Lenovo ThinkSystem RAID 5350-8i PCIe 12Gb Adapter

Overview

The Lenovo 4Y37A72482 is a RAID adapter designed to provide straightforward and reliable storage management for ThinkSystem servers. It fits into a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot, delivering the bandwidth needed to support modern workloads without the added cost or complexity of cache memory. This adapter supports high-speed 12 Gb/s SAS drives as well as 6 Gbps SATA drives through a Mini SAS HD SFF-8643 interface, making it versatile for various storage configurations.

With support for RAID levels 0, 1, 10, and 5, it offers flexibility to prioritize performance, mirroring, or parity protection depending on your data needs. Its compact size and cacheless design make it a practical choice for environments that require efficient storage solutions without ongoing maintenance.

Key features

• Installs in a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot to provide high-bandwidth communication with the server system
• Supports multiple RAID levels (0, 1, 10, and 5) to balance between performance and data protection
• Mini SAS HD 36-pin SFF-8643 connector enables clean and efficient internal cabling
• Compatible with both 12 Gb/s SAS drives and 6 Gbps SATA drives for flexible storage options
• Validated for interoperability with Windows Server, popular Linux distributions, and VMware environments
• Cacheless architecture reduces cost and eliminates the need for battery maintenance
• Throughput up to 12 Gb/s helps prevent storage bottlenecks in demanding workloads
• Compact 2.5 inch by 6.6 inch circuit board leaves space for additional expansion cards in dense chassis
• Easy installation with simple seating, cable attachment, and RAID configuration via Lenovo XClarity or UEFI BIOS
• One-year Lenovo warranty provides added peace of mind for enterprise deployments

Key specs

• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8
• Connector type: Mini SAS HD 36-pin SFF-8643
• Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 10, 5
• Drive compatibility: 12 Gb/s SAS and 6 Gbps SATA
• Maximum throughput: 12 Gb/s
• Dimensions: approximately 2.5 inches by 6.6 inches
• Cache: none (cacheless design)
• Warranty: one year from Lenovo

Connectivity and compatibility

This RAID adapter connects internally via a Mini SAS HD SFF-8643 port, which supports both SAS and SATA drives without requiring hardware changes. Its PCIe 3.0 x8 interface ensures sufficient bandwidth for high-speed data transfers, making it suitable for a variety of server configurations. Lenovo has tested this adapter with Windows Server, leading Linux distributions, and VMware, ensuring reliable operation across common enterprise operating systems.

• Mini SAS HD SFF-8643 port for internal drive connections
• PCIe 3.0 x8 slot interface for high-speed communication
• Compatible with Windows Server, Linux, and VMware platforms

Installation and setup

Installing the adapter is straightforward: simply insert it into a PCIe 3.0 x8 slot, connect your internal SAS or SATA drives using the Mini SAS HD cables, and configure the RAID level through Lenovo XClarity or the server’s UEFI BIOS. The compact size of the card allows it to fit easily in dense server chassis without blocking other expansion slots, making it a practical choice for upgrading or expanding storage capabilities.

Ideal uses and environments

This RAID adapter is well suited to small businesses, branch offices, and labs that require reliable storage management without the complexity of cache maintenance. It works well in setups that demand a balance between performance and data protection, such as virtual machine hosting on VMware or file redundancy for critical data. Its compatibility with multiple operating systems and support for both SAS and SATA drives make it a flexible option for mixed environments.