HPE ProLiant ML150 Gen9 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, Smart Host Bus Adapters and cache hardware for the HPE ProLiant ML150 Gen9, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B140i, and its two limits explain most upgrades on this platform: it is SATA only, and it cannot share the server with a standup internal controller.
ML150 Gen9 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE Dynamic Smart Array B140i on entry and base models — SATA only at 6Gb/s, up to ten internal drives, RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5, no expander support, and UEFI boot mode only
- Smart Host Bus Adapters: H240 with two internal 12Gb ports, fitted to performance models, and H241 with two external 12Gb ports
- Smart Array cards: P440 with 4GB flash backed write cache on one internal 12Gb port, P840 with 4GB FBWC on two internal ports, and P441 with 4GB FBWC on two external ports
- Cache protection: the 96W Smart Storage Battery with 145mm cable, which also requires the ML150 Gen9 Smart Storage Battery Holder Kit to mount inside this chassis
- Cable kits: one Mini SAS kit for an H240 on hot-plug 4LFF and two for 4+4 LFF or 8SFF; one kit for a P440 and two for a P840
- Cooling: the PCI baffle kit is required whenever a PCIