HPE ProLiant DL980 G7 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL980 G7, new and refurbished. The eight internal bays are already served by the embedded Smart Array P410i, so almost every card on this page exists to reach storage outside the chassis — and where the cache module physically goes is limited by slot area, not by the card.
DL980 G7 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Smart Array P410i with optional flash backed write cache, standard on 4P models; the CTO chassis ships it as Zero Memory and pre-configured models ship 512MB FBWC
- Why FBWC: flash backed cache raises data retention from the two days of a battery backed cache to indefinite, adds transportable data protection and increases controller performance
- Add-in cards: Smart Array P212 with 256MB on one internal and one external port, P411 with 256MB, 512MB FBWC or 1GB FBWC on two external ports, and P812 with 1GB FBWC on two internal and four external
- Cache and battery upgrades: 512MB and 1GB flash backed write cache modules, and a 650 mAh P-series battery kit supported on the P212 and P411 only
- Cache placement limit: two battery or FBWC kits maximum in the upper full height, full length slot area, and one in the lower low profile area
- Host bus adapter: the SC08e external SAS HBA, a two by four external port PCIe x8 card approved for the StorageWorks P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array
Count the cache modules before you count the cards. Two battery or flash backed cache kits fit the upper full height, full length slot area and one fits the lower low profile area. Three is the ceiling, so a fourth cached controller has nowhere to put its module.
Which card reaches which drives?
| Controller | Ports | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| P410i (embedded) | internal | The eight SFF bays, on whatever cache the factory fitted |
| P212 | 1 internal, 1 external | A small enclosure, or SAS tape and autoloaders |
| P411 | 2 external | External disk enclosures only |
| P812 | 2 internal, 4 external | Internal bays and several enclosures from one slot |
| SC08e HBA | 2 external | Direct attach to the P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array |
On a two-socket server an add-in Smart Array is usually about fitting more internal drives. Here the front end is fixed at eight bays and already spoken for, so the question is how much storage hangs off the machine and on how many enclosures. Count the cache modules before the cards: three kits is the ceiling across both slot areas, and that limit bites before the slot count does.
Choosing the Right DL980 G7 Storage Controller
- Work out the cache budget first. Two battery or FBWC kits fit the upper full height, full length area and one fits the lower low profile area, so a fourth cached controller is stranded.
- The battery kit only suits two cards. HPE documents the 650 mAh P-series battery for the P212 and P411 only, and flash backed cache is the better choice on a server of this age because there is no battery to age out.
- Match the card to the enclosure count. A P212 tops out at four D2600 or two D2700 enclosures, where a P411 or P812 doubles both.
- The SC08e is not a general purpose HBA. HPE approves it for the P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array, and no more than 11 may be installed in one server.
Complete Your DL980 G7 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see DL980 G7 hard drives for what the internal array will hold. Also available: DL980 G7 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full DL980 G7 parts listing. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers, and every model is listed under HPE parts by server model.
DL980 G7 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the DL980 G7 come with?
An embedded HPE Smart Array P410i with optional flash backed write cache. The configure-to-order chassis ships it as Zero Memory, while pre-configured models ship a 512MB flash backed write cache.
What is the difference between flash backed and battery backed cache?
Battery backed cache holds its contents for about two days on a rechargeable battery. Flash backed cache writes them to flash instead, which HPE documents as indefinite retention with transportable data protection.
How many cache modules can I fit?
Three. A maximum of two battery or FBWC kits go in the upper full height, full length slot area, and a maximum of one in the lower low profile area.
Can I connect external storage to a DL980 G7?
Yes. The Smart Array P411 gives two external ports and the P812 gives four external plus two internal. Either supports up to eight D2600 or four D2700 disk enclosures.
Does the battery kit work with any Smart Array card?
No. HPE documents the 650 mAh P-series battery kit as supported on the Smart Array P212 and Smart Array P411 controllers only.
What is the SC08e host bus adapter for?
External SAS attachment. It is a two by four external port PCIe x8 HBA approved for the HPE StorageWorks P2000 G3 SAS Modular Smart Array, and no more than 11 may be installed in one server.
✅ Looking for a specific DL980 G7 storage controller? Browse our full selection below.
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