HPE ProLiant DL380p Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and SAS host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL380p Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded Smart Array P420i — Zero Memory on Entry models, 1GB flash-backed write cache on Base models, 2GB on Performance models.
DL380p Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded P420i: x8 PCIe 3.0 for 8GB/s of bandwidth, eight 6Gb/s SAS links for 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, as separate P-series modules
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 with Zero Memory, capped at 2 logical volumes; 5, 50, 6 and 60 need 512MB of cache and lift that cap to 64 logical drives
- Plug-in cards: P420 and P421 at 6Gb, P430 and P431 at 12Gb, plus the P222/512, the P822/2GB and the P830/4GB
- Host bus adapters: H220, H221 PCIe 3.0 and H222 SAS HBAs for pass-through storage, plus the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI HBA
Cache is what unlocks parity RAID. The embedded Smart Array P420i runs RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 with Zero Memory and is limited to two logical volumes. A 512MB, 1GB or 2GB flash-backed write cache module enables RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60 and raises the limit to 64 logical drives.
Which storage controller does the DL380p Gen8 use?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| P420i (embedded) | 2 internal 4X, 6Gb | None, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB | The standard drive cage |
| P222 | 1 int + 1 ext, 6Gb | 512MB FBWC | A first external enclosure |
| P420 / P421 | 2 int / 2 ext, 6Gb | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | A second 8SFF cage, or external SAS |
| P430 / P431 | 1 int / 2 ext, 12Gb | 2GB or 4GB FBWC | Larger cache, 12Gb arrays |
| P822 / P830 | 2 int + 4 ext / 2 int | 2GB or 4GB FBWC | Four external ports, or 12Gb internal |
One detail decides most orders: the second 8SFF cage needs a controller of its own, HPE recommends the P420/1GB for it, and the P822 cannot cover both cages because it has only two internal ports. Our guide to HPE Smart Array controllers covers how the P-series families differ.
Choosing the Right DL380p Gen8 Storage Controller
- Buy cache before you buy a card. On a Zero Memory P420i, a 512MB, 1GB or 2GB FBWC module enables RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60 and raises the logical drive limit from 2 to 64.
- Check the slot restriction first. The QuickSpecs bar a P421 from slot 1 on the 12LFF, a P430 from slots 3 and 4 on every model, and a P822 from slot 3 on the 12LFF and 25SFF.
- Cabling is part of the order. The P222 needs one 662897-B21 cable assembly and the P420 needs two; the P430 and P830 take a DL38Xp Gen8 cable kit sized to the chassis.
- Refurbished cards and FBWC modules are a low-risk buy — tested before shipping, and the usual way to add cache to a P420i.
Complete Your DL380p Gen8 Build
Match your controller with DL380p Gen8 drives, then memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL380p Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL380e Gen8 and DL360p Gen8 storage controllers. Catalog-wide: Smart Array batteries and parts by server model.
DL380p Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
What RAID controller does the HPE ProLiant DL380p 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 25SFF and Performance models 2GB, both adding RAID 5, 5+0, 6 and 6+0.
Do I need cache on the DL380p Gen8 Smart Array controller?
For parity RAID, yes. HPE states a minimum of 512MB of 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 DL380p Gen8?
The QuickSpecs list the P222/512 FBWC, P420/1GB and P420/2GB, P421/1GB and P421/2GB, P430/2GB and P430/4GB, P431/2GB and P431/4GB, the P822/2GB and the P830/4GB. H220, H221 and H222 host bus adapters are listed for pass-through SAS.
Can one controller run all 16 drives in a DL380p Gen8?
No. HPE states the optional +8SFF drive bay requires an additional internal storage controller, and recommends the Smart Array P420/1GB FBWC (631670-B21). The P822 has only two internal ports, like the P420, so it cannot attach both 8SFF cages through one controller.
Does a DL380p Gen8 Smart Array card need a cable kit?
Usually. HPE notes the P222 requires one Mini SAS straight-to-straight 37in cable assembly (662897-B21) and the P420 requires two. The P430 and P830 use the DL38Xp Gen8 cable kits, listed separately for the 8LFF, 12LFF and 25SFF chassis.
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 has at least 512MB of cache.
✅ Looking for a specific DL380p Gen8 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
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