BROADCOM 9400-16e PCIe Internal Host Adapter — SAS/SATA, Low-profile, Passive Cooling, 12 Gbit/s

The BROADCOM 9400-16e PCIe Internal Host Adapter is a low-profile, passively cooled SAS/SATA controller designed for servers and workstations that require high-density storage connectivity. Supporting up to 12 Gbit/s per port and a Tri-Mode architecture for SAS and SATA devices, this adapter targets large-scale external storage enclosures and data center environments where increased bandwidth and improved IOPS over previous generations are needed. It connects via a PCIe host interface and is intended for internal installation in compatible systems.

Advantages

The adapter provides multi-protocol support for SAS and SATA devices at up to 12 Gbit/s per port while maintaining a low-profile form factor suitable for many server and workstation chassis. Passive cooling reduces moving parts and potential points of failure, and the card’s reported high MTBF supports continuous operation in demanding environments. Broad OS compatibility, including VMware ESX/ESXi series, and a typical power draw around 11.18 W make it suitable for integration into power-managed infrastructures.

Suitable for

• High-density server and workstation builds requiring internal SAS/SATA connectivity
• Data center deployments using large external storage enclosures
• Virtualized environments using VMware ESX/ESXi and similar platforms
• Applications that benefit from increased bandwidth and improved IOPS

When it may not be suitable

This adapter is not intended for use as an external plug-and-play device; it is designed for internal PCIe installation in systems that accept low-profile cards. Because it uses passive cooling, installations that lack adequate chassis airflow or operate in high-temperature environments may experience thermal limitations compared with actively cooled alternatives. The card does not include external cables or enclosures, so system-level compatibility and cabling must be planned separately.

Key specifications

• Host interface: PCIe (internal)
• Supported protocols: SAS and SATA (Tri-Mode)
• Maximum link rate: up to 12 Gbit/s per port
• Form factor: low-profile PCIe card
• Cooling: passive (no active fan)
• Typical power consumption: approximately 11.18 W
• Reliability: high MTBF (~4,500,000 hours)

How to use

Install the BROADCOM 9400-16e into an available low-profile PCIe slot on a powered-off system according to the server or workstation manufacturer’s service instructions. Secure the card in place, connect the appropriate SAS or SATA cables from the adapter’s internal connectors to the target storage backplane or drive cage, and ensure adequate chassis airflow for passive cooling. After physical installation, boot the system and install or verify compatible drivers and firmware for the operating system in use; Broadcom provides drivers for a range of server OSes including VMware ESX/ESXi series.

What to consider before purchase

• Confirm the target system has an available low-profile PCIe slot and physical space for internal cabling
• Verify compatibility with your server OS and that required drivers/firmware are available
• Plan for proper chassis airflow because the card relies on passive cooling
• Ensure the adapter’s SAS/SATA topology matches your external enclosure or backplane requirements

Recommendations

Use the BROADCOM 9400-16e in systems with verified airflow and appropriate drive enclosures, pair it with tested cables and firmware revisions, and integrate it into storage solutions where increased bandwidth and IOPS are required for virtualization, database, or large-scale archive workloads.