Intel RAID Controller PCIe x2 Gen 2 for SATA M.2 SSDs

Overview

The Intel RT3EX020E is a RAID controller card designed to provide data redundancy by mirroring information across two SATA M.2 solid state drives. It connects via a PCIe Gen 2 x2 interface and fits into compact rack servers or small form factor systems thanks to its low-profile MD2 bracket. This controller supports both legacy BIOS and UEFI boot modes, making it versatile for various server environments.

By creating a RAID 1 volume, it ensures that an identical copy of every file is maintained on both drives, allowing continuous operation even if one drive fails. This feature is particularly valuable for setups where uptime is critical, such as branch offices, virtualization hosts, or remote appliances.

Key features

• RAID 1 mirroring that safeguards data by duplicating it across two SATA M.2 SSDs
• Hot swap capability enabling drive replacement without shutting down the system
• Low-profile MD2 form factor that fits neatly into small chassis and rack servers
• Compatibility with both legacy BIOS and UEFI boot modes for flexible deployment
• Driver support for Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, CentOS 7.6, and SLES 15 SP1
• Cache-free design that eliminates the need for battery maintenance, simplifying upkeep

Key specs

• Interface: PCIe Gen 2 x2
• Drive support: Up to two SATA M.2 SSDs
• RAID level: RAID 1 (mirroring)
• Form factor: Low-profile MD2 bracket included
• Boot mode support: Legacy BIOS and UEFI
• Operating system drivers: Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2019, CentOS 7.6, SLES 15 SP1

Connectivity and compatibility

This RAID controller connects through a PCIe Gen 2 x2 slot, providing sufficient bandwidth for two SATA M.2 SSDs. It supports a wide range of server operating systems with available drivers, ensuring smooth integration into existing IT infrastructures. The card’s compatibility with both BIOS and UEFI boot modes allows it to work with various server firmware configurations.

Installation and setup

Installation is straightforward, with the included low-profile MD2 bracket allowing the card to fit into compact server cases or small form factor builds. The absence of onboard cache memory means there is no battery to install or maintain, reducing complexity. Setting up RAID 1 volumes is simple, providing reliable data mirroring without additional configuration overhead.

Ideal uses and environments

This RAID controller is well suited to environments where data protection and uptime are priorities but space and budget are limited. It works well in branch office servers, virtualization hosts, lab servers, and remote appliances that require enterprise-grade stability without the need for extensive hardware resources. Its hot swap capability ensures minimal downtime during drive replacements, making it a strong choice for critical applications.