Dell PS4000 - EqualLogic Array Controllers; Controller Types and Characteristics

Dell EqualLogic Configuration Guide v11.3
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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
Faceplate
Network
Interfaces
Storage
Type
Notes
Type 1
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1Gb SFP (combo)
SATA
 Original Controller
Design
 PS50 – PS2400
 1GB Cache
Type 2
3 x 1GbaseT
3 x 1Gb SFP (combo)
SATA
 PS50 – PS2400
 1GB Cache
Type 3 SAS
Type 3 SATA
3 x 1GbaseT
SAS
SATA
 PS3000 – PS5000
 1GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix Type 3 SAS
with Type 3 SATA
Type 4
3 x 1GbaseT
SAS
 PS3000 – PS5000
 1GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix Type 3 SAS
with Type 4 controller
Type 5
3 x 1GbaseT
SATA
 PS3000 – PS5000
 1GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix Type 3 SAS
with Type 5 controller
Type 6
3 x 1GbaseT
SATA
 PS5500 only
 2GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
Type 7
4 x 1GbaseT
SAS
SATA
SSD
 PS6000 – PS6500
 2GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix SAS and
SATA drives in same
array
Type 8
2 x1GbaseT
1 x 10/100Mb mgt
SAS
SATA
 PS4000 only
 2GB Cache
 Small Form Factor
 Cannot mix SAS and
SATA drives in same
array