HPE ProLiant DL385 G7 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL385 G7, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded Smart Array P410i, and what it can do is set by the cache attached to it — on this generation RAID 5 is a cache feature, not a free one.
DL385 G7 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Smart Array P410i — Zero Memory on entry models, 256MB or 512MB FBWC on base models, 1GB FBWC on high performance models, with two internal 4X SAS connectors driving 6Gb/s SAS and 3Gb/s SATA
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 on any build; RAID 5 and 5+0 need at least 256MB of cache; RAID 6 and 6+0 need cache plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence
- Logical drives: the Zero Memory build is limited to two logical volumes across eight physical drives; a cached card addresses up to 64
- Add-in cards: Smart Array P212, P410, P411 and P812, each a PCIe x8 card, in the port layouts set out below
- Cache upgrades: the 256MB P-series module, 512MB BBWC, the 650 mAh battery that makes the 256MB module battery backed, and 512MB or 1GB FBWC
- Host bus adapters: the 24-bay SAS Expander Card, the SC08e 6Gb external SAS HBA, and the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI HBA for tape
Cache is what buys RAID levels on this generation. The embedded Smart Array P410i does RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 with no cache at all; 256MB is the minimum for RAID 5 and 5+0; RAID 6 and 6+0 want a cache module plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence. If your array needs RAID 5 and the card has no cache, the cache module is the part to buy.
Which Smart Array Card Does the Job You Have?
| Controller | Ports | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| P410i (embedded) | 2 internal | The chassis drives, 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 has |
| P411 | 2 external | External storage only, leaving the bays on the P410i |
| P812 | 2 internal, 4 external | Internal drives and several enclosures from one card |
Internal against external is the split that matters: the P410 family serves drives inside the chassis, the P411 family enclosures outside it, and only the P812 does both. There is a second reason to buy an internal card here — the sixteen-bay front end needs one, or the SAS Expander Card, before bays 9 to 16 come up.
Choosing the Right DL385 G7 Storage Controller
- Decide internal or external before the model number. A P411 has only external ports and will not drive the internal backplane, whatever its cache.
- Battery backed and flash backed are not the same purchase. The 256MB module only becomes battery backed once the 650 mAh battery kit is added; flash backed modules have no battery to age.
- Check what a cache upgrade actually fits. The 256MB P-series upgrade is documented for the Smart Array P212 and the Zero Memory P410 only.
- The host bus adapters are narrow tools. The SC08e is approved for the StorageWorks P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array; the SC11Xe is the Ultra320 SCSI route for tape.
Complete Your DL385 G7 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see DL385 G7 hard drives for which front end you are feeding. Also available: DL385 G7 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL385 G7 parts listing. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers, and the HPE parts by server model index.
DL385 G7 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the DL385 G7 come with?
An embedded HPE Smart Array P410i, shipped four ways: Zero Memory on entry models, 256MB or 512MB FBWC on base models, and 1GB FBWC on high performance models.
Does the DL385 G7 support RAID 5?
Yes, once the embedded P410i has at least 256MB of cache. Without a cache module the card is limited to RAID 0, 1 and 1+0.
What does RAID 6 need on this server?
A cache module and the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence key. HPE lists three enabling combinations: 256MB cache with the battery kit, 512MB BBWC or FBWC, or 1GB FBWC.
How many logical drives can the embedded controller handle?
A Zero Memory P410i supports two logical volumes across eight physical drives. With a cache module fitted the same card addresses up to 64 logical drives.
What is the difference between BBWC and FBWC?
Battery backed write cache holds the contents on a rechargeable battery, which degrades over time. Flash backed write cache writes them to flash instead, so there is no battery to replace.
Can I connect external storage to a DL385 G7?
Yes. The Smart Array P411 provides two external ports and the P812 four. The SC08e host bus adapter is also listed, approved for the StorageWorks P2000 G3 SAS MSA.
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