Host Bus Adapter

Shop Host Bus Adapters by Type

Host Bus Adapters come in a few core types based on protocol and connection style, and picking the right one starts with understanding what each type is built for. Below, we've broken down our range by SAS, Fibre Channel, and internal/external configuration so you can quickly find the card that fits your server or storage setup.

SAS Host Bus Adapters

SAS HBA cards connect SAS and SATA drives directly to a server or storage enclosure. They're the standard choice for direct-attached storage (DAS), RAID-free storage builds, and NAS/ZFS systems that need raw disk access. We carry 6Gb/s and 12Gb/s SAS HBA cards from Broadcom/LSI, HPE, and Dell, including popular models such as the LSI 9300-8i and LSI 9300-16i.

Fibre Channel Host Bus Adapters

Fibre Channel HBAs (FC HBAs) connect a server to a Fibre Channel storage area network (SAN). These are used in enterprise environments that require high-throughput, low-latency storage networking. Our Fibre Channel HBA card range includes 8Gb, 16Gb, and 32Gb FC HBAs from HPE and Emulex, such as the HPE SN1100Q and SN1200E.

Internal vs External HBA Cards

Internal HBAs connect drives housed inside the server chassis, while external HBAs use SFF connectors to link the server to an external storage enclosure or JBOD. Server builders should check available drive bays and enclosure type before selecting internal or external configuration—this is one of the first decisions to make when choosing a host bus adapter.

Host Bus Adapters by Brand

We stock Host Bus Adapters from the manufacturers enterprise IT teams trust most, covering everything from entry-level SAS cards to high-speed Fibre Channel adapters for mission-critical SAN environments. Each listing includes the exact model, part number (MPN/SKU), protocol, speed, port count, and confirmed server compatibility, so you can match the card to your existing hardware with confidence.

• HPE Host Bus Adapters — including the HPE H240, H240ar, H241, and HPE Smart HBA series
• Broadcom / LSI HBA Cards — including the LSI 9300-8i, 9300-16i, and 9305-16i, built on SAS3008 and SAS3216 chipsets
• Dell Host Bus Adapters — SAS HBA cards for Dell PowerEdge servers
• Lenovo ThinkSystem HBA — HBA cards designed for Lenovo server platforms
• Emulex HBA Cards — Fibre Channel HBAs for SAN connectivity
• QLogic HBA Cards — enterprise Fibre Channel and SAS adapters

Each product page lists the exact model, part number (MPN/SKU), protocol, speed, port count, and confirmed server compatibility.

Choose an HBA by Data Transfer Speed

Transfer speed is one of the most important specs when selecting an HBA card, since it needs to match your drives, enclosure, and SAN infrastructure.

• 6Gb/s SAS HBA — entry-level SAS/SATA connectivity for older or budget storage builds
• 12Gb/s SAS HBA — the current standard for high-performance SAS/SATA storage, offering double the throughput of 6Gb/s cards
• 8Gb Fibre Channel HBA — legacy SAN connectivity, still common in older infrastructure
• 16Gb Fibre Channel HBA — widely used for modern enterprise SAN environments
• 32Gb Fibre Channel HBA — the fastest Fibre Channel option, suited to high-throughput, latency-sensitive storage networks

If you're unsure which speed you need, check the specification of your existing SAN switch, storage array, or drive backplane — the HBA speed should match or exceed that of the connected hardware for optimal performance.

HBA Card Compatibility

Before buying a host bus adapter, confirm the following:

1. Server or motherboard model — does the card fit your chassis and PCIe slot?
2. Storage protocol — SAS/SATA or Fibre Channel?
3. Internal or external connection needed?
4. Number of ports — 1, 2, 4, 8, or 16 port configurations available
5. PCIe generation and lane width — e.g., PCIe 3.0 x8
6. Form factor — low profile vs. full height, for compact server chassis
7. Connector type — SFF-8643, SFF-8644, and similar SAS connectors
8. Firmware mode — HBA/IT mode required for ZFS, TrueNAS, FreeNAS, or Unraid setups

HBA vs RAID Controller: What's the Difference?

Host bus adapters and RAID controllers are related, but not the same product, and it's a common point of confusion when shopping for storage adapters.

How to Choose the Right Host Bus Adapter

1. Confirm your protocol — SAS/SATA for direct-attached storage, Fibre Channel for SAN.
2. Check server/motherboard compatibility — PCIe interface, generation, and physical slot size.
3. Decide internal or external — based on where your drives or enclosure are located.
4. Match port count to your drives — more ports support more simultaneous drive connections.
5. Match transfer speed to your drives, backplane, or SAN switch.
6. Confirm connector type for your cables and backplane.
7. Check firmware/mode — IT mode for ZFS/TrueNAS/Unraid, RAID mode for hardware RAID.
8. Review condition and warranty — new, refurbished, or used, with clear warranty terms.

Need Help Finding the Right Host Bus Adapter?

Not sure which SAS or Fibre Channel HBA fits your server or storage setup? Our team can confirm compatibility, speed, and port configuration before you order — so you get the right card the first time.

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FAQs

What is a Host Bus Adapter (HBA) used for?

An HBA connects a server to storage devices or a storage network, allowing the server's operating system to communicate with drives, storage enclosures, or SAN systems.

What's the difference between a SAS HBA and a Fibre Channel HBA?

A SAS HBA connects directly attached SAS/SATA drives, while a Fibre Channel HBA connects a server to a Fibre Channel SAN for enterprise storage networking.

Do I need an internal or external HBA card?

Choose an internal HBA if your drives sit inside the server chassis. Choose an external HBA if you're connecting to a separate storage enclosure or JBOD.

How do I check if an HBA card is compatible with my server?

Check the compatible server models listed on each product page, confirm the PCIe slot and form factor match your chassis, and verify the connector type matches your backplane or cables.