HPE ProLiant DL380 G6 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL380 G6, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded Smart Array P410i, and on this generation RAID 5 is a cache feature: the Zero Memory build does RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 and stops there.
DL380 G6 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Smart Array P410i, fitted with zero memory on entry and high efficiency models, 256MB on base models, and 512MB BBWC on performance models
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 on the Zero Memory build; RAID 5 and 5+0 once a cache module is present
- Internal add-in cards: Smart Array P410 with 256MB or 512MB BBWC, two internal ports on PCIe x8
- External add-in cards: Smart Array P411 with 256MB or 512MB BBWC and two external ports, and the P800 with 512MB BBWC, two internal and two external
- Entry card: Smart Array P212 with zero memory or 256MB, one internal and one external port
- Upgrades and adapters: the 256MB P-series cache, 512MB BBWC, the P-series battery that enables BBWC on a 256MB cache, the 24-bay 3Gb SAS Expander Card, the SC08Ge external SAS HBA and the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI HBA
RAID 5 is a cache feature on this generation. The embedded Smart Array P410i shipped with zero memory and RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 only, with a 256MB cache that adds RAID 5 and 5+0, or with a 512MB battery backed write cache on performance models. If the array you want needs RAID 5 and the card has no cache, the cache module is the part to buy.
Which Smart Array controller does your array need?
| Controller | Ports | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| P410i (embedded) | internal | The drives in the chassis, on whatever cache the factory fitted |
| P212 | 1 internal, 1 external | A small array plus one external enclosure |
| P410 | 2 internal | More internal drives, or more cache than the embedded card carries |
| P411 | 2 external | External storage only, leaving the internal bays on the P410i |
| P800 | 2 internal, 2 external | Internal drives and external enclosures from one card |
The split that matters is internal against external: the P410 family serves drives inside the chassis, the P411 family enclosures outside it, and the P800 does both from one slot. Cache is the other axis, and it is where the generation shows — the G6 factory ceiling is 512MB battery backed, where the DL380 G7 performance model shipped a 1GB flash backed cache. HPE documents flash backed modules for the P410i, but the cache and battery parts listed here are the battery backed ones.
Choosing the Right DL380 G6 Storage Controller
- Decide internal or external before choosing a model number. A P411 will not drive the internal backplane, however much cache it carries.
- Check what a cache module is supported on. HPE lists the 256MB upgrade for the P212 and for a Zero Memory P410i, while the P-series battery covers the P410i, P212, P410 and P411.
- A battery backed cache has a consumable in it. The battery ages and is replaced separately, so budget for the battery kit alongside the cache.
- The SAS Expander Card is about bay count, not speed. It lets one controller address up to 24 bays at 3Gb; it adds no cache and no RAID levels.
- Smart Array Advanced Pack is a licence, not hardware. The controller works without it at the standard RAID levels.
Complete Your DL380 G6 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see DL380 G6 hard drives for what the array will hold. Also available: DL380 G6 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL380 G6 parts listing and the HPE parts by server model index. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers.
DL380 G6 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the DL380 G6 come with?
An embedded HPE Smart Array P410i. HPE shipped it three ways: zero memory on entry and high efficiency models, with a 256MB cache on base models, and with a 512MB battery backed write cache on performance models.
Does the DL380 G6 support RAID 5?
Yes, once the embedded P410i has a cache module fitted. The Zero Memory build is limited to RAID 0, 1 and 1+0; adding 256MB or more brings RAID 5 and 5+0.
What is the difference between BBWC and FBWC?
Battery backed write cache holds the cache contents on a rechargeable battery, which degrades over time. Flash backed write cache writes them to flash using a supercapacitor, so there is no battery to replace. The G6 factory builds use battery backed cache.
Can I connect external storage to a DL380 G6?
Yes. The Smart Array P411 provides two external ports and the P800 adds two external alongside two internal. The SC08Ge host bus adapter is also listed.
Do I need a second controller for the extra drive cage?
The second 8SFF cage needs either a second Smart Array controller or the 24-bay 3Gb SAS Expander Card. The embedded P410i cannot address all sixteen bays on its own.
What is the SC11Xe host bus adapter for?
Ultra320 SCSI devices. HPE recommends it specifically for connecting SCSI tape drives, and it is not a route to SAS or SATA disks.
✅ Looking for a specific DL380 G6 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
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