Fibre Channel HBAs — 8Gb, 16Gb and 32Gb
Fibre Channel host bus adapters connect a server to a SAN. We stock QLogic and Emulex cards, including the Dell, HPE (StoreFabric SN1100Q, SN1200E, SN1610E), IBM and Lenovo branded versions: single, dual and quad port, at 8Gb, 16Gb and 32Gb, in PCIe and blade mezzanine form factors.
Choosing an HBA
- Speed: a Fibre Channel port runs at its own speed and the two generations below it, so a 32Gb card links to 16Gb and 8Gb switches and arrays. Buy for the fabric you have or the one you are moving to.
- Optics: Fibre Channel ports need FC-rated SFP+ transceivers at the matching speed; Ethernet SFP+ modules will not link. Each listing says whether optics are included, and FC transceivers are sold separately.
- Bracket and form factor: check high-profile or low-profile for PCIe cards. Mezzanine cards (QMH2572 for HP BladeSystem, QME2572 for Dell blades) fit blade servers only.
- OEM branding: Dell and HPE branded cards run the server vendor's firmware and appear on that vendor's support lists.
Why Buy Fibre Channel HBAs from PCSP
- OEM and chip part numbers in every title (for example QLE2692, LPe35002).
- 90-day warranty on parts bought on their own, and returns within 90 days of purchase with an RMA.
- Ships fast: in-stock orders ship within 1–2 business days (Monday – Friday), with free ground shipping on orders over $35 to the contiguous United States.
- Spares and volume: several models are in stock in quantity; ask for a quote for a larger order.
Connecting drives inside the server instead? See RAID cards and SAS HBAs. For Ethernet, see network cards.
Quick Answers: Buying from PCSP
What is the difference between a Fibre Channel HBA and a SAS HBA?
A Fibre Channel HBA connects the server to external storage over a SAN through FC switches. A SAS HBA or RAID controller connects drives inside the server or in a directly attached shelf. They are not interchangeable.
Will a 32Gb HBA work with my 16Gb or 8Gb SAN?
Yes. Fibre Channel links negotiate down two generations, so a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb or 8Gb. Use transceivers that support the speed you will run.
Can I use regular SFP+ modules in these cards?
No. The card needs Fibre Channel transceivers rated for its speed. The listing says whether optics are included; if not, add FC optics from our transceiver category.
Do Dell or HPE branded HBAs work in other servers?
They are QLogic or Emulex cards with the server vendor's firmware. They are supported in that vendor's servers; in other systems they generally run with the chip maker's drivers, but check your storage vendor's support list before you rely on one.