HPE ProLiant DL380 G7 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL380 G7, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded Smart Array P410i, and what that controller can do depends entirely on which cache module is attached to it — RAID 5 is a cache feature on this generation, not a free one.
DL380 G7 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Smart Array P410i, fitted at the factory as Zero Memory, with 256MB, or with a 1GB flash backed write cache
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 on the Zero Memory build; RAID 5 and 5+0 once a cache module is present
- Internal add-in cards: Smart Array P410 in 256MB, 512MB BBWC, 512MB FBWC and 1GB FBWC forms, each two internal ports on a PCIe x8 connection
- External add-in cards: Smart Array P411 in the same cache range, two external ports, and the P812 with 1GB FBWC offering two internal and four external ports
- Entry card: Smart Array P212 with 256MB or zero memory, one internal and one external port
- Cache upgrades: 256MB, 512MB battery backed and 512MB or 1GB flash backed write cache modules, plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence
- Host bus adapters: a 24-bay SAS expander card, the SC08e external SAS HBA, and the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI HBA for legacy tape and disk
RAID 5 is a cache feature on this generation. The embedded Smart Array P410i shipped three ways: Zero Memory with RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 only, with a 256MB cache that adds RAID 5 and 5+0, or with a 1GB flash backed write cache. If the array you want needs RAID 5 and the card has no cache, the cache module is the part to buy.
Which Smart Array Controller Does Your Array Need?
| Controller | Ports | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| P410i (embedded) | internal | The drives in the chassis, on whatever cache the factory fitted |
| P212 | 1 internal, 1 external | A small array plus one external enclosure |
| P410 | 2 internal | More internal drives, or more cache than the embedded card carries |
| P411 | 2 external | External storage only, leaving the internal bays on the P410i |
| P812 | 2 internal, 4 external | Internal drives and several external enclosures from one card |
The split that matters is internal against external. The P410 family serves drives inside the chassis, the P411 family serves enclosures outside it, and only the P812 does both from a single slot. Cache size, not the card number, is what unlocks RAID 5 and sets write performance.
Choosing the Right DL380 G7 Storage Controller
- Decide internal or external before choosing a model number. A P411 will not drive the internal backplane, however much cache it carries.
- Battery backed and flash backed cache are not interchangeable. BBWC modules depend on a battery that ages; FBWC modules use flash and a supercapacitor, which is the better long-term choice on a server of this age.
- Check what the cache upgrade supports. HPE lists the 256MB upgrade for the P212 and as an upgrade to the Zero Memory P410i, while the 1GB and 512MB flash backed modules are documented for the P410i only.
- The SAS expander is for drive count, not for speed. It lets one controller address up to 24 bays; it does not add cache or RAID levels.
Complete Your DL380 G7 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see DL380 G7 hard drives for what the array will hold. Also available: DL380 G7 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL380 G7 parts listing. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers.
DL380 G7 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the DL380 G7 come with?
An embedded HPE Smart Array P410i. HPE shipped it three ways: Zero Memory on entry models, with a 256MB cache on base models, and with a 1GB flash backed write cache on performance models.
Does the DL380 G7 support RAID 5?
Yes, once the embedded P410i has a cache module fitted. The Zero Memory build is limited to RAID 0, 1 and 1+0; adding 256MB or more brings RAID 5 and 5+0.
What is the difference between BBWC and FBWC?
Battery backed write cache holds the cache contents on a rechargeable battery, which degrades over time. Flash backed write cache writes the contents to flash using a supercapacitor, so there is no battery to replace.
Can I connect external storage to a DL380 G7?
Yes. The Smart Array P411 provides two external ports, and the P812 offers four external ports alongside two internal. The SC08e host bus adapter is also listed for external SAS storage.
How many drives can one controller address?
The internal backplane is served by the embedded P410i or a P410. Adding the 24-bay SAS expander card lets a single controller address up to 24 drive bays.
Do I need the Smart Array Advanced Pack?
Only for the additional features it licenses, such as advanced RAID options. It is a software licence rather than hardware, and the controller works without it at the standard RAID levels.
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