HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Controller

The HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Controller is engineered to deliver enterprise-grade storage performance in HP ProLiant Gen10 servers. Built to handle demanding virtualization, databases, and high I/O workloads, this 12Gb/s SAS controller combines robust hardware RAID capabilities with advanced data protection features. With PCIe 3.0 compatibility, a generous 2 GB flash-backed write cache (FBWC), and Mixed Mode operation that blends RAID and HBA functionality, the P408i-p Gen10 is designed to maximize throughput while maintaining data integrity and system resilience. Whether you’re upgrading an existing data center or provisioning a new high-performance server environment, this controller provides the reliability, flexibility, and efficiency you need to optimize storage utilization and I/O throughput across multiple drives.

• High-speed SAS throughput: Supports 12Gb/s SAS to maximize data transfer rates between drives and the controller, reducing bottlenecks in dense storage deployments.
• PCIe 3.0 interface: Delivers broad compatibility with modern servers and excellent bandwidth to sustain demanding workloads while maintaining low latency.
• 2 GB FBWC cache: Flash-backed write cache protects data during power loss and accelerates write-intensive operations for improved performance and data integrity.
• Mixed Mode operation: Enables simultaneous RAID and HBA operations on a single card, giving you flexible deployment options for storage pools and pass-through requirements.
• Advanced RAID support: Available RAID levels include 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60, balancing performance, capacity, and fault tolerance for diverse workloads.

Technical Details of HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Controller

• Interface: 12Gb/s SAS capable controller supporting high-throughput storage I/O.
• Host interface: PCIe 3.0 compatible, designed for integration with HP ProLiant Gen10 servers and other compatible platforms.
• Cache memory: 2 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) to safeguard in-flight data and boost write performance with power-loss protection.
• RAID engine: Hardware-accelerated RAID processing with Mixed Mode capability for a hybrid RAID/HBA experience on one card.
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 for flexible data protection and performance tuning across arrays.
• Compatibility: Optimized for HP ProLiant Gen10 servers, with support for HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) tools to configure and monitor storage.

How to Install HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Controller

Installing the HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Controller is a straightforward process that can yield immediate storage performance gains for compatible HP servers. Before you begin, ensure you are working with a supported HP ProLiant Gen10 system and that you have the proper tools to secure the expansion card in place. Always follow your data center’s power-down procedures and consult your server’s maintenance guide for any platform-specific steps.

1) Prepare the server and workspace: Power down the server, unplug all cables, and discharge static electricity. Open the chassis and locate an available PCIe expansion slot that matches the card’s interface requirements (typically PCIe 3.0 x8 or higher). Ensure there is adequate airflow around the expansion area to keep the controller cool during operation.

2) Install the expansion card: Remove the slot cover if needed and firmly seat the P408i-p SR Gen10 into the PCIe slot. Use a screw to secure the bracket to the chassis, ensuring the card is firmly in place and aligned properly. If your server uses a backplane, route any required cables according to the server’s documentation to avoid interference with other components.

3) Connect drives or backplane: Attach the SAS or SATA cables to the appropriate drives or backplane connectors. Maintain clean and orderly cable management to maximize airflow and minimize heat buildup. If you are configuring a new RAID array, connect drives that will participate in the same logical volume group or array independently of other storage controllers in the system.

4) Power and firmware considerations: Reconnect power and any data cables. Power on the server and access the controller’s ROM-based setup or BIOS configuration utility if required. It is recommended to check for the latest firmware on the P408i-p Gen10 and update through HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) or the vendor-provided utility to ensure compatibility with your drives and storage topology.

5) Configure storage in SSA: Boot into the operating environment and launch the HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) or equivalent HP storage management utility. Create and configure your logical drives, arrays, or pass-through configurations as needed. If you are using Mixed Mode, designate the appropriate drives for RAID arrays while allowing others to operate in HBA mode as required by your workload. Validate configurations with a quick health check and run a baseline performance test to verify expected throughput and latency.

6) Verify operational readiness: After configuration, monitor the controller’s health, cache status, and drive status. Ensure that power protection features are active and that the FBWC cache is functioning as intended. In virtualization or database deployments, consider running a workload test to confirm that the P408i-p Gen10 delivers the anticipated IOPS, throughput, and response times under realistic conditions.

7) Ongoing maintenance: Regularly check for firmware updates and SSA health reports. Implement a routine backup strategy and ensure that storage firmware aligns with your server’s certified configurations. The P408i-p Gen10 is designed to deliver consistent performance across a range of enterprise workloads when kept current with firmware and properly configured for your environment.

Frequently asked questions

• What is the HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10 Controller? It is a hardware RAID controller designed for HP ProLiant Gen10 servers. It provides robust RAID protection, high-throughput 12Gb/s SAS, PCIe 3.0 compatibility, and a 2 GB FBWC cache to safeguard data during power events while accelerating write-heavy workloads.
• What does Mixed Mode mean on this controller? Mixed Mode combines hardware RAID functionality with HBA (pass-through) capabilities on a single card. This enables you to configure arrays for some drives while allowing others to be presented directly to the host for software-defined or specialized storage configurations.
• Which RAID levels are supported? The P408i-p Gen10 supports a range of RAID levels, including 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, giving you options for performance, redundancy, and capacity depending on workload and reliability requirements.
• What is FBWC and why is it important? FBWC stands for Flash-Backed Write Cache. It protects cached data in the event of power loss by storing it in flash memory, ensuring that cached writes are not lost and that data integrity is maintained when power is interrupted.
• Do I need a separate battery with this controller? The 2 GB FBWC provides cache protection without a separate battery pack. However, ensure your server’s power protection strategy (UPS or redundant power) supports sustaining the system during outages for optimal protection and performance.
• Is this controller compatible with HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA)? Yes. The P408i-p Gen10 is designed to work with HP SSA, which offers configuration, monitoring, and firmware update capabilities to manage arrays, optimize performance, and maintain hardware health across your storage ecosystem.