INTEL INTEL RAID MODULE RMS3AC160 947032, Single Integral RMS3AC160, SAS, SATA, PCI Express X8, 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, JBOD, 2000 MB, 12 GBIT/S, AXXRMFBU6
Intel (5032037081337 / RMS3AC160947032) - Built-in processor - Linux operating systems supported - Windows operating systems supported - Compatible operating systems: Windows, Linux, Solaris, VMware - RAID levels: 0, 1, 10, 5, 50, 6, 60
Stores where to buy this product
Similar products
Intel Integrated RAID Module RMS3AC160
The Intel Integrated RAID Module RMS3AC160 is a high‑performance storage controller designed for enterprise and mainstream server environments. Launched in Q4 2016, this module delivers robust data protection, rapid throughput, and flexible configuration options that cater to demanding workloads.
Key Technical Highlights
- Host Interface: PCI Express x8 Gen3 (PCIe 3.0) – providing a maximum theoretical bandwidth of 12 Gbit/s.
- Internal Memory: 2000 MB DDR4 – enabling efficient caching and buffering for high I/O operations.
- Supported Drive Interfaces: SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) – allowing mixed‑media arrays.
- Port Count: 16 internal ports, vertically oriented, supporting up to 240 devices.
- RAID Levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 – plus JBOD for flexible storage strategies.
- Processor: Built‑in LSISAS3316 – ensuring low latency and high throughput without external CPU involvement.
- Form Factor: Storage Connector Module – compact design suitable for rack‑mount servers.
Advanced Features & Enhancements
The RMS3AC160 incorporates several advanced capabilities that elevate its reliability and manageability:
- RAID Switch (SIOM): Seamless switching between RAID configurations without downtime.
- Shock Resistance: Designed to withstand physical impacts, ideal for mobile or harsh environments.
- Optional Maintenance Free Backup Unit (AXXRMFBU6): Provides automated backup and recovery options.
- Premium Feature Upgrade Keys: Unlock additional functionalities such as advanced monitoring and diagnostics.
- Export Control Classification Number (ECCN): 5A992C – compliant with international trade regulations.
- Commodity Classification Automated Tracking System (CCATS): 740.17B1 – facilitating customs clearance.
Operating System Compatibility
The module is engineered to operate seamlessly across a broad spectrum of operating systems:
- Windows Server – full driver support for all RAID levels.
- Linux Distributions – kernel modules available for both SAS and SATA devices.
- Solaris – optimized drivers ensuring high throughput on SPARC servers.
- VMware ESXi – virtualized environments benefit from the module’s low‑latency performance.
Market Positioning & Target Segments
The RMS3AC160 is positioned for server (SRV) and Mainstream markets. Its blend of high capacity, versatile RAID options, and robust build quality makes it suitable for:
- Enterprise Data Centers – handling large volumes of transactional data.
- Virtualization Platforms – delivering consistent I/O performance to virtual machines.
- High‑Availability Clusters – leveraging RAID 6 and 60 for fault tolerance.
- Backup & Archival Solutions – utilizing JBOD mode for cost‑effective storage pools.
Physical Design & Build Quality
The module features a sleek black chassis with magnetic closure, ensuring secure installation in rack environments. Its vertical connector orientation aligns with standard server bays, and the compact form factor reduces footprint while maintaining high port density.
Performance Metrics
- Maximum Data Transfer Rate: 12 Gbit/s – enabling rapid read/write operations across all supported RAID levels.
- Latency: Sub‑millisecond response times due to integrated processing and caching.
- Throughput Scaling: Linear scaling with additional drives, thanks to efficient bandwidth allocation across the 16 ports.
Installation & Configuration Workflow
- Insert the RMS3AC160 into a PCIe x8 slot on your server motherboard.
- Connect SAS/SATA drives to the internal ports, ensuring proper cable management.
- Power on the system and load the Intel RAID driver appropriate for your operating system.
- Use Intel’s RAID configuration utility (or compatible third‑party tools) to create desired arrays – selecting from RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, or JBOD.
- Enable optional features such as the Maintenance Free Backup Unit via the driver interface.
Reliability & Support Considerations
The module’s shock‑resistant construction and built‑in processor reduce failure points. Intel’s extensive support ecosystem provides firmware updates, diagnostic tools, and detailed documentation to maintain optimal performance over the device’s lifecycle.
