MobileSTOR MS8X12 8-Bay 12G SAS Expander Tower
The MobileSTOR MS8X12 is a professional-grade 8-bay SAS expander designed for server environments, video editing workflows, and high-performance storage systems requiring massive data throughput. This mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 JBOD tower from Sans Digital delivers enterprise-class expansion capabilities with 48 Gb/s bandwidth, making it ideal for organizations scaling storage infrastructure without replacing core systems. Whether you're managing 4K video production, running virtualized environments, or expanding NAS/SAN capacity, the MS8X12 provides the connectivity and performance needed for demanding applications.
Key Features
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12G SAS expander technology — 48 Gb/s (4,800 MB/s) data bandwidth for maximum throughput
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8-bay 3.5" enclosure — Supports SATA 6Gb/s, SAS 6Gb/s, and 12Gb/s drives
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Mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 connector — Single cable connection for up to 8 drives with simplified cabling
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Backward compatible — Works with 3Gb/s SAS and SATA legacy drives and SSDs
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JBOD tower design — Stackable form factor for flexible deployment in server rooms and studios
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Enterprise-grade reliability — Built on proven technology from Sans Digital's rackmount storage lines
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Hot-swap capable — Add or replace drives without downtime
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Mixed drive support — Combine HDDs and SSDs in the same enclosure
Technical Specifications
| Specification |
Details |
| Manufacturer |
Sans Digital Technology Inc. |
| Model |
MobileSTOR MS8X12 |
| Part Number |
KT-MS8X12 |
| Bay Configuration |
8-bay 3.5" drive enclosure |
| Connector Type |
Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) |
| SAS Generation |
12G SAS expander |
| Maximum Bandwidth |
48 Gb/s (4,800 MB/s) |
| Drive Support |
SATA 6Gb/s, SAS 6Gb/s, SAS 12Gb/s, SSDs and HDDs |
| Backward Compatibility |
3Gb/s SAS and SATA drives |
| Form Factor |
JBOD tower (stackable) |
| Cable Configuration |
Single mini-SAS HD cable for up to 8 drives |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 12G SAS expander and why do I need one?
A 12G SAS expander like the MobileSTOR MS8X12 allows you to connect multiple drives through a single high-bandwidth connection. It's essential for storage expansion in servers, video editing systems, and data centers where you need to add drive capacity without consuming additional controller ports. The 12G technology ensures maximum performance with modern SSDs and enterprise drives.
Can I mix SATA and SAS drives in the MobileSTOR MS8X12?
Yes. The MS8X12 supports both SATA and SAS drives simultaneously, giving you flexibility to combine different drive types based on your performance and capacity needs. You can use SSDs for high-speed access and HDDs for bulk storage in the same enclosure.
How does the mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 connector simplify cabling?
The mini-SAS HD SFF-8644 connector allows a single cable to connect up to 8 drives, dramatically reducing cable clutter compared to individual SATA connections. This simplification improves airflow, reduces installation time, and makes the system more maintainable in dense server environments.
Is the MobileSTOR MS8X12 compatible with older SAS drives?
Absolutely. The MS8X12 is backward compatible with 3Gb/s SAS and SATA drives, so you can integrate legacy storage infrastructure without replacement. This makes it an excellent choice for phased upgrades and mixed-generation storage environments.
