HPE ProLiant DL180 Gen9 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, Smart Host Bus Adapters and cache hardware for the HPE ProLiant DL180 Gen9, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B140i, and its one hard limit is the reason most upgrades on this platform happen at all: the B140i is SATA only.
DL180 Gen9 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Dynamic Smart Array B140i on entry and base models — SATA only, up to 8 SATA drives at 6Gb/s, RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5, with no expander support
- Smart Host Bus Adapters: H240 with two internal 12Gb ports for up to 8 SAS or SATA drives with RAID 0, 1 and 5, and H241 with two external 12Gb ports; base models were built with the H240
- Smart Array cards: P440 with 4GB flash backed write cache on one internal 12Gb port, P840 with 4GB FBWC on two internal ports for up to 16 SAS or SATA drives, and P441 with 4GB FBWC on two external ports; storage and performance models shipped the P840/4G
- Cache protection: the 96W Smart Storage Battery with 145mm cable is mandatory with HPE Smart Array controllers, and one battery serves every Smart Array card in the server
- Cable kits: separate 8LFF and 8SFF Smart Array cable kits, one of which is required depending on the combination of chassis and storage controller
- Boot mode: the embedded B140i operates in UEFI mode only, so a server that has to boot in Legacy BIOS mode needs an added controller
The embedded controller is SATA only. The Dynamic Smart Array B140i handles up to 8 SATA drives at 6Gb/s with RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5, and no SAS at all. Adding SAS means an H240 Smart HBA; filling a 12LFF or 16SFF chassis means the P840, because both the B140i and the H240 stop at eight drives.
Which Controller Does Your Array Need?
| Controller | Ports | Reach | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| B140i (embedded) | internal, SATA | Up to 8 SATA drives at 6Gb/s | RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5, no slot used |
| H240 Smart HBA | 2 internal | Up to 8 SAS or SATA at 12Gb/s | SAS support and 12Gb transfer |
| P440 | 1 internal | 12Gb SAS and SATA | 4GB flash backed write cache |
| P840 | 2 internal | Up to 16 SAS or SATA at 12Gb/s | Reach for a 12LFF or 16SFF chassis |
| H241 and P441 | 2 external | External 12Gb SAS enclosures | Capacity beyond the chassis |
Read that table as two steps rather than one ladder. B140i to H240 buys SAS and 12Gb transfer, not cache; H240 to a P440 or P840 buys the 4GB flash backed write cache and, on the P840, the reach to address a full 12LFF or 16SFF front end. That is why HPE shipped the P840 on storage and performance models: the other two stop at eight drives, which a fully populated DL180 Gen9 leaves behind.
Choosing the Right DL180 Gen9 Storage Controller
- If the array is SAS, the embedded controller is out. The B140i handles SATA only, whatever the drive count.
- Count the drives against the controller. Eight is the limit on the B140i and the H240; a 12LFF or 16SFF chassis wants the P840.
- Budget for the Smart Storage Battery. It is mandatory with HPE Smart Array controllers, and one 96W battery covers every card in the server.
- Buy the cable kit that matches the chassis. The 8LFF and 8SFF kits are not interchangeable, and one is required for the controller to reach the backplane.
- Internal and external are different cards. The H241 and P441 drive enclosures outside the chassis and will not serve the internal backplane.
Complete Your DL180 Gen9 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see DL180 Gen9 drives for what the array will hold. Also available: DL180 Gen9 memory, processors, networking adapters, power supplies and rack options, or the full DL180 Gen9 parts listing. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers. Other models are listed under HPE parts by server model.
DL180 Gen9 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which storage controller does the DL180 Gen9 come with?
An embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B140i on entry and base models. Base models were also built with the H240 Smart Host Bus Adapter, and storage and performance models shipped the Flexible Smart Array P840 with 4GB cache.
Does the embedded B140i support SAS drives?
No. The B140i supports SATA only, up to 8 drives at 6Gb/s. SAS drives need an H240 Smart HBA or a Smart Array P440, P840 or P441.
How many drives can one DL180 Gen9 controller address?
The B140i and the H240 both support up to 8 drives. The Smart Array P840 supports up to 16, which is what a 12LFF or 16SFF chassis needs.
Do I need the Smart Storage Battery?
Yes, with any HPE Smart Array controller. HPE lists the 96W Smart Storage Battery as mandatory, and one battery covers every Smart Array card in the server.
Which Smart Array cable kit do I need?
Whichever matches the chassis and the controller. HPE lists separate 8LFF and 8SFF Smart Array cable kits and requires one of them to be selected.
Can the DL180 Gen9 boot in Legacy BIOS mode?
Not on the embedded controller. The B140i operates in UEFI mode only, so legacy support calls for an added controller in a slot.
✅ Looking for a specific DL180 Gen9 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
Browse all models
Why Global One?
- Trusted by thousands. Over 36,000 customers in 100+ countries trust Global One Technology to deliver mission-critical HP Enterprise hardware - including Fortune 500 businesses, schools, hospitals, and federal, state, and local goverment agencies.
- HPE is our specialty! We only sell genuine HP Enterprise parts.
- EASY ordering process. Purchase online now with credit card or PayPal!
- FAST shipping. Global One Technology ships orders received by 4pm ET the same day and offers NEXT DAY delivery to US customers.
