I’ve finally decided to buy an LSI HBA card.

Initially, I felt completely overwhelmed by the many different models. In the end, I narrowed my choice down to two options: the 9207-8i and the 9500-8i.

Now that I’ve chosen the 9500-8i, I started browsing eBay for listings—“Art of Server” naturally came to mind.

But I’m trying to understand: what’s the difference between his card (“Art of Server”) and those offered from China? Apart from the price, I can’t spot the difference.

Art of Server: https://www.ebay.com/itm/166743234151?pfm=0
China: https://www.ebay.at/itm/197320111672

Edited September 12, 2025Sep 12 by joker1319

Art of server flashes the cards into IT mode to enable you to use it for Unraid etc.

This may not be the case for the Chinese versions, leaving you to try to flash the card yourself!

I bought my card from Art of Server and have not had any trouble!

Chinese sellers are notoriously known for selling fake LSI controllers, which is why they're always cheaper. That being said, a fake card can work just as good, but they can be manufactured with poor component quality. Another reason for them being cheaper is that almost everything in electronics from China ships for free. But as long as you buy from a seller with a high score, you should be good.

The card from China even has the Broadcom chip, and I can’t see any differences (prints, layout, heatsink, etc.) between the Chinese version and Art of Server.

The seller on eBay has been active since 2015 and has 25,000 sales.

Then go for it :)

What made you @joker1319 chose the 9500 over the 9200? The 9500 seems substantially more expensive. From what I see online, it seems the 9500 also supports NVME devices (which I don't need). Any other advantage beyond newer always feels better?

4 hours ago, steve1977 said:

What made you @joker1319 chose the 9500 over the 9200? The 9500 seems substantially more expensive. From what I see online, it seems the 9500 also supports NVME devices (which I don't need). Any other advantage beyond newer always feels better?

power consumption and nvme

I won't be using NVME, but historically had some issue with heat. When you say "power consumption", does it also mean that 9400/9500 would get less hot? How much wattage are we talking about?

I've got nothing against art of server his YouTube channel is great but his prices are way to high. Lol the Chinese cards are Lenovo aka 9400-16i and inspure for 9300-8i and your calling them cheap. I got a Lenovo 430-16 (New not used in god knows what server and enviorment) flashed it to IT mode following the guide on how to flash lsi based cards and it fully supports NVMe as I've run U.2 NVMe off it. Your making out that anything that does come from a YouTuber whose been selling used server parts and making a good living do so is junk. There's nothing special with his cards apart from the support he offers which is beyond great though his charging up to nearly triple the price on used LSI based HBA's so it would want to be. I believe in supporting him for his work and sharing of knowledge though his pricing in obscene vs bulk sellers at least here in the land down under. Remember his in it for the money and to make a living not charity and that's totally fair who isn't in the hardware resale world, just don't mistake him for a community member like space invader giving away his time to help others, because his no volunteer and just another sales man.

Another thing besides the occasional flash video most of his content is focused on stock he has and trying to flog it off, those old 9200 cards get a run down and yes they still work but its tech ten years old his hocking at ten times the amount. Most of his content is for people who no nothing any useful flash is someone else's work.

Edited September 29, 2025Sep 29 by 2strokeunraid