HPE ProLiant DL160 Gen10 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers for the HPE ProLiant DL160 Gen10, new and refurbished. Storage on this platform starts at the embedded Smart Array S100i SR Gen10 software RAID — SATA only, UEFI mode only, and off until it is enabled — so any SAS array here means an E-series or P-series card.
DL160 Gen10 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded: HPE Smart Array S100i SR Gen10 software RAID with 14 SATA ports; UEFI mode only, off by default, and Windows only, with HPE pointing Linux users to an in-distro open-source two-disk RAID 1 boot volume instead
- Essential controllers: E208i-a modular, E208i-p and E208e-p plug-in cards, all 12G SAS with eight lanes and no cache
- Performance controllers: P408i-a modular and P408i-p plug-in with 2GB cache and eight internal lanes, and P408e-p with 4GB cache and eight external lanes
- Modular (-a) requirement: the type-a cards need the Smart Array SAS cable kit matching the chassis, 866452-B21 for 4LFF or 866448-B21 for 8SFF
- Energy pack: performance controllers require the HPE Smart Storage Battery, sold separately; the 96W lithium-ion battery supports up to six P-class controllers and the Smart Storage Hybrid Capacitor supports up to three
On a 1U server with three PCIe slots, where the card sits matters as much as what it does. A modular type-a controller occupies no PCIe slot but rules out the CPU2 riser and needs the SAS cable kit matched to the chassis — 866452-B21 for 4LFF or 866448-B21 for 8SFF. A plug-in type-p card leaves the riser alone and spends a slot instead.
Modular, Internal or External — Which Smart Array Fits?
| Controller | Cache | Lanes | What it costs you |
|---|---|---|---|
| E208i-a | None | 8 internal | A SAS cable kit matched to the chassis, and the CPU2 riser |
| P408i-a | 2GB | 8 internal | The same, plus a Smart Storage Battery |
| E208i-p / P408i-p | None / 2GB | 8 internal | One of the three PCIe slots |
| E208e-p / P408e-p | None / 4GB | 8 external | One PCIe slot, and it drives external enclosures only |
On a 1U server with three PCIe slots at most, the real decision is where the card sits rather than what it is called. A modular type-a controller occupies no slot but rules out the CPU2 riser, while a plug-in type-p controller leaves the riser alone and spends a slot instead. Cache is the second axis: the E-series carries none at all, and the P-series will not deliver its cache without the battery.
Choosing the Right DL160 Gen10 Storage Controller
- Settle internal against external before the model number. An E208e-p or P408e-p has external lanes only and will not drive the drives in the chassis.
- Budget for the cable kit with a type-a card. The 4LFF and 8SFF kits are different parts and the wrong one will not reach the backplane.
- A P-series card without its battery is an incomplete order. HPE lists the Smart Storage Battery as required for performance controllers and sells it separately; the hybrid capacitor reaches three controllers rather than six.
- You may not need a card at all. A Windows server booting from SATA in UEFI mode is already served by the embedded S100i, which simply needs enabling.
Complete Your DL160 Gen10 Build
The controller and the drives are one decision, so read DL160 Gen10 drives alongside this page. Also available: DL160 Gen10 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL160 Gen10 parts listing, indexed with every other model under HPE parts by server model. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers.
DL160 Gen10 Storage Controllers FAQ
Does the DL160 Gen10 have a built-in RAID controller?
It has HPE Smart Array S100i SR Gen10 software RAID with 14 SATA ports. It operates in UEFI mode only, is off by default and must be enabled, and it supports Windows rather than Linux.
Can the S100i run SAS drives?
No. The S100i is a SATA software RAID solution. SAS drives on this server need a Smart Array E208 or P408 controller.
What is the difference between a type-a and a type-p Smart Array card?
A type-a card is modular and occupies no PCIe expansion slot, but it requires a SAS cable kit matched to the chassis and it rules out the CPU2 riser. A type-p card is a PCIe plug-in and spends one of the three slots.
Do I need a Smart Storage Battery with a P408 controller?
Yes. HPE lists it as required for performance RAID controllers, and it is sold separately. The 96W lithium-ion battery supports up to six P-class controllers and the hybrid capacitor up to three.
Which cable kit does a modular controller need?
866452-B21 for the 4LFF chassis or 866448-B21 for the 8SFF chassis. The kit has to match the chassis rather than the controller.
Can I connect external storage to a DL160 Gen10?
Yes. The E208e-p has eight external lanes and no cache, and the P408e-p has eight external lanes with a 4GB cache. Both drive external enclosures rather than the internal backplane.
✅ Looking for a specific DL160 Gen10 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.