Conclusion
With its combination of high throughput, versatile RAID capabilities, robust build, and broad OS compatibility, the Intel Integrated RAID Module RMS3AC160 stands out as a premier choice for organizations seeking reliable, scalable storage solutions. Its thoughtful design ensures that both enterprise and mainstream deployments can achieve efficient data protection and rapid access to critical information.
| This product in Comparor | |
|---|---|
|
Category
This product is cataloged in our store in these categories
|
- RAID controllers for PC |
|
International
Find this product in one of our international stores
|
|
| Colors
Predominant colors of the product |
|
| Tags | Intel Intel |
| Identifiers | |
| Brand | ![]() Intel is a computer chip manufacturer that also produces motherboard chipsets, network interface controllers and other integrated circuits. It is the world's largest semiconductor company. |
| MPN | Intel RMS3AC160947032 |
| Model | Intel RMS3AC160947032 |
| ID | 13719588 |
| Dimensions / Weight | |
| Key Features | |
|
Additional features A comma‑separated list of extra functions or characteristics that a product offers, such as special modes, connectivity options, or unique technical capabilities. The values are typically short phrases and may include multiple items for a single product.
|
Support for optional Maintenance Free Backup Unit and Premium Feature upgrade keys. |
|
Built-in processor Indicates whether the product contains a built‑in central processing unit (CPU) that can execute instructions without requiring an external processor module. A value of "Yes" means the device has such a CPU; "No" means it does not.
|
Yes |
|
Compatible operating systems List of operating systems that the product can run or support, including specific versions and architectures when relevant. Each value represents a distinct OS that is compatible with the hardware or software.
|
Windows, Linux, Solaris, VMware |
|
Data transfer rate The maximum theoretical speed at which a device can send or receive data, expressed in bits per second (bps) or its multiples such as kbps, mbps, gbps, etc. It represents the upper bound of throughput under optimal conditions and is useful for comparing performance across devices and interfaces.
|
12 Gbit/s |
|
Form Factor Specifies the physical configuration or design of a product, such as ATX, Micro‑ATX, Mini‑ITX, tower, case with cover, etc. It describes how the device is built and what mounting or expansion options it supports.
|
Storage Connector Module |
|
Host interface List of physical or logical interfaces that allow communication between a host device and other components, such as USB, PCI Express, SATA, M.2, Ethernet, Thunderbolt, or similar standards.
|
PCI Express x8 |
|
Internal memory The total amount of internal memory available in a device, expressed as a data size such as megabytes (MB) or gigabytes (GB). It indicates how much information the component can hold for active processes and affects multitasking performance.
|
2000 MB |
|
Launch date The calendar date on which a product was first made available to the public or released for sale. It is expressed in the format YYYY-MM-DD and can be used to filter, sort, or display the launch timeline of the item.
|
Q4'16 |
|
Linux operating systems supported List of Linux operating systems that the product is compatible with, including specific versions and architectures when relevant. Each value represents a distinct Linux distribution or kernel version supported by the hardware or software.
|
Yes |
|
Market segment The target market segment for a product, such as "Business", "Home", or "Small‑medium business". This attribute helps customers quickly identify the intended user group and typical use case of the item.
|
SRV |
|
Number of devices supported The total count of individual devices that the product can accommodate or operate with simultaneously. This value indicates how many separate units—such as computers, peripherals, or other hardware components—can be connected to or managed by the product at once.
|
240 |
|
PCI Express slots version The version of the PCI Express specification supported by a device or component. It indicates the maximum bandwidth and compatibility with PCIe devices such as graphics cards, storage controllers, and expansion cards. The value is typically expressed as a numeric revision (e.g., 2.0, 3.0, 4.0) but may also include descriptive labels for specific generations.
|
3.0 |
|
Product Type Indicates the general classification or type of an item, such as "laptop", "projector", "router" or "paint". It helps users quickly identify the nature of the product and compare similar items across categories.
|
RAID |
| RAID ARK ID | 91066 |
|
RAID levels A comma‑separated list that specifies the RAID configurations supported by a storage controller or device. Each entry can be a numeric level (e.g., 0, 1, 5, 10) or a special label such as JBOD. This attribute indicates which disk arrangements the system can manage.
|
0, 1, 10, 5, 50, 6, 60 |
| Status | Launched |
|
Supported storage drive interfaces List of physical or logical interfaces that allow an internal storage drive to communicate with the system, such as SATA, M.2 PCIe, U.2, SAS, NVMe, or other standard connections.
|
SAS,Serial ATA |
|
Windows operating systems supported A list of Microsoft Windows operating system versions that the product is compatible with, including any relevant architecture or edition information.
|
Yes |

