HPE ProLiant DL320e Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and SAS host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL320e Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i, a SATA controller with no flash-backed write cache, so SAS and parity RAID both arrive on a stand-up card.
DL320e Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded B120i: six internal SATA connectors on an x4 PCIe 2.0 interface, Zero Memory RAID, up to 8 logical volumes across 6 physical drives
- B120i RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 only — HPE states it has no FBWC support and cannot support RAID 5 or above
- SATA rate, as printed: Standard Features says the B120i supports 3.0Gb/s SATA; the B120i technical specification table lists 6Gb/s SATA links
- Performance models ship the Smart Array P222/512MB FBWC, supporting RAID 0, 1, 1+0, 5, 5+0, 6 and 6+0
- Plug-in cards: P222/512 FBWC (1 internal + 1 external), P420/1GB and P420/2GB (2 internal), P421/1GB and P421/2GB (2 external), all 6Gb SAS, plus the 2GB P-series FBWC module 631681-B21
- Host bus adapters: H220, H221 (PCIe 3.0) and H222 SAS HBAs, plus the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI HBA
Cache and SAS both arrive on a stand-up card. The embedded B120i runs RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 over SATA, and HPE states it has no FBWC support and so cannot support advanced RAID from 5 onward. A Smart Array P222, P420 or P421 with flash-backed write cache is what adds SAS and parity RAID — and it spends one of only two PCIe slots.
Which storage controller does the DL320e Gen8 use?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Smart Array B120i (embedded) | 6 internal SATA | None | SATA RAID 0, 1 and 1+0, no card needed |
| Smart Array P222 | 1 internal + 1 external | 512MB FBWC | SAS and parity RAID; standard on Performance models |
| Smart Array P420 | 2 internal | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | Internal SAS arrays with more cache |
| Smart Array P421 | 2 external | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | Driving an external enclosure |
| H220 / H221 / H222 | SAS | None | Pass-through SAS with no RAID cache |
Slot budget is the hard constraint here: two PCIe slots in total, a half-length full-height PCIe 3.0 x16 and a low-profile PCIe 2.0, and on Performance models the P222 already occupies one. A 4LFF hot-plug build also needs the Mini SAS Cable Kit (685018-B21).
Choosing the Right DL320e Gen8 Storage Controller
- The embedded controller is the ceiling, not the floor. B120i gives SATA and RAID 0, 1 and 1+0; SAS, parity RAID and any write cache need a stand-up card.
- Count your slots before your ports. Two PCIe slots serve storage, networking and everything else.
- Internal or external decides the model: P420 has two internal ports, P421 two external, the P222 one of each.
- RAID 6 no longer needs the Advanced Pack — HPE states SAAP 2.0 is not required for RAID 6 and 60 at firmware 4.68 or later.
- Refurbished cards and FBWC modules are a low-risk buy — tested before shipping. See our guide to HPE Smart Array controllers.
Complete Your DL320e Gen8 Build
Match your controller with DL320e Gen8 drives, memory, networking adapters, power supplies and rack options, or the full DL320e Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL320e Gen8 v2 storage controllers and ML310e Gen8 controllers. Catalog-wide: Smart Array batteries and parts by server model.
DL320e Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
What RAID controller does the HPE ProLiant DL320e Gen8 use?
Entry and Base models use the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i, which supports RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 only. Performance models ship with the HPE Smart Array P222/512MB FBWC controller, which adds RAID 5, 5+0, 6 and 6+0.
Why can't the B120i do RAID 5 on a DL320e Gen8?
Because it has no cache. HPE states the B120i does not have FBWC support and so cannot support advanced RAID from 5 onward. For parity RAID you need a stand-up Smart Array controller with flash-backed write cache.
Does the B120i run SATA at 3Gb/s or 6Gb/s?
The QuickSpecs is inconsistent on this point. Standard Features says the B120i supports 3.0Gb/s SATA, and a model note says only SATA 3 Gbit/s is guaranteed without a Smart Array card, while the B120i technical specification table lists 6Gb/s SATA links.
Which Smart Array cards can I add to a DL320e Gen8?
The QuickSpecs list the Smart Array P222/512 FBWC, the P420/1GB and P420/2GB, and the P421/1GB and P421/2GB, all 6Gb SAS. A separate 2GB P-series Flash Backed Write Cache module, 631681-B21, is listed as an optional upgrade.
Does the DL320e Gen8 support SAS host bus adapters?
Yes. HPE lists the H220, the H221 PCIe 3.0 and the H222 SAS host bus adapters for this server, plus the SC11Xe Ultra320 single-channel PCIe x4 SCSI host bus adapter.
Is RAID 6 available without the Smart Array Advanced Pack?
Yes on recent firmware. HPE states that SAAP 2.0 is no longer required to enable RAID 6 and 60, also called Advanced Data Guarding, provided the controller is running firmware version 4.68 or later.
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