LSI 9202-16e 6Gbps SAS HBA low profile P20 IT mode firmware ZFS TrueNAS unRAID 

Listed for sale are LSI 9202-16e host bus adapters (HBA) cards that I flashed to IT (Initiator Target) firmware version P20 (specifically 20.00.07.00). I also flashed the LSI/Avago MPTSAS2 BIOS ROM version 07.39.02.00 so that it is easier to access the controller's ROM without booting an OS. This is a very special HBA that was never sold directly from LSI (now Avago Technologies / Broadcom), but only sold through OEMs like Dell. This is a ultra high performance HBA with dual SAS2008 chipsets, and a PEX 8632 32-lane PCI-E switch chipset; it was basically the Ferrari of LSI HBAs of its time, able to achieve > 5900MB/sec throughput (using SSD arrays) and > 720,000 4K random read IOPS!

  1. LSI Avago IT mode firmware version P20 (20.00.07.00)
  2. MPTSAS2 BIOS ROM flashed version 07.39.02.00
  3. LSI UEFI ROM flashed version 07.27.01.01
  4. Original SAS address preserved
  5. Low profile bracket only (if you need full profile, see the brackets available in my store)
  6. High performance HBA that can do 5,932MB/s with the right SSDs and tuning!!! Over 720,000 4K random read IOPS!!!! 

These are based on dual LSI SAS2008 SAS controller chipset w/ a 32-lane PCI-E switch (PEX8632) and support PCI-E 2.0 specifications with x16 lanes. Please make sure you have an available x16 (electrical) lane PCI-E slot to fully exploit what this HBA can do. The controller has 4 SFF-8644 connectors, each carrying 4 SAS lanes and support SAS-1, SAS-2, and SATA-II/III, up to 6Gbps connection per drive. You will need a compatible cable to connect these to your external hard drive chassis/JBOD.

These cards are fully tested in my Supermicro server running ZFS on Linux (ZoL), but this setup is also ideal for other ZFS setups, FreeNAS, unRAID, Proxmox VE, etc. I have fully tested them using all 8 SAS lanes.

Not ready to drive the Ferrari of HBAs? Need something a little more tame? Check out the HBA section at my ebay store here for other options.

Feel free to ask any questions.

Why buy from the Art of Server?
  • I can provide technical support if you have problems
  • I'm aware of counterfeit products on the market, and I make every effort to ensure that what I sell are not counterfeit.
  • I ship fast, usually same or next business day!
  • I have a YouTube channel with many helpful videos. Look for "Art of Server" on YouTube. (sorry, I can't link per eBay policy)
  • I fully test the HBAs I sell. See my testing process on YouTube.
  • I clean the server components I sell. You will not receive something covered in dust, or have unwanted stickers/labels, etc. 
  • I ship electronic parts in proper anti-static bags (not the pink stuff) with bubble wrap or foam protection where needed.
  • I am a server enthusiast and IT professional that has worked with many brands of servers and have also built custom servers, not just someone selling computer parts. I love what I do! :-)
  • I've used ZFS for many years. I'm familiar with ZFS on Linux, FreeNAS, and many of the technologies commonly used by other enthusiasts.
  • I love cats. How can you deny my cute, cuddly charm?
Who is the Art of Server?
I'm a cat lover and a server enthusiast. I've operated my own rack of servers at home for almost 20 years. I've helped many friends and strangers with their servers. So, one day, I thought why not offer pre-flashed IT mode / HBA SAS controllers on eBay to help others with their server build? Since then, I've also added other "interesting" items to my eBay store that I think other server/computer enthusiasts would like. Oh, and I love cats. :-)