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The Avago/Broadcom SAS 9305-16e is a 16-port external 12Gb/s SAS host bus adapter (HBA), not a RAID enclosure or a complete storage system. Broadcom documentation confirms its connectors, PCIe requirements and device capabilities, but the claimed CDW Outlet price of $133 plus shipping was not verified. Confirm the exact listing, condition, accessories, shipping, return terms and live stock before buying.
What the 9305-16e does
The card connects a server or workstation’s PCI Express bus to external SAS storage. Broadcom’s user guide describes sixteen lanes of 12Gb/s SAS connectivity matched with eight lanes of PCIe 3.0 performance. It is intended for direct, non-RAID access to disks or SAS enclosures when the host operating system and storage software provide the required management.
The 9305-16e is different from internal-port models such as the 9305-16i and 9305-24i: the “e” model is designed for external connections.
Verified specifications
| Specification | 9305-16e |
|---|---|
| External ports | 16 SAS lanes |
| Connectors | Four SFF-8644 Mini-SAS HD connectors |
| SAS generation | 12Gb/s SAS 3.0 |
| Host interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Advertised throughput | 1,200 MB/s per port in each direction |
| Device scale | Up to 1,024 non-RAID devices, a manufacturer capability rather than a guarantee for every system |
| Card size | 6.6 × 2.7 inches (167.65 × 68.90 mm), low-profile design |
| Typical power | 13.0 W under Broadcom’s stated assumptions: nominal silicon and voltage, all links running maximum I/O, and 25°C ambient |
| Cable support | Passive copper, active copper and active optical cables |
| Brackets | Broadcom lists low-profile and full-height brackets; the outlet listing’s included bracket was not verified |
Will it connect your external SAS enclosure?
Usually, if the enclosure exposes compatible external Mini-SAS HD ports and the host has a suitable PCIe slot. The card’s four SFF-8644 ports must match the enclosure’s connector and lane layout. You also need an appropriate SFF-8644 cable; no cable was confirmed as included with the advertised offer.
#1 Best Overall
Check the host system
- Provide an available PCIe x8-compatible slot. A physically longer slot is not enough if the motherboard allocates lanes differently or disables the slot in a particular configuration.
- Allow clearance for a 6.6-inch card and verify airflow around the HBA.
- Confirm the server’s firmware settings, operating-system support and driver version for the intended platform.
Check the enclosure and cabling
- Match SFF-8644 on the HBA to the enclosure’s external connector.
- Choose cable length and construction—passive copper, active copper or active optical—for the distance and signal requirements.
- Confirm whether the enclosure expects an HBA in initiator mode and whether its disks are presented individually or through enclosure-management hardware.
Firmware and operating-system considerations
Broadcom’s historical guide lists Windows, Linux, Solaris, VMware, FreeBSD and other platforms, but version-specific driver and firmware details must be obtained from the vendor’s support downloads for the actual operating system. Confirm the required firmware mode before deployment, especially if you need disks exposed directly to ZFS, a software RAID layer or another host-managed storage stack.
What the $133 CDW Outlet offer does—and does not—establish
The headline establishes neither a confirmed price nor a confirmed product state. The available information did not verify the $133 amount, shipping charge, condition, included bracket or cables, return coverage, warranty, or current stock.
Rank #2
- ▲ Supports X8 PCI Express 3.0 Host Interface
- ▲ Supports 16 internal 12Gb/s SATA+SAS ports
- ▲ Supports SAS link rates of 3Gb/s, 6Gb/s, and 12Gb/s
- ▲ Provide 4 x4 internal small SAS HD connectors (SFF-8643)
- ▲ Supports up to 1024 SATA or SAS terminal devices
CDW states that Outlet items cannot be back-ordered. Its help information also says products previously sold through CDW Outlet are now sold through GoWholesale. Because outlet inventory and channel policies can change, inspect the exact live listing and checkout terms rather than relying on the headline.
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- Confirm the listing identifies the exact Avago/Broadcom 9305-16e model, not an internal 9305-16i or another HBA.
- Ask whether the card is new, refurbished, used or pulled from a system, and check for photographs or a tested-status description.
- Verify that the required full-height or low-profile bracket is present.
- Confirm whether any SFF-8644 cables, packaging or documentation are included.
- Calculate the delivered total after shipping and tax.
- Read the return window, restocking terms and warranty language for that specific outlet listing.
- Check live stock at checkout; an outlet item that is unavailable cannot be back-ordered.
How to compare it with alternatives
Compare an HBA against alternatives using the attributes that determine compatibility and total cost, not port count alone.
Rank #3
- Supports X8 PCI Express 3.0 Host Interface
- Supports 16 internal 12Gb/s SATA+SAS ports
- Supports SAS link rates of 3Gb/s, 6Gb/s, and 12Gb/s
- Provide 4 x4 internal small SAS HD connectors (SFF-8643)
- The package includes: 9305-16i HBA card * 1, High bracket * 1,Low bracket * 1,8643 SATA cable*4
| Comparison point | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| External versus internal ports | Determines whether the card can reach an external shelf or only internal drive bays. |
| Connector type and count | Must match the enclosure and desired lane breakout. |
| SAS generation and per-port rate | Sets link speed and compatibility expectations. |
| PCIe generation and lane requirement | Determines motherboard compatibility and host-side bandwidth. |
| Cable type and length | Affects signal integrity, reach and delivered cost. |
| Device scale | Manufacturer maximums may not reflect limits imposed by the OS, enclosure, expanders or topology. |
| Firmware and driver support | Controls whether the intended operating system can use the HBA correctly. |
| Card dimensions, bracket and cooling | Determines whether it physically fits and remains stable under load. |
| Total delivered cost and protection | Shipping, returns and warranty can outweigh a low outlet price. |
Bottom line for this deal
The 9305-16e is a capable external SAS HBA on paper: four SFF-8644 connectors, PCIe 3.0 x8, 12Gb/s SAS and support for large non-RAID device populations. It is a sensible match for a compatible external SAS enclosure, but the $133-plus-shipping claim is not independently confirmed here. Buy only after the live seller page confirms model, condition, accessories, delivered price, return terms and stock.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Broadcom host bus adapter serves as a hardware interface for storage devices.
- Ports: PCIe x8 3.0, 4 miniSAS SFF-8643 Ports for up to 16 internal SATA / SAS drives
- The maximum data transfer rate is 12 Gbps.
- The latest IT mode firmware is installed.
- Full and low profile brackets are included.
Rank #4
- The host bus adapter serves as a hardware interface for storage devices.
- Ports: PCIe x8 3.0, 4 miniSAS SFF-8644 Ports for up to 16 external SATA / SAS drives
- The maximum data transfer rate is 12 Gbps.
- The latest IT mode firmware is installed.
- Full and low profile brackets are included.
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.
