HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers for the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10, new and refurbished. Gen10 storage runs on the classic Smart Array SR Gen10 family — Essential (E-series) and Performance (P-series) controllers in modular (-a) and PCIe (-p) forms, backed by the Smart Storage battery for cache protection.
DL380 Gen10 Storage Controller Specifications
- S100i: embedded software RAID for SATA drives
- E208i-a / E208i-p: Essential tier — 8 internal lanes, no cache, RAID 0/1/5/10
- E208e-p: 8 external lanes for tape and JBOD
- P408i-a / P408i-p: Performance tier — 8 internal lanes with 2GB flash-backed cache
- P408e-p: 8 external lanes with 4GB cache
- P816i-a: the big internal controller — 16 lanes for maximum drive counts
- Cache protection: HPE Smart Storage battery or Smart Hybrid Capacitor backs the flash-backed write cache on P-series controllers
P-series cache needs its battery. The flash-backed write cache on P408 and P816 Smart Array controllers is protected by the Smart Storage battery or hybrid capacitor — a normal wear item on refurbished systems, so check its health and replace it cheaply when needed.
Which Smart Array controller does the DL380 Gen10 use?
| Controller | Form factor | Cache | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| S100i | Embedded | None | Basic SATA software RAID |
| E208i-a / E208i-p | Modular / PCIe | None | Entry hardware RAID, HBA passthrough |
| P408i-a / P408i-p | Modular / PCIe | 2GB flash-backed | Mainstream protected hardware RAID |
| P816i-a | Modular | 4GB flash-backed | Largest internal arrays, max drive count |
| E208e-p / P408e-p | PCIe | None / 4GB | External SAS: tape, JBOD, enclosures |
Choosing the Right DL380 Gen10 Storage Controller
- P-series needs its battery: the flash-backed write cache on P408/P816 controllers is protected by the Smart Storage battery or hybrid capacitor — replace aging batteries when buying refurbished.
- -a vs -p is placement: -a models mount in the dedicated modular slot and keep PCIe slots free; -p models are plug-in cards.
- Software-defined stacks (vSAN, Storage Spaces, ZFS) want the cache-less E208i in HBA mode — write-back cache works against them.
- Background: our guide to HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers explains the -a/-p/-e naming and where each fits.
Complete Your DL380 Gen10 Build
Match your controller with DL380 Gen10 drives, then round out the system: memory, processors, networking adapters, power supplies, or everything on the DL380 Gen10 parts page. Neighboring generations: DL380 Gen10 Plus controllers and DL380 Gen11 controllers. Or browse all HPE parts by server model.
DL380 Gen10 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controllers does the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 use?
The Smart Array SR Gen10 family: embedded S100i software RAID, cache-less E208i-a/E208i-p, the 2GB-cache P408i-a/P408i-p, the 16-lane P816i-a with 4GB cache, and external E208e-p/P408e-p for tape and enclosures.
What is the difference between E-series and P-series Smart Array controllers?
Cache. E-series (Essential) controllers have no cache and suit entry RAID or HBA passthrough duty; P-series (Performance) controllers add flash-backed write cache - 2GB on the P408i, 4GB on the P816i-a - for serious hardware RAID performance.
Do DL380 Gen10 Smart Array controllers need a battery?
The P-series models use the HPE Smart Storage battery or Smart Hybrid Capacitor to protect their flash-backed write cache. On refurbished systems, check the energy pack's health - it's a normal wear item and inexpensive to replace.
What's the difference between -a and -p controller models?
Mounting: -a models install in the server's dedicated modular slot, keeping PCIe slots free; -p models are PCIe plug-in cards. Silicon and features are otherwise equivalent within a tier.
Can the DL380 Gen10 connect to tape drives or external storage?
Yes - the E208e-p (no cache) and P408e-p (4GB cache) provide external 12G SAS lanes for LTO tape drives, JBODs, and enclosures.
Can I use MR controllers from newer generations in the DL380 Gen10?
No - stick to the Smart Array SR Gen10 family listed for this platform. The MR (MegaRAID) families belong to Gen10 Plus and later, use a different drive ecosystem, and note that Smart Carrier drives do not function behind MegaRAID controllers.
✅ Looking for a specific DL380 Gen10 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
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