Dell EqualLogic Controller Models Gen1

Dell EqualLogic Controller Models 1st Gen

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Dell EqualLogic’s first-generation storage arrays, powered by their innovative controllers, laid the foundation for the company’s reputation in delivering high-performance, scalable, and reliable storage solutions. These controllers, identified by types 1 through 8, correspond to specific model numbers and were designed to meet a range of storage needs. Here, we detail the different controller models that powered Dell EqualLogic storage arrays in their first generation.

Controller Models

Type 1 Controllers (PS50, PS100 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS50, PS100
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 3 x 1GbaseT
    • 3 x 1Gb SFP
  • Storage Type: SATA
  • Cache: 1GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Gray
  • Maximum Drive Quantity: 14 – SATA
  • Overview: Ideal for small-to-medium iSCSI protocols, the Type 1 Controller provides outstanding value with a low TCO, advanced data protection, and high performance.

Type 2 Controllers (PS50, PS100 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS50, PS100
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 3 x 1GbaseT
    • 3 x 1Gb SFP
  • Storage Type: SATA
  • Cache: 1GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Blue
  • Maximum Drive Quantity: 14 – SATA
  • Overview: The Type 2 Controller, similar to Type 1 but with a blue faceplate, offers improved chassis design, more memory, and enhanced performance.

Type 3 Controllers (PS3000 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS3000, PS3800XV, PS3900XV
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 3 x 1GbaseT
  • Storage Type: SAS, SATA
  • Cache: 1GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Blue
  • Maximum Drive Quantity: 16 SAS, 16 SATA
  • Note: Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with Type 3 SATA.
  • Overview: The Type 3 Controller is built on advanced peer storage architecture, offering self-optimization and automated load balancing.

Type 4 Controllers (PS3000, PS5000 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS5000X, PS5000XV, PS3000X, PS3000XV
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 3 x 1GbaseT
  • Storage Type: SAS, SATA
  • Cache: 1GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Gray
  • Maximum Drive Quantity: 16 – SAS
  • Note: Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with Type 4 controller.
  • Overview: The Type 4 Controller provides enhanced scalability and performance for virtualization and business applications.

Type 5 Controllers (PS5000, PS3000 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS5000E, PS3000E
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 3 x 1GbaseT
  • Storage Type: SATA
  • Cache: 1GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Olive
  • Maximum Drive Quantity: 16 – SATA
  • Note: Cannot mix Type 3 SAS with Type 5 controller.
  • Overview: The Type 5 Controller offers advanced data protection and low TCO, ideal for SATA storage needs in small data centers.

Type 6 Controllers (PS5500 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS5500
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 3 x 1GbaseT
  • Storage Type: SATA
  • Cache: 2GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Gray with Brown Stripe
  • Maximum Drive Quantity: 48 – SATA
  • Overview: The Type 6 Controller provides powerful performance and scalability for high-capacity SATA storage environments.

Type 7 Controllers (PS6000, PS6500 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS6000, PS6500
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 4 x 1GbaseT
  • Storage Type: SAS, SATA, SSD
  • Cache: 2GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Green
  • Maximum Drive Quantity:
    • 48 – SAS, SATA (PS6500)
    • 16 – SAS, SATA, SSD (PS6000)
  • Note: Cannot mix SAS and SATA drives in the same array.
  • Overview: The Type 7 Controller is ideal for virtualization, offering advanced peer storage architecture and self-optimization.

Type 8 Controllers (PS4000 Series)

  • Model Numbers: PS4000
  • Network Interfaces:
    • 2 x 1GbaseT
  • Storage Type: SAS, SATA
  • Cache: 2GB Cache
  • Faceplate: Purple
  • Maximum Drive Quantity:
    • 16 – SAS
    • 16 – SATA
  • Note: Cannot mix SAS and SATA drives in the same array.
  • Overview: The Type 8 Controller provides enhanced performance and scalability for small to medium data centers, with advanced data protection and load balancing.

Management and Support

All Dell EqualLogic first-generation controllers are supported by comprehensive management and support tools:

  • EqualLogic Group Manager: Provides a unified interface for managing all EqualLogic arrays within a SAN, simplifying administrative tasks and improving visibility.
  • SAN Headquarters (SAN HQ): A performance monitoring tool that provides real-time insights and historical reporting on the performance and health of EqualLogic storage environments.
  • Automated Tiering: Ensures that data is automatically moved to the most appropriate storage tier based on usage patterns, optimizing performance and cost-efficiency.

Conclusion

Dell EqualLogic’s first-generation controllers—types 1 through 8—have laid the foundation for enterprise storage solutions with their intelligent automation, seamless scalability, high performance, and robust data protection. These controllers empowered organizations to effectively manage and scale their data environments, ensuring they could meet evolving business needs with confidence and efficiency. The legacy of these controllers continues to influence the development of future storage technologies, underscoring Dell EqualLogic’s commitment to innovation and excellence in data management solutions.

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