HighPoint Low-Profile bootable NVMe RAID Controller

Introducing the HighPoint Low-Profile bootable NVMe RAID Controller — a compact, high-performance storage expansion designed for Linux and Windows environments. This low-profile, PCIe-based solution is engineered for tight spaces in 1U and 2U servers and workstations, delivering fast boot and data access without sacrificing room for other components. With a dedicated PCIe 3.0 x8 bus and support for up to two off-the-shelf M.2 NVMe SSDs, it enables flexible configurations from high-speed boot drives to robust, redundant storage arrays in compact server footprints.

Designed for IT professionals who need maximum resiliency and speed in small-form-factor systems, this controller combines enterprise-grade NVMe performance with flexible RAID options. It helps shorten OS boot times, accelerates application loading, and improves storage reliability in dense compute environments where space, power efficiency, and manageability matter most.

• Compact, low-profile design engineered for tight server environments — fits into 1U and 2U chassis with a dedicated PCIe 3.0 x8 bus ensuring stable, predictable bandwidth for bootable NVMe operations.
• Drive compatibility and choices — supports up to two off-the-shelf M.2 NVMe SSDs, spanning MLC, TLC, and QLC NAND, allowing you to mix and match capacities and endurance to fit your workload and budget.
• Bootable NVMe RAID for Linux and Windows — optimized to deliver fast OS boot times and responsive application performance, leveraging both RAID 0 for speed and RAID 1 for redundancy as needed.
• Flexible array configurations — RAID 0 for performance acceleration, RAID 1 for data protection, and a single-disk mode for simple setups — all managed through the on-card firmware and BIOS utility.
• Broad compatibility and expansion — supports PCIe x8 and x16 motherboards, enabling straightforward integration into a wide range of servers and workstations while preserving dedicated bandwidth for NVMe storage.

Technical Details of HighPoint Low-Profile bootable NVMe RAID Controller

• Form factor: Low-profile PCIe add-in card designed for compact servers and workstations; fits standard 1U/2U chassis with a single-slot height.
• Interface: Dedicated PCIe 3.0 x8 bus bandwidth to the host motherboard, delivering consistent data transfer rates for boot and storage I/O.
• Drive support: Accommodates up to two M.2 NVMe SSDs from common NAND types (MLC, TLC, QLC) to suit performance and endurance requirements.
• RAID capabilities: Supports RAID 0 (striping) for maximum throughput, RAID 1 (mirroring) for redundancy, and a single-disk configuration for non-RAID use cases.
• Boot and OS support: Bootable NVMe solution compatible with Linux and Windows environments, enabling direct OS boot from the NVMe array.
• Slot compatibility: Compatible with PCIe x8 and x16 motherboard slots, preserving flexibility for diverse server configurations.

how to install HighPoint Low-Profile bootable NVMe RAID Controller

Follow these steps to install and configure the controller in your system for fast, bootable NVMe storage.

• Power down the system, unplug from power, and discharge any static electricity before handling components.
• Open the chassis and locate a compatible PCIe slot (x8 or x16). Insert the HighPoint card firmly into the slot and secure the bracket to the chassis.
• Install two M.2 NVMe SSDs into the card’s drive sockets, ensuring each drive is seated properly and secured with the provided fasteners.
• Power on and enter the system BIOS/UEFI. Confirm the card is detected, then configure the on-board firmware to set the NVMe drives as a bootable array or as a RAID set (RAID 0 or RAID 1) according to your needs.
• Install your operating system (Linux or Windows) onto the desired NVMe array, or configure boot order to boot from the NVMe boot drive. If required, install any vendor drivers or firmware updates from the system BIOS or OS after installation.

Frequently asked questions

• Is the HighPoint Low-Profile bootable NVMe RAID Controller bootable? Yes. It is designed as a bootable NVMe solution for both Linux and Windows.
• How many NVMe drives does it support? It supports up to two off-the-shelf M.2 NVMe SSDs (MLC, TLC, and QLC supported).
• What RAID levels are available? RAID 0 for performance, RAID 1 for redundancy, and a single-disk mode for simple setups.
• What systems is it compatible with? It is compatible with Linux and Windows operating systems and fits PCIe x8/x16 motherboards in low-profile form factors for 1U/2U servers.
• Do I need special tools or drivers? The card uses standard BIOS/firmware utilities and OS drivers provided by HighPoint and motherboard vendors; installation typically does not require external tools beyond the usual OS installation process.