Rocket 1508 - Regulator Highpoint - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	PCIe NVMe RAID Controller
Model	Rocket 1508 (R1508)
Host Interface	PCIe 4.0 x16
Supported Drives	8x NVMe M.2 SSDs (Gen4)
OS Compatibility	Windows 11/10, Windows Server 2019/2022, Linux kernel ≥3.10, macOS ≥10.13, FreeBSD ≥12.1
Cooling	Dual fans with heatsink and thermal pad
Power Supply	PCIe bus + external 6-pin PCIe power (optional for Mac Pro 2019)
Dimensions	Standard PCIe card size (approx. 250 x 120 x 30 mm)
Weight	Approximately 300 g
Installation Type	Plug-in card with M.2 SSD mounting
Thermal Pad Protection	Remove blue protective films before use
Fan Cable	Detachable; must be reconnected after SSD installation
External Power Required	For full 8 SSD operation (except Mac Pro 2019)
Supported RAID Modes	RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, JBOD (via software/hardware)
Maintenance	Keep fans and heatsink clean; ensure thermal pad contact
Safety Precautions	Ensure proper SSD alignment and screw tightening; avoid overheating
Spare Parts	Fan, heatsink, screws (available from manufacturer)
Repairability	User-replaceable fans and SSDs; professional repair recommended for PCB issues
Compliance	CE, FCC, RoHS (typical)

Frequently Asked Questions - Rocket 1508 Highpoint

What SSDs are compatible with the Rocket 1508?

The Rocket 1508 supports up to 8 NVMe M.2 SSDs, Gen4 or Gen3. Ensure the SSDs are clean and properly inserted into the M.2 slots.

Do I need to connect external power?

Yes, unless you are using a Mac Pro 2019. For full 8 SSD operation, connect a 6-pin PCIe power cable from the PSU to the card. Without it, SSDs may drop offline.

How do I install SSDs?

Remove the heatsink (6 screws), disconnect fan cable, flip heatsink, remove blue films from thermal pad, then install SSDs in the M.2 slots (remove screws, insert SSD, refasten screw). Reassemble in reverse order.

Which operating systems are supported?

Windows 11/10, Windows Server 2019/2022, Linux kernel 3.10+, macOS 10.13+, and FreeBSD 12.1+.

Can I use this card in a PCIe 3.0 slot?

Yes, it is backward compatible, but performance will be limited to PCIe 3.0 speeds.

What should I do if an SSD is not detected?

Check that the SSD is fully inserted and the screw is tight. Ensure external power is connected (if needed) and the fan cable is reconnected. Also verify the SSD is clean.

Is it safe to remove the heatsink?

Yes, but follow the manual carefully to avoid damaging the fan cables and thermal pad. Always remove the blue protective films before reassembly.

How do I clean the Rocket 1508?

Power off and unplug the card. Use compressed air to blow dust from fans and heatsink. Do not use liquids. Ensure the thermal pad remains intact.

What RAID levels are supported?

The Rocket 1508 supports software RAID via the host system. Common modes include RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, and JBOD, depending on the OS.

Where can I get support or download drivers?

Visit the HighPoint Technologies website at https://www.highpoint-tech.com/support-and-services for drivers, manuals, and customer support.

USER MANUAL Rocket 1508 Highpoint

Quick Installation Guide

V1.00

System Requirements

PC Requirements

• System with a free PCIe 4.0 x16 slot
• Windows 11 and 10, Windows Server 2019 and 2022
• Linux kernel 3.10 and later
• macOS 10.13 and later
• FreeBSD 12.1 and later

R1508 Kit Content

• R1508 Controller Card
- Quick Installation Guide

R1508 Hardware

Front View

R1508 Hardware Installation:

Step 1. On the rear of the R1508, remove the six screws that secure the unit's heat sink to the PCB.

Step 2. Carefully remove the fan's power cable from the right-side of the heatsink as shown below, then carefully flip the heatsink to the left (like turning a page from a book).

Note: Take care when moving the heatsink to prevent damaging the left fan's power cable.

Step 3. After removing the casing, carefully turn it over to view the thermal pad. The blue films must be removed from the pad before reinstalling the panel. These films protect the pad from damage and foreign objects prior to installation, however, they will also prevent the thermal pad from conducting the heat away from the NVMe SSD's if we don't remove it.

Step 4. These 8 screws are used to install the NVMe SSD's.

Step 5. Please remove these screws from each of the M.2 slots.

Step 6. Gently insert the SSD into the slot.

Note: Please make sure all disks are clean before you insert them into the slot to avoid unexpected situations.

Step 7. Refasten the screw to secure the SSD.

Repeat Steps 4 to 6 to install the remaining SSDs.

The following example shows eight Gen4 SSDs installed into Ports 1-8:

Step 8. After installing all SSDs, carefully flip the heatsink to the right.

Note: Make sure each SSD is carefully aligned and fastened to the SSD7540 using the supplied screws. Loosely attached SSDs may not be detected by the R1508 or host system.

Step 9. Carefully reinsert in the power supply cable of the cooling fan that was removed in step 2.

Step 10. On the rear of the R1508, refasten the 6 screws that were removed in step 1.

Note: Make sure the aluminum cover is properly aligned with the controller board (PCB), and that it makes full contact with the thermal pad, before refastening it to the R1508. If the cover is improperly installed, the fan and thermal pad will be unable to sufficiently cool the NVMe SSD's and controller componentry, which may result in damage to the SSD's or controller hardware, performance loss, unstable I/O, and the loss of data.

Step 11. Power up the SSD external power supply

Note: If the external power supply is not powered on, the SSDs may drop offline or remain undetected, which could lead to data loss.

R1508 relies on two power sources to support eight SSDs; power supplied through the PCIe bus, and power from the system’s PSU via an external 6 pin PCIe power cable. If the external cable is not connected, there will be insufficient power to support all 8 SSD’s; this may cause the SSDs to drop offline.

Note: The R1508 does not require the external power cord when used with Mac Pro 2019.

Note: Please be sure to connect NVMe before using the product to reduce the occurrence of unnecessary errors!

Resources

We recommend visiting the R1508 Product Page for the latest document.

Document Downloads:

https://www.highpoint-tech.com/ssd/series-r1500-fan-overview.html

Customer Support

If you encounter any problems while utilizing the R1508, or have any questions about this or any other HighPoint Technologies, Inc. product, feel free to contact our Customer Support Department.

Web Support:

https://www.highpoint-tech.com/support-and-services

HighPoint Technologies, Inc. websites:

https://www.highpoint-tech.com