Host Bus Adapter (HBA): The high-performance interface for your enterprise storage infrastructure
Host Bus Adapter Prices
BROADCOM
05-50077-03 BROADCOM 9500-8i 8 Channel PCIe 4.0 x8 Storage Controller
In stock
Supermicro
AOC-S3808L-L8IT-O Supermicro 8 Channel PCIe 4.0 x8 Storage Controller
In stock
BROADCOM
LPE32002-M2 BROADCOM 2 Channel PCIe 3.0 x8 Storage Controller
In stock
Supermicro
AOC-S3816L-L16IT-O Supermicro AOC-S3816L-L16IT 16 Channel PCIe 4.0 x8 Storage Controller
In stock
HPE
R2J63A HPE PCIe 4.0 x8 Server Storage Controller
In stock
BROADCOM
05-50075-01 BROADCOM HBA 9500-8e 8 Channel PCIe 4.0 x8 Storage Controller
In stock
Supermicro
AOC-SLG3-4E4R-O Supermicro 4 Channel PCIe 3.0 x16 Storage Controller
In stock
IN WIN Development
INW-RT04-02 PCIe IN WIN Development INW-RT04-02 4 Channel PCIe 5.0 x16 Storage Controller
In stock
Delock
90091 Delock 2 Channel PCIe 4.0 x8 Storage Controller
In stock
Delock
90777 Delock 4 Channel PCIe 4.0 x16 Storage Controller
In stock
BROADCOM
9500-8I BROADCOM PCIe 4.0 x8 Server Storage Controller
Out of stock
BROADCOM
9500-16E BROADCOM PCIe 4.0 x8 Server Storage Controller
Out of stock
Dell
406-BBEL Dell QLE2562 2 Channel PCIe 2.0 x8 Storage Controller
Out of stock
Supermicro
AOC-S3616L-L16IT-O Supermicro AOC-S3616L-L16IT 16 Channel PCIe 3.0 x16 Storage Controller
Out of stock
BROADCOM
05-50118-00 BROADCOM eHBA 9600-16e 16 Channel PCIe 4.0 x8 Storage Controller
Out of stock
Dell
405-AANM Dell PERC HBA330 PCIe 3.0 x8 Storage Controller
Out of stock
Supermicro
AOC-S3008L-L8E Supermicro 8 Channel PCIe 3.0 x8 Storage Controller
Out of stock
Supermicro
AOC-SLG4-4E4T-O Supermicro 4 Channel PCIe 4.0 x16 Storage Controller
Out of stock
Can't find the right product from "Host Bus Adapter"?
Frequently Asked Questions about Host Bus Adapter Card:
Many SAS-HBAs (especially from Broadcom/LSI) are offered in two firmware variants:
- IT-Mode (Initiator Target): The adapter passes the drives through to the operating system transparently. This is the standard for Software-Defined Storage (ZFS, vSAN, TrueNAS) because the OS retains full control over the hardware.
- IR-Mode (Integrated RAID): The HBA provides rudimentary RAID functions (usually RAID 0, 1, 10). This is useful for simple mirroring of the boot drive without needing a full-fledged RAID controller.
- Internal ports (e.g., SFF-8643): Used to connect backplanes within the server chassis.
- External ports (e.g., SFF-8644): Serve to connect external storage enclosures (JBODs) or tape libraries.
- Advantage of FC: Higher deterministic performance, extremely low latency, and no collisions with regular network traffic.
- Use case: Critical databases and massive virtualization environments in large enterprises.
What is a Host Bus Adapter?
A Host Bus Adapter (HBA) is a specialized expansion card that connects a host computer (usually a data center server or a high-end workstation) with external storage devices or storage fabrics. It acts as a specialized processor responsible for I/O management (Input/Output) and serves as dedicated interface logic for storage I/O.
While standard onboard solutions often reach their limits, dedicated HBAs offer the necessary bandwidth and reliability for professional use. They support protocols such as SATA, SAS (Serial Attached SCSI), and Fibre Channel (FC).
