HPE ProLiant DL320e Gen8 v2 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers and SAS host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL320e Gen8 v2, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i — SATA-only, zero memory, RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 — so SAS drives, write cache and parity RAID all mean a stand-up card.
DL320e Gen8 v2 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded B120i: x4 PCIe 2.0 host interface, six internal SATA connectors, up to 6Gb/s SATA, hot-plug supported, up to 8 logical volumes across 6 physical drives
- B120i limits: RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 only, no FBWC — HPE states a stand-up Smart Array controller must be configured for cache or for RAID 5 and above
- B120i data rate: 6Gb/s with only ports 0 and 1 populated, 3Gb/s in 4 SFF with more than two drives installed
- Smart Array P222/512 FBWC: standard on Performance models, 6Gb with one internal and one external port, listed for RAID 0, 1, 1+0, 5 and 50
- External cards: P421/1GB and /2GB at 6Gb, P431/2GB and /4GB at 12Gb, each with two external ports
- Host bus adapters: the H221 PCIe 3.0 SAS HBA and the H222, for pass-through SAS rather than hardware RAID
The embedded controller is SATA-only and has no cache. The Dynamic Smart Array B120i runs up to 6Gb/s SATA across six internal connectors with zero-memory RAID, supporting RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 and nothing above that. SAS drives, flash-backed write cache and RAID 5 or 50 all require a stand-up Smart Array card — and there are only two PCIe 3.0 slots to spend.
Which storage controller does the DL320e Gen8 v2 use?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Smart Array B120i (embedded) | 6 internal SATA, 6Gb/s | None, zero memory | SATA RAID 0, 1, 1+0 |
| Smart Array P222/512 FBWC | 1 internal + 1 external, 6Gb SAS | 512MB FBWC | Internal SAS, parity RAID |
| Smart Array P421/1GB or /2GB | 2 external, 6Gb SAS | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | An external enclosure |
| Smart Array P431/2GB or /4GB | 2 external, 12Gb SAS | 2GB or 4GB FBWC | 12Gb external arrays |
| H221 / H222 host bus adapter | SAS, PCIe 3.0 | None | Pass-through SAS |
Only one of these cards has an internal port. The P222/512 is one internal plus one external, so it is the card that takes over the internal cage; the P421 and P431 are external-only. Our guide to HPE Smart Array controllers covers how the P-series families differ.
Choosing the Right DL320e Gen8 v2 Storage Controller
- Decide SAS or SATA first. The B120i is a SATA controller, so any SAS drive needs the P222 or a host bus adapter.
- Parity RAID means cache. The B120i has no FBWC and stops at RAID 1+0; the P222/512 is this document's route to RAID 5 and 50.
- Count your slots. Two PCIe 3.0 slots is the whole budget, and slot 2 is low profile with four electrical lanes.
- HBAs are for pass-through. The H221 and H222 present drives directly for software RAID, with no cache.
Complete Your DL320e Gen8 v2 Build
Match your controller with DL320e Gen8 v2 drives, then memory, networking adapters and rack options, or the full parts page. Neighbors: DL320e Gen8 controllers and ML310e Gen8 v2 controllers. Catalog-wide: Smart Array controller batteries and parts by server model.
DL320e Gen8 v2 Storage Controllers FAQ
What RAID controller does the HPE ProLiant DL320e Gen8 v2 use?
Base models carry the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B120i; Performance models carry the HPE Smart Array P222/512MB FBWC controller. HPE also notes the server can support other advanced controllers depending on model and configuration.
Does the B120i support RAID 5 on a DL320e Gen8 v2?
No. The QuickSpecs state the B120i supports RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 only, and that it has no flash-backed write cache support so it cannot do advanced RAID from 5 onwards. A stand-up Smart Array controller has to be configured for that.
Can the embedded B120i run SAS drives?
No. Its technical specification lists a disk drive interface of up to 6Gb/s SATA across six internal SATA connectors. SAS drives of any speed need a stand-up card such as the Smart Array P222, or an H221 or H222 host bus adapter.
Why does the B120i negotiate 3Gb/s instead of 6Gb/s?
HPE documents the behaviour directly: 6Gb/s in the 2 LFF and 4 SFF cages only with ports 0 and 1 installed, and 3Gb/s in the 4 SFF cage with more than two drives installed. For full 6Gb/s a stand-up Smart Array controller must be used.
Which Smart Array cards are listed for the DL320e Gen8 v2?
The P222/512 FBWC 6Gb card with one internal and one external port, the P421/1GB and P421/2GB 6Gb external cards, and the P431/2GB and P431/4GB 12Gb external cards. The H221 PCIe 3.0 SAS and H222 host bus adapters are listed alongside them.
How many logical volumes does the DL320e Gen8 v2 B120i support?
Up to 8 logical volumes across 6 physical drives, according to the controller's technical specifications. It is a zero-memory RAID controller, so it has no cache memory of its own, and it does support hot-plug drives.
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