HPE ProLiant DL585 G7 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL585 G7, new and refurbished. The eight internal bays already belong to the embedded Smart Array P410i, so an add-in card on this platform is usually about reaching storage outside the chassis — and what the embedded card can do with the drives inside it depends on the cache module attached to it.
DL585 G7 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Smart Array P410i, fitted at the factory as Zero Memory, 512MB FBWC or 1GB FBWC, over two internal 4X SAS connectors on a PCIe 2.0 x4 host link
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 on every build; RAID 5 and 5+0 need a minimum of 256MB of cache; RAID 6 and 6+0 need cache plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence
- Logical drives: up to two logical volumes across eight physical drives on a Zero Memory card, rising to 64 logical drives once cache is present
- Add-in cards stocked: Smart Array P212 in Zero Memory and 256MB; P411 in 256MB, 512MB BBWC, 512MB FBWC and 1GB FBWC; P812 with 1GB FBWC
- Cache upgrades: 512MB battery backed write cache, supported on the P411 only, plus 512MB and 1GB flash backed write cache modules
- Host bus adapters: the SC08e 6Gb two-port external SAS HBA, approved for the HPE StorageWorks P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array, and the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI HBA for SCSI tape
RAID 5 is a cache feature on this generation, not a free one. The embedded Smart Array P410i needs a minimum of 256MB of cache before RAID 5 and 5+0 are available at all, and RAID 6 and 6+0 need cache plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence. With no cache the card is limited to RAID 0, 1 and 1+0, and to two logical volumes.
Which Card Does the Job the P410i Cannot?
| Controller | Ports | What it is for |
|---|---|---|
| P410i (embedded) | 2 internal 4X SAS | The eight bays in the chassis, on whatever cache the factory fitted |
| P212 | 1 internal, 1 external | A modest array plus one outside device; the recommended card for tape connection |
| P411 | 2 external | D2600 or D2700 enclosures, leaving the internal bays with the P410i |
| P812 | 2 internal, 4 external | Internal drives and up to four external shelves from a single slot |
The decision splits on internal against external before it splits on model number: a P411 has no internal ports and will not drive the backplane, however much cache it carries. Cache size is the other axis, and it is the one that changes what the array can do rather than how fast it does it — without 256MB there is no RAID 5 on this generation at all.
Choosing the Right DL585 G7 Storage Controller
- RAID 5 is a cache feature here. The P410i needs at least 256MB before RAID 5 and 5+0 appear, and RAID 6 needs cache and the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence on top.
- Battery backed and flash backed cache are not the same part. BBWC depends on a rechargeable battery that ages; FBWC writes the cache to flash and holds data indefinitely, which is the sounder choice on a server of this age.
- Check what a cache upgrade attaches to. The 512MB battery backed upgrade is documented for the Smart Array P411 only.
- The SC08e is not a general-purpose HBA. HPE approves it for the StorageWorks P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array; for SCSI tape the documented choice is the SC11Xe.
Complete Your DL585 G7 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see DL585 G7 hard drives for what the array will hold. Also available: DL585 G7 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL585 G7 parts listing. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers. Other platforms are indexed under HPE parts by server model.
DL585 G7 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the DL585 G7 come with?
An embedded HPE Smart Array P410i. HPE fitted it as Zero Memory on base models, with a 512MB flash backed write cache, or with a 1GB flash backed write cache on performance models.
Does the DL585 G7 support RAID 5?
Yes, once the P410i has at least 256MB of cache. A Zero Memory card is limited to RAID 0, 1 and 1+0. RAID 6 and 6+0 need cache plus the Smart Array Advanced Pack licence key.
What is the difference between BBWC and FBWC?
Battery backed write cache holds the cache contents on a rechargeable battery that degrades over time. Flash backed write cache writes those contents to flash, which HPE describes as taking retention from two days to indefinite.
How do I attach external storage to a DL585 G7?
With a Smart Array P411, which has two external ports, or a P812, which has four external ports alongside two internal. HPE documents up to eight D2600 or four D2700 enclosures on those cards.
How many logical drives can the P410i create?
Up to two logical volumes across eight physical drives when the card has no cache, and up to 64 logical drives once a cache module is fitted.
Which controller should I use for a tape drive?
HPE recommends the Smart Array P212 Zero Memory controller for SAS tape connection on this server, and the SC11Xe Ultra320 host bus adapter for SCSI tape drives.
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