The Key Difference: HBA vs. RAID Controller
For IT buyers and system administrators, distinguishing from a RAID controller is essential:
- HBA (Host Bus Adapter): It functions in what is known as IT mode (Initiator Target). It passes the physical drives directly to the operating system. This is the preferred choice for modern Software-Defined Storage (SDS) solutions like ZFS, VMware vSAN, Microsoft Azure Stack HCI, or CEPH.
- RAID Controller: It has its own processor and cache to manage data redundancy (RAID level) directly at the hardware level.
Tip: If your company relies on software-based storage management, an HBA in SDS environments is the technically sounder choice.
Technology Worlds: Which HBA Fits Your Company?
The choice of the right Host Bus Adapter heavily depends on your existing architecture and your growth plans.
1. SAS/SATA HBAs: The Standard for SMEs and Startups
SAS HBAs are the established standard in the server world. They are ideal for Direct Attached Storage (DAS) scenarios where external JBODs (Just a Bunch of Disks) or tape libraries are connected for data backup.
- Backward Compatibility: A SAS HBA can drive both traditional hard drives and modern server SAS SSDs or cost-effective SATA drives.
- Scalability: With the use of SAS expanders, hundreds of drives can be managed via a single card.
- Performance: With 12Gb/s SAS (and the emerging 24G standard), high throughput rates are possible in suitable storage configurations.
2. Fibre Channel HBAs for Enterprise and Data Center Environments
In business-critical environments where fault tolerance and dedicated performance are top priority, Fibre Channel (FC) is indispensable.
- Low Latency: FC HBAs offer very low, deterministic latencies for Storage Area Networks (SAN).
- Speeds: We offer solutions ranging from 16G to 32G up to 64G Fibre Channel.
- Isolation: As storage traffic runs on a dedicated Fibre Channel network, the overall LAN performance on your Ethernet switch is not affected by large data backups.
3. NVMe-over-Fabrics (NVMe-oF)
For high-end workstations and AI applications, we offer state-of-the-art adapters that transport the NVMe protocol over the network. This represents the current state of the art in storage technology for businesses that do not wish to compromise on the speed and latency of their enterprise NVMe SSDs.
Your Advantages with Server-Hardware
Purchasing server solutions is a matter of trust. Server-hardware combines decades of experience with a deep understanding of B2B customers' needs.
- Tested Compatibility: Nothing is more fatal than incompatibility in the data center. Our technicians validate the HBA cards in a variety of server configurations.
- Partnerships with Technology Leaders: We work closely with manufacturers like Broadcom (LSI), Intel, and Nvidia. You will receive only original goods with a full manufacturer's warranty.
- Individual Configuration: We don't just sell cards; we build solutions. On request, we integrate the chosen HBA directly into your new server system and configure the firmware for your specific use case (e.g., UEFI support or special IT mode).
- Support for Professionals: Our support team speaks your language - from technician to technician. We assist you in choosing the right cables (SFF-8643, SFF-8644, etc.) and transceivers.
Use Cases of HBA for Companies of All Sizes
- For Startups: Cost-effective connection of backup systems and small file servers via SAS HBA.
- For SMBs: Building highly available clusters with Software-Defined Storage (e.g., Proxmox VE or Windows Server).
- For Large Corporations: Scaling global SAN infrastructures with 32G Fibre Channel HBAs for maximum transaction rates.
Which Host Bus Adapter to Buy? Checklist
Before deciding on a model, you should clarify the following factors:
- Bus Interface: Does your server have a free PCIe Gen 4.0 or Gen 3.0 slot?
- Number of Ports: How many internal or external connections do you need? (Typical: 8, 16, or 24 ports).
- Form Factor: Do you need full-height brackets or a low-profile bracket for compact 1U servers?
- Operating System: Is driver support guaranteed for your distribution (e.g., RHEL, Ubuntu Server, VMware ESXi)?
Start into a Powerful Storage Future Now
A Host Bus Adapter forms the central technical foundation for your efficient data communication. Rely on quality, expert advice, and first-class service. At server-hardware.com, you will find server solutions that meet your business needs - from fast shipping from stock to complex project planning.
Optimize your server throughput now. Browse our selection or get personal advice from our experts.