HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and SAS HBAs for the HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded Smart Array P420i — Zero Memory on Entry models, 1GB FBWC on Base and 2GB on Performance — and anything you add must earn one of only two PCIe 3.0 slots.
DL360p Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded P420i: x8 PCIe 3.0 at 2GB/s, eight 6Gb/s SAS links at 4.8GB/s, two internal 4X connectors
- Cache options: Zero Memory, 40-bit 512MB FBWC, or 72-bit 1GB or 2GB FBWC at DDR3-1333, sold as separate P-series modules
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 with Zero Memory, capped at 2 logical volumes; parity RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60 needs 512MB of cache and lifts the cap to 64
- Plug-in cards: P222/512 (1 int + 1 ext, 6Gb), P421/1GB and /2GB (2 ext, 6Gb), P430/2GB and /4GB (1 int, 12Gb), P431/2GB and /4GB (2 ext, 12Gb), P822/2GB (2 int + 4 ext, 6Gb)
- Host bus adapters: H220, H221 and H222 SAS HBAs for pass-through storage, plus the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI adapter
Cache is what unlocks parity RAID. The embedded Smart Array P420i runs RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 with Zero Memory and is capped at two logical volumes. A 512MB, 1GB or 2GB flash-backed write cache module enables RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60 and raises the cap to 64 — usually a better buy than a plug-in card, since a 1U DL360p Gen8 has only two PCIe 3.0 slots.
Which storage controller does the DL360p Gen8 use?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Array P420i (embedded) | 2 internal 4X, 6Gb | None, 512MB, 1GB or 2GB | The internal drive bays |
| Smart Array P430 | 1 internal, 12Gb | 2GB or 4GB FBWC | 12Gb SAS internally |
| Smart Array P222 | 1 internal + 1 external, 6Gb | 512MB FBWC | A first external enclosure |
| Smart Array P421 / P431 | 2 external, 6Gb / 12Gb | 1GB or 2GB / 2GB or 4GB FBWC | External enclosures only |
| H220 / H221 / H222 HBA | SAS, PCIe 3.0 | None | Pass-through storage |
Cabling is part of the order. HPE specifies one Mini SAS Straight to Left 33in assembly (662899-B21) for the P222 and each H-series HBA, two for the P822, and cable kit 762721-B21 for the P430. Our guide to HPE Smart Array controllers covers how the P-series families differ.
Choosing the Right DL360p Gen8 Storage Controller
- Buy cache before you buy a card. On a Zero Memory P420i, a 512MB, 1GB or 2GB FBWC module unlocks parity RAID and raises the logical-drive limit from 2 to 64.
- Count your slots first. A 1U DL360p Gen8 has exactly two PCIe 3.0 slots, so a controller competes directly with a network or accelerator card.
- Internal or external decides the model. The internal bays are already wired to the P420i, so a plug-in card usually earns its slot by driving an external enclosure or a 12Gb array.
- Refurbished cards and FBWC modules are a low-risk buy — tested before shipping, and the usual way to add cache to an Entry model.
Complete Your DL360p Gen8 Build
Match your controller with DL360p Gen8 drives, then memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL360p Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL360e Gen8 controllers and DL360 Gen9 controllers. Catalog-wide: Smart Array controller batteries and parts by server model.
DL360p Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
What RAID controller does the HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8 use?
The embedded Smart Array P420i. Entry models carry it with Zero Memory for RAID 0, 1 and 1+0; Base and Energy Star models add 1GB flash-backed write cache and Performance models 2GB, both adding RAID 5, 5+0, 6 and 6+0.
Do I need cache on the DL360p Gen8 Smart Array controller?
For parity RAID, yes. HPE states a minimum of 512MB cache is required to enable RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60. The Zero Memory controller is also limited to two logical volumes, against up to 64 logical drives once cache is fitted.
Which Smart Array cards can I add to a DL360p Gen8?
The QuickSpecs list the P222/512 FBWC, P421/1GB and /2GB, P430/2GB and /4GB, P431/2GB and /4GB, and the P822/2GB. The H220, H221 and H222 HBAs are listed for pass-through SAS, along with the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI adapter.
Does a DL360p Gen8 Smart Array card need a cable kit?
Usually. HPE specifies one Mini SAS Straight to Left 33in assembly (662899-B21) for the P222 and for each H220, H221 or H222, two for the P822, and cable kit 762721-B21 for the P430.
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, provided the controller is running firmware version 4.68 or later, and that a minimum of 512MB cache is still required for parity RAID.
Can I run a single SATA drive without the P420i?
Yes. HPE lists the DL38x/DL360 Gen8 Embedded SATA Cable Kit (664009-B21) for connecting a single SATA drive to the embedded Intel SATA controller, and notes the P420i is unused then and should be disabled in RBSU to save power.
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