HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and SAS HBAs for the HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8, new and refurbished. Every model starts on the embedded Smart Array P420i — Zero Memory on the Entry model, 512MB, 1GB or 2GB flash-backed write cache above that — and plug-in P-series cards add 12Gb SAS and external ports.
DL385p Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded P420i: x4 PCIe 2.0 at 2GB/s, eight 6Gb/s SAS links at 4.8GB/s, two internal 4X connectors, 6Gb/s SAS and 3Gb/s SATA
- Cache options: Zero Memory, 40-bit 256MB ECC, 72-bit 512MB BBWC, or 512MB, 1GB and 2GB FBWC as separate P-series modules
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 with Zero Memory, limited to 2 logical volumes; 5, 50, 6 and 60 need at least 512MB of cache and lift the limit to 64
- Internal plug-in cards: P420/1GB and P420/2GB at 6Gb, P430/2GB and P430/4GB at 12Gb, and the 2-port P830/4GB
- External cards and HBAs: P222/512 and P421/1GB at 6Gb, P431/2GB and P431/4GB at 12Gb, plus H220, H221 and H222 SAS HBAs
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 across eight physical drives. 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 DL385p Gen8 use?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Smart Array P420i (embedded) | 2 internal 4X, 6Gb | None, 512MB, 1GB, 2GB | The cage it shipped with |
| Smart Array P222 | 1 internal + 1 external, 6Gb | 512MB FBWC | A first external enclosure |
| Smart Array P420 / P421 | 2 internal / 2 external, 6Gb | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | The second 8 SFF cage |
| Smart Array P430 / P431 / P830 | 1 internal / 2 external / 2 internal, 12Gb | 2GB or 4GB FBWC | 12Gb arrays, larger cache |
| H220 / H221 / H222 HBA | SAS, no RAID | None | Pass-through storage |
Cabling is part of the order here. HPE lists DL38Xp Gen8 P430/830 cable kits sized to the cage — 8 LFF (729270-B21), 12 LFF (729272-B21) and 25 SFF (729274-B21). Our guide to HPE Smart Array controllers covers how the P-series families differ.
Choosing the Right DL385p 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 to 64.
- A second controller is mandatory for the second cage. The 16 SFF configuration is a cage kit plus a PCIe Smart Array card, and HPE recommends the P420 for it.
- Watch the PCIe budget. Three PCIe 2.0 slots are standard and the second riser cage needs the second processor.
- Order the cable kit that matches the cage: an 8 LFF kit will not serve a 25 SFF backplane.
- Refurbished cards and FBWC modules are a low-risk buy — tested before shipping, and the usual way to add cache.
Complete Your DL385p Gen8 Build
Match your controller with DL385p Gen8 drives, then memory, processors, and power supplies, or the full DL385p Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL385 G7 controllers and DL380p Gen8 controllers. Catalog-wide: Smart Array controller batteries and parts by server model.
DL385p Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
What RAID controller does the HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 use?
The embedded HPE Smart Array P420i. The Entry model carries it with Zero Memory for RAID 0 and 1, while the Storage Centric, Dedicated Workload and Maximized Consolidation models add 512MB, 1GB or 2GB of flash-backed write cache and support RAID 0, 1, 1+0, 5, 5+0, 6 and 6+0.
Do I need cache on the DL385p 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 across eight physical drives, against up to 64 logical drives once cache is fitted.
Which Smart Array cards can I add to a DL385p Gen8?
The QuickSpecs list the P222/512 FBWC, P420/1GB and P420/2GB, P421/1GB, P430/2GB and P430/4GB, P431/2GB and P431/4GB, and the P830/4GB. The H220, H221 and H222 host bus adapters are listed for pass-through SAS.
Why does the 16 SFF upgrade need a second controller?
Because the embedded P420i has only two internal 4X connectors, already wired to the first cage. HPE states the optional second 8 SFF drive kit requires a second Smart Array controller on PCIe and recommends the P420 card for it.
Does a DL385p Gen8 Smart Array card need a cable kit?
Usually. HPE lists DL38Xp Gen8 P430/830 cable kits by drive configuration - 8 LFF, 12 LFF and 25 SFF - along with 6G SAS primary and secondary kits and Mini SAS straight-to-straight assemblies, so the cable is chosen to match the cage.
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 DL385p Gen8 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
Browse all models
Why Global One?
- Trusted by thousands. Over 36,000 customers in 100+ countries trust Global One Technology to deliver mission-critical HP Enterprise hardware - including Fortune 500 businesses, schools, hospitals, and federal, state, and local goverment agencies.
- HPE is our specialty! We only sell genuine HP Enterprise parts.
- EASY ordering process. Purchase online now with credit card or PayPal!
- FAST shipping. Global One Technology ships orders received by 4pm ET the same day and offers NEXT DAY delivery to US customers.
