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Server HBA vs RAID Controller: Which Do You Need?

HBAs and RAID controllers both connect drives, but serve different purposes. Choose wrong and you lose either performance or data protection.

When to Use Each

FeatureHBA (IT Mode)RAID Controller
Drive PresentationIndividual (JBOD)Virtual disks (arrays)
Best ForZFS, Ceph, software RAIDHardware RAID 5/6/10
CacheNone1-8GB with BBU
PerformanceCPU handles parityController handles parity

HBA cross-reference | RAID controller cross-reference

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