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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →The 9400-8i is a Broadcom Tri-Mode HBA—not the MegaRAID 9440-8i RAID controller. It connects SAS, SATA and supported NVMe storage, but the right cables and backplane matter. The listing title’s “$44 + $10 Shipping” is unverified; its current price, condition, seller and included accessories are not established.
What the Broadcom 9400-8i is
Broadcom identifies the 9400-8i as a host bus adapter (HBA) in its 9400 Series. Its product brief, dated November 8, 2019, specifies eight internal ports, two x4 SFF-8643 connectors and a PCIe 3.1 x8 host interface. Broadcom’s 9400-8i product brief describes its hardware specifications.
The listing’s use of “RAID” does not make this the MegaRAID 9440-8i. Broadcom lists the 9400-8i HBA and 9440-8i MegaRAID model separately in its 94xx user guide. Confirm the exact model printed on the card or its label before buying; the model name determines which product you are evaluating.
Supported drives and interface rates
Tri-Mode refers to the storage interfaces the 9400 Series can support: SAS, SATA and PCIe/NVMe. Broadcom’s 94xx user guide lists these per-lane rates:
#1 Best Overall
- The host bus adapter serves as a hardware interface for storage devices.
- Ports: PCIe x8 3.1, 2 miniSAS SFF-8643 Ports for up to 8 internal SATA / SAS drives
- The maximum data transfer rate is 12 Gbps.
- P24 IT mode firmware (SAS and SATA Profile) is installed.
- Full and low profile brackets are included.
| Drive interface | Listed rates |
|---|---|
| SAS | 12, 6 or 3 Gb/s per lane |
| SATA | 6 or 3 Gb/s per lane |
| PCIe/NVMe | 8, 5 or 2.5 GT/s per lane |
These are interface rates from Broadcom’s family guide, not a promise of a drive’s real-world throughput. SAS and SATA rates are stated in Gb/s; PCIe/NVMe rates are stated in GT/s, a different unit.
Check slot, backplane and cable compatibility
The card needs an x8 PCIe slot. For SAS or SATA drives, Broadcom specifies standard internal 12Gb/s SAS cables. For NVMe, it requires an appropriate U.2 enabler cable selected for the backplane connection. The connector and cable path must match the system; the word “Tri-Mode” alone does not establish that a particular chassis or backplane is compatible.
Rank #2
- HBA 9500-8i 05-50077-03 12Gbps/SAS 6Gbps/SATA PCIe 4.0 ONE SlimSAS SFF-8654
- Hardware interface SAS Style Classic UPC 749838495144
Broadcom’s HBA 9400-16i and HBA 9400-8i Quick Installation Guide, dated September 1, 2017, warns: “Using standard 12Gb/s SAS cables for NVMe connections might result in damage to the PCIe adapter or the drive.” Do not use a standard SAS cable for an NVMe connection.
What to verify in the listing
The marketplace page associated with the title could not be verified, so the stated $44 price and $10 shipping are unconfirmed offer terms—not a current or guaranteed total. The seller, stock, card condition, warranty, bracket, cables and other included accessories are also not established.
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Rank #3
- Compatible with: LSI 9300-8i; Controller: LSI/Broadcom SAS3008 (12Gb/s SAS)
- Firmware (FW): HBA IT Mode (Non-RAID); Data Transfer Rate: up to 12Gbps SAS, SATA 6Gbps
- Host Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8; Internal Connectors: 2× Mini-SAS HD SFF-8643. --Direct attach up to 8 drives, and expand via external SAS Expander for large arrays
- PERFECT FOR: ZFS, FreeNAS/TrueNAS, unRAID, Proxmox, ESXi home-lab & NAS storage
- Packing List: HBA Card ×1; 2× SFF-8643 to 4× SATA cables (8× SATA ends). --Cables in box are for SATA drives. They are not compatible with SAS drives. To connect SAS drives, use SFF-8643 to 8482 SAS cables (sold separately) or our matched HBA + cable kit.
- Confirm the card is specifically a Broadcom 9400-8i, not a 9440-8i or another model.
- Check that the host has a compatible x8 PCIe slot and enough physical clearance for the card and bracket.
- Identify whether the intended drives are SAS, SATA or NVMe, then verify the backplane connectors and required cable type.
- Ask what is included. Do not assume the listing supplies the required cables, bracket or a complete installation kit.
- Verify the seller’s current price, shipping, condition, return terms and warranty directly on the live offer.
When the 9400-8i may fit
It is a candidate when a system needs an internal, eight-port Tri-Mode HBA and has the appropriate PCIe slot, drive connections and cabling. If you specifically need the distinct MegaRAID 9440-8i, or your chassis lacks a compatible backplane or cable path, this HBA is not a substitute simply because a listing calls it a RAID card.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Ports: PCIe 8x 3.1, 2x miniSAS SFF-8643 for up to 8 SATA / SAS drives internal
- The maximum data transfer rate is 12Gbps.
- Full & low profile brackets for installation are included.
- The latest IT mode firmware is installed.
- Alternatively labeled as: 9400-8i, 430-8i, 7Y37A01088
Rank #4
- RAID Controllers
- Lsi 9400-8I Array Card Sas3408 Pcie3.1X8 (Nvme) 12Gb/S Hba Direct Attached Card U. 2
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
