HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE storage controllers for the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage on this platform starts and usually ends on the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i, which does RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 with no write cache at all — and HPE qualified exactly one add-in card for RAID here, the Smart Array P222/512 FBWC.
MicroServer Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i, driving the four non-hot-plug SATA bays
- RAID levels: RAID 0 (striping), RAID 1 (mirroring) and RAID 1+0 (striping and mirroring) on the B120i
- Cache and hot plug: the B120i carries no flash backed write cache and does not support hot plug; HPE states that a stand-up Smart Array card must be configured for FBWC
- Links: two 6Gb/s SATA physical links, compatible with 3Gb/s SATA, with bays 1 and 2 at 6.0Gb/s and bays 3 and 4 at 3.0Gb/s
- Add-in card: HPE Smart Array P222/512 FBWC 6Gb, one internal port and one external port, with a 512MB flash backed write cache
- Qualification: HPE's note names the P222/512 FBWC as qualified for RAID support on the MicroServer Gen8, and the card occupies the server's single low-profile PCIe slot
The embedded B120i has no cache and no RAID 5. It does RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 across the four bays, and HPE documents a stand-up Smart Array card as the only way to add a flash backed write cache. The one card qualified for RAID on this server is the Smart Array P222/512 FBWC — and it takes the single PCIe slot to do it.
Does this server need an add-in controller?
| What you need | Where it comes from |
|---|---|
| RAID 0, 1 or 1+0 across the four bays | Already present — the embedded Dynamic Smart Array B120i |
| A flash backed write cache | The Smart Array P222/512 FBWC; HPE documents a stand-up card as the only route to FBWC |
| An external SAS port | The P222's one external port |
| A network adapter in the PCIe slot | Not alongside a controller card — the chassis has one slot |
Most MicroServer Gen8 servers never need a card. The embedded B120i already mirrors or stripes the four bays, and the one qualified add-in controller costs the server its only expansion slot — so fitting it is a decision to give up the network card, not simply a decision to add cache. Buy the P222/512 FBWC when write caching or an external SAS port is the actual requirement, and leave the slot free otherwise.
Choosing the Right MicroServer Gen8 Storage Controller
- One card is qualified, and only for RAID. HPE's note names the Smart Array P222/512 FBWC as qualified for RAID support on this server, which makes the shortlist short.
- The slot is the real cost. There is a single low-profile PCIe slot, so a storage controller and a network adapter cannot both be fitted.
- Cache is the reason to fit one. The embedded B120i has no flash backed write cache, and HPE documents a stand-up Smart Array card as the way to get one.
- Hot plug does not arrive with the card. The four-bay cage is non-hot-plug in this chassis, so a drive change still means a shutdown whatever controller is installed.
Complete Your MicroServer Gen8 Build
The controller and the drives are one decision — see MicroServer Gen8 drives for what the four bays will hold. Also available: MicroServer Gen8 memory, networking adapters and rack options, or the full MicroServer Gen8 parts listing and HPE parts by server model. Background reading: what HPE Smart Array controllers do.
MicroServer Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the MicroServer Gen8 come with?
An embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i. It drives the four non-hot-plug SATA bays and supports RAID 0, RAID 1 and RAID 1+0.
Does the MicroServer Gen8 support RAID 5?
Not on the embedded controller. HPE documents the B120i for RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 only.
Can I add a write cache to the B120i?
No. HPE states that the B120i has no FBWC support, and that a stand-up Smart Array controller card must be configured for flash backed write cache.
Which add-in storage controller is supported?
The HPE Smart Array P222/512 FBWC, a 6Gb card with one internal and one external port and a 512MB flash backed write cache. HPE's note qualifies it for RAID support on the MicroServer Gen8.
Will a controller card make the drives hot-swappable?
No. The four-bay cage in this chassis is non-hot-plug, so drives are changed with the server powered down whatever controller is fitted.
Can I fit a storage controller and a network adapter together?
No. The MicroServer Gen8 has a single low-profile PCI Express slot, so the two cards compete for the same space.
✅ Looking for a specific MicroServer Gen8 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
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