HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 (8 Internal Lanes/No Cache) 12G SAS Modular Controller

Overview

The HPE 804326-B21 is a modular storage controller designed to connect up to eight internal SAS or SATA drives without using a PCIe slot. It fits into a dedicated storage bay on HPE Gen10 servers, providing a flexible and efficient way to expand internal storage. With support for 12 Gb/s SAS and PCIe 3.0 x8, it delivers fast data transfer speeds suitable for enterprise server environments.

This controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, and 10, allowing you to tailor your storage setup for either performance or data redundancy. Its Mixed Mode capability enables simultaneous RAID and Host Bus Adapter (HBA) operation, offering versatility in managing different storage configurations within the same system. The absence of onboard cache makes it a good fit for setups where caching is handled externally or is not required.

Key features

• Supports up to eight internal SAS lanes through two Mini-SAS ports, enabling connection to multiple drives.
• Flexible RAID support (0, 1, 5, 10) helps balance between speed and data protection based on workload needs.
• Mixed Mode operation allows running RAID and HBA functions simultaneously for diverse storage management.
• Designed specifically for HPE Gen10 servers such as DL360, DL380, ML350, and XL450, ensuring seamless integration.
• PCIe 3.0 x8 interface provides high-speed data transfer without occupying standard PCIe slots.
• Optional encryption feature enhances data-at-rest security for sensitive environments.
• Compact plug-in card form factor installs in dedicated storage bays, preserving system expansion options.
• Compatible with major operating systems including VMware ESXi and Windows Server, supporting a wide range of server setups.

Key specs

• Interface: PCIe 3.0 x8
• Drive support: Up to 8 internal SAS or SATA drives
• SAS speed: 12 Gb/s
• SATA speed: 6 Gb/s
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 10
• Form factor: Modular plug-in card for dedicated storage bay
• Cache: No onboard cache
• Compatibility: HPE Gen10 servers (DL360, DL380, ML350, XL450)
• Operating systems: VMware ESXi, Windows Server

Connectivity and compatibility

This controller connects to internal drives via two Mini-SAS ports, each supporting multiple SAS lanes for high throughput. It works with both SAS and SATA drives, providing flexibility in storage media choice. Its design fits dedicated storage bays on select HPE Gen10 servers, ensuring easy installation without occupying PCIe slots needed for other expansion cards.

• Two Mini-SAS ports supporting 8 internal lanes
• Compatible with SAS 12 Gb/s and SATA 6 Gb/s drives
• Fits HPE Gen10 server storage bays, preserving PCIe slots
• Supports major server operating systems for broad deployment options

Ideal uses and environments

This controller is well suited to IT professionals managing enterprise servers who require reliable internal storage expansion without sacrificing PCIe slots. It fits environments where flexible RAID configurations are needed to optimize performance or data protection. The optional encryption makes it a strong choice for setups where data security is critical. Its compatibility with popular HPE Gen10 servers and major operating systems makes it a practical solution for data centers and business-critical applications.