the RAID arrays effectively.

2. What is the main downside to using RAID?

The main downside of using RAID is that it does not provide advance warning of drive failure. While you can rebuild an array after a drive failure, the process can be time-consuming, especially for large arrays. Additionally, there is a risk of a second drive failing during the rebuild process or encountering unreadable data on a drive.

3. Can you set up RAID without a RAID controller?

Yes, it is possible to set up RAID without a RAID controller using software RAID. In this configuration, the drives are connected directly to the server motherboard, and the RAID configuration is managed by the operating system's software. This option is generally more cost-effective, requiring only drive connection and OS configuration.

4. Which is faster RAID 1 or 5?

RAID 5 is generally faster than RAID 1 in terms of write speeds. RAID 1 does not utilize a parity disk, while RAID 5 effectively uses parity information. However, it's important to note that RAID 1 provides better data security and does not tolerate data loss, whereas RAID 5 offers better failure resistance.

Editor's Notes

During our raid controller research, we found 24 raid controller products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 4,261 customer reviews through our big data system to write the raid controllers list. We found that most customers choose raid controllers with an average price of $68.11.

The raid controllers are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of raid controllers, including ASUS, LSI, HP, LANPAN, Broadcom. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 62 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
Mike Davis Avatar

Mike Davis is a professionally trained electrician with six years of working experience in the electronics industry. He has written an array of web and mobile-based articles for e-magazines and blogs. He loves trying out some novel and popular gadgets and his expertise is in the areas of electronics and computers which is built over many years of working and personal experiences.