The array configuration is stored on HDDs, in hidden area on first track. Exact format of config depends of vendor. Cause newer Intel RAID controllers are also based on LSI chips (like yours old one), there is a good chance of successful array detection by new controller. I personally done such tricks in past, although not with this exact controller. If you decided to have a try, after controller replacement you should immediately invoke a RAID setup utility at time of POST and utility will tell you about foreign configuration detected - just import it. There may be issues later with patrol read tasks failed with message like 'array was newer initialized', but they do not affect normal array work.
