HPE ProLiant DL360e Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE storage controllers, cache modules and SAS host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL360e Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on an embedded Dynamic Smart Array controller — B120i on SATA models, B320i on SAS — and moves to a P-series card for parity RAID or an external enclosure.
DL360e Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded B120i: six internal SATA connectors on x4 PCIe 2.0, Zero Memory RAID 0, 1 and 1+0, 6 drives; HPE rates it to 3Gb/s
- Embedded B320i: two internal x4 connectors on x4 PCIe 2.0 at 6Gb/s SAS, up to 8 SAS or SATA drives, Zero Memory or optional 512MB FBWC — SAS mode needs the license key
- Cache modules: 631922-B21, a 512MB B-series FBWC with cable, for the B120i and B320i; 631681-B21, a 2GB P-series module
- Internal cards: P420/1GB and P420/2GB at 6Gb, P430/2GB and P430/4GB at 12Gb, plus the P822/2GB
- External and mixed: P222/512, P421/1GB and /2GB at 6Gb, P431/2GB and /4GB at 12Gb
- Host bus adapters: H220, H221 and H222 SAS HBAs, plus an SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI card
The chassis rules out half this list. HPE restricts the Smart Array P222 and the H222 HBA to 4 LFF models, and the P822, P430 and H220 to 8 SFF models. Cache decides the rest: 512MB of FBWC is required to enable RAID 5 on the B320i, and on the P420 it lifts the logical drive limit from 2 to 64 while bringing RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60 into play.
Which storage controller does the DL360e Gen8 use?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| B120i (embedded) | 6 internal SATA | None or 512MB | SATA only, 6 drives |
| B320i (embedded) | 2 internal x4 SAS | None or 512MB | 8 SAS or SATA drives |
| P420 / P822 | 2 int / 2 int + 4 ext | 1GB or 2GB | P822 on 8 SFF only |
| P430 | 1 internal, 12Gb | 2GB or 4GB | 8 SFF only; cable 725598-B21 |
| P222 / P421 / P431 | 1 int + 1 ext, or 2 ext | 512MB to 4GB | P222 on 4 LFF only |
Cabling is part of the order here. Cable kit 672242-B21 is required for the P222, P420, P822 and the H220 and H222 HBAs, though HPE notes it is not needed if the P420 sits in slot 1 of an 8 SFF model. Our Smart Array guide covers the rest.
Choosing the Right DL360e Gen8 Storage Controller
- Check the chassis before the card. HPE restricts the P222 and H222 to 4 LFF models and the P822, P430 and H220 to 8 SFF, so the chassis rules out half this list.
- Cache unlocks parity RAID. On the B320i, 512MB of FBWC is required for RAID 5. On the P420, Zero Memory allows two logical volumes; cache raises that to 64 and adds RAID 5 and 6.
- Mind the two-slot budget: slot 1 is full-height x16 PCIe 3.0 and slot 2 low profile, so one storage and one network card fill it.
- Know what the B320i riser does: HPE states the embedded B120i is then disabled automatically, and the drives lose hardware RAID.
- Refurbished cards and FBWC modules are tested before shipping.
Complete Your DL360e Gen8 Build
Match your controller with DL360e Gen8 drives, then memory, processors, adapters and power supplies, or all DL360e Gen8 parts. Neighbours: DL360p Gen8 and DL380e Gen8 controllers, plus Smart Array batteries and parts by server model.
DL360e Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
What RAID controller does the HPE ProLiant DL360e Gen8 use?
It depends on the model. Entry SATA models ship the Dynamic Smart Array B120i, entry and base SAS models the B320i (with 512MB FBWC on Base models), and Performance models the Smart Array P420/1GB FBWC.
What is the difference between the B120i and the B320i?
The B120i is SATA only, with six internal SATA connectors, and supports up to six drives. The B320i adds SAS through two internal x4 connectors at 6Gb/s and supports up to eight SAS or SATA drives, but SAS mode requires the SAS license key.
Do I need cache on a DL360e Gen8 Smart Array controller?
For parity RAID, yes. HPE states 512MB of cache is required to enable RAID 5 on the B320i. On the P420, a Zero Memory card is limited to two logical volumes, while cache raises the limit to 64 and enables RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60.
Which Smart Array cards can I add to a DL360e Gen8?
The QuickSpecs list the P222/512, P420, P430, P421, P431 and P822 cards in 512MB to 4GB cache versions. Watch the restrictions: the P222 is LFF-only and the P430 and P822 are 8 SFF-only.
Does a DL360e Gen8 Smart Array card need a cable kit?
Usually. HPE states cable kit 672242-B21 is required for the P222, P420 and P822 and the H220 and H222 HBAs, but is not required if the P420 sits in slot 1 of an 8 SFF model. The P430 requires cable kit 725598-B21.
How many drives can the standard DL360e Gen8 controller handle?
Six. HPE states the server ships with the B120i, which supports up to six SATA drives, and that going beyond four needs cable 675856-B21. More than six drives, or any SAS drive, needs a B320i riser or a Smart Array controller.
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