Controllers; Controller Types - Dell PS4000 Configuration Manual

2.3 Controllers

Since the EqualLogic PS Series was introduced, there have been several different array models released
with new features, better performance and greater storage capacity. The storage array controllers
were improved to take advantage of advances in the underlying networking and storage technologies.
2.3.1

Controller Types

Array controllers can be identified and differentiated by the controller "type" designation. Each
controller type will have a different colored label to help quickly identify the controller type. Table 3
lists each Dell EqualLogic controller along with some characteristics about each.
Controller
Type
Type 1
Type 2
Type 3 SAS
Type 3 SATA
Type 4
Type 5
Type 6
Type 7
Type 8
Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3
Faceplate
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1Gb SFP (combo)
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1Gb SFP (combo)
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1GbaseT
4 x 1GbaseT
2 x1GbaseT
1 x 10/100Mb mgt
Network Storage
Interfaces Type
SATA
SATA
SAS
SATA
SAS
SATA
SATA
SAS
SATA
SSD
SAS
SATA
Notes
 Original Controller
Design
 PS50 – PS2400
 1GB Cache
 PS50 – PS2400
 1GB Cache
 PS3000 – PS5000
 1GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix Type 3 SAS
with Type 3 SATA
 PS3000 – PS5000
 1GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix Type 3 SAS
with Type 4 controller
 PS3000 – PS5000
 1GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix Type 3 SAS
with Type 5 controller
 PS5500 only
 2GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 PS6000 – PS6500
 2GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix SAS and
SATA drives in same
array
 PS4000 only
 2GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix SAS and
SATA drives in same
array
4