Newer Technology Announces MAXPower RAID mini-SAS 6Gb/s Controller Cards For Doubling Mac And PC Data Transfer Rates

MAXPower RAID mini-SAS Photo: http://www.newertech.com/images/pr/PR_MAXPowermini-SAS .jpg

September 22, 2011, Woodstock, IL -- Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech®) http://www.newertech.com, a leading developer of Macintosh®, PC, iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad® performance upgrades and accessories, announced today its MAXPower® RAID mini-SAS controller card line. Available in a choice of two external ports or one internal/one external port configurations, the MAXPower RAID mini-SAS cards provide full data transfer of four drives through a single cable connection for up to twice the data transfer speed offered by the SATA 2.0 (3Gb/s) data bus. Available now, both versions of the MAXPower RAID mini-SAS controller card have an MSRP of $299.99.

mini-SAS: More Lanes = Faster Speed
Just like a four-lane highway offers the fastest vehicle traffic flow, mini-SAS offers more "lanes" for data to travel at higher speeds. This interface offers the convenience of a one-cable connection but provides four separate channels so each drive can deliver its maximum data transfer rate. Now, with a MAXPower RAID mini-SAS controller card, one or more mini-SAS equipped external storage enclosures like the OWC Mercury Rack Pro can be utilized for greater speed, protection, or both; compared to single-channel, multi-drive eSATA RAID or eSATA Port Multiplier solutions.

Two Models Available
The MAXPower RAID mini-SAS 6G-2e card features two external mini-SAS ports that enable connecting and RAIDing multi-drive mini-SAS external enclosures or up to eight eSATA external enclosures via mini-SAS to eSATA breakout cables. For Mac and PC users who want to connect and RAID both external enclosures as well as internal drives, the MAXPower RAID mini-SAS 6G-1e1i card features one external mini-SAS port and one internal mini-SAS port.

RAID Manager for Easy Array Management
The MAXPower RAID mini-SAS controller cards come complete with an easy-to-use, web browser-based utility that automatically logs all events that occur--from minor issues like inconsistent data to major issues like a failed drive. The built-in scheduling system offers quick convenience in setting up RAID arrays, managing connected drives, viewing storage health status and reviewing information about connected storage.

Key Features & Specifications

• High-speed PCIe 2.0 x8 bandwidth for up to 4GB/s data throughput (PCIe 1.0-compatible with reduced speed)
• Two mini-SAS ports:
  • 1 x SFF-8088 external and 1 x SFF-8087 internal mini-SAS port (6G-1e1i model)
  • 2 x SFF-8088 external mini-SAS ports (6G-2e model)
• SAS Expander support for connecting up to 128 SAS/SATA devices
• Multiple RAID level support: 0/1/5/10/50 and JBOD
• Hot plug and hot swap drive and solution support
• Automatic device pass-through to OS
• Easy-to-use browser-based NewerTech RAID Manager interface
• Storage Health Inspector (SHI) for monitoring and setting up reports, even via email, of array drives
• Compatible with SAS- and SATA-based hard drives and SSDs

"The MAXPower RAID mini-SAS controller cards offer the ultimate blend of performance and value in a PCIe mini-SAS RAID card," said Grant Dahlke, Brand Manager, Newer Technology Inc. "Now Mac and PC owners can experience data transfer rate performance rivaling that of PCIe mini-SAS RAID cards that cost hundreds more."

Price, Availability The Newer Technology MAXPower RAID mini-SAS 6G-2e and 6G-1e1i controller cards are available from Newer Technology's exclusive distributor, Other World Computing (OWC®), and through other leading retailers. Backed by a 3-year Newer Technology warranty, OWC is offering both versions of the controller card for $279.99 each. For additional details on the controller cards and reseller inquiries, visit: http://www.newertech.com/products/hddacc.php. For more information on NewerTech's complete line of accessories and upgrades for Macs, PCs, and iOS devices, visit: http://www.newertech.com/products.

About Newer Technology, Inc.
Since 1984, Newer Technology, Inc. (NewerTech) has been recognized as the leading developer of performance upgrades and accessories for Macintosh and PC computers, iPods, iPhones, and iPads. NewerTech is headquartered in Woodstock, Illinois. Dealer inquiries are welcome by calling 815-308-7001 or by emailing sales@newertech.com.

Contact: Grant Dahlke
Newer Technology
(815) 333-5014
grant@newertech.com