HPE ProLiant BL680c G7 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array cache modules, mezzanine controllers and batteries for the HPE ProLiant BL680c G7, new and refurbished. The blade ships with an integrated Smart Array P410i configured with no cache — RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 all work in that state, so on this platform a cache module is what buys RAID 5, not what makes the controller work.
BL680c G7 Storage Controller Specifications
- Integrated controller: HPE Smart Array P410i at 6G SAS and 3G SATA, over two internal x4 wide port SAS connectors on an x4 PCIe Gen2 interface
- RAID without cache: RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 are supported on the P410i with no cache option fitted
- RAID with cache: RAID 5 comes with any flash backed write cache option; RAID 6 additionally requires the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence
- Cache modules: 512MB flash backed write cache, 1GB flash backed cache, and a 512MB P-Series battery backed write cache upgrade
- Cache slots: four, shared across the P410i and any Smart Array mezzanine controller fitted
- Mezzanine controller: the Smart Array P700m with 512MB cache, four external ports on a PCIe x8 mezzanine card, for storage outside the blade
- Logical drives: up to 32 on the P410i
On this blade a cache module buys RAID 5, not a working controller. The integrated Smart Array P410i ships with no cache and still runs RAID 0, 1 and 1+0. RAID 5 arrives with any flash backed write cache option, and RAID 6 needs a cache option plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence on top.
Do you need a cache module, a mezzanine card, or neither?
| What you want | What it takes |
|---|---|
| RAID 0, 1 or 1+0 on the four internal bays | Nothing — the P410i does this with no cache |
| RAID 5 on the internal bays | Any flash backed write cache option on the P410i |
| RAID 6 | A cache option plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence |
| Storage outside the blade | A Smart Array mezzanine controller such as the P700m |
The mistake worth avoiding here is buying a controller when the part you need is cache. The P410i is integrated into the blade and cannot be swapped out, and an add-in Smart Array on this platform is a mezzanine card whose ports face outward — it attaches external storage rather than taking over the four internal bays. If the array you want is RAID 5 across the front of the blade, a cache module is the whole purchase.
Choosing the Right BL680c G7 Storage Controller Part
- A mirrored pair needs nothing from this page. RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 all run on the P410i with no cache fitted.
- Flash backed is the documented route to RAID 5. The battery backed module is listed as a P410i upgrade, but HPE attaches the RAID 5 capability to the flash backed parts.
- RAID 6 is part licence. It needs a cache option and the Smart Array Advanced Pack, which is software hosted on the P410i firmware stack rather than a module you fit.
- Budget the four cache slots. They are shared, so a blade running a P700m has fewer left for the integrated card.
- Match the battery to the card. The P-Series Low Profile Battery here supports the P700m; flash backed modules carry their own capacitor and do not use it.
Complete Your BL680c G7 Build
Cache only matters once there are drives to protect — see BL680c G7 hard drives for what the four bays will hold. Also available: BL680c G7 memory and processors, or the full BL680c G7 parts listing, where the Fibre Channel and InfiniBand mezzanine cards are priced. Neighbouring blades: BL620c G7 storage controllers and BL660c Gen8 storage controllers. Background reading: what HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers are, with every model indexed under HPE parts by server model.
BL680c G7 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the BL680c G7 come with?
An integrated HPE Smart Array P410i, configured with no cache. In that state it supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 1+0 across the four internal bays.
Do I need a cache module for RAID 5?
Yes. HPE adds RAID 5 on the P410i with the addition of any flash backed write cache option. RAID 6 needs a cache option and the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence as well.
Can I replace the P410i with a different controller?
No. The P410i is integrated into the blade. An optional Smart Array here is a mezzanine card whose ports are external, so it adds storage outside the blade rather than taking over the four internal bays.
How many cache modules can a BL680c G7 take?
Four. HPE rates the blade for a combined total of four cache options shared across the P410i and any Smart Array mezzanine controller fitted.
What is the difference between battery backed and flash backed cache?
Battery backed cache holds its contents on a rechargeable battery that ages and eventually needs replacing. Flash backed cache writes them to flash on a capacitor, so there is no battery to service.
How many logical drives does the P410i support?
Up to 32, and its firmware is upgradeable with recovery ROM capability.
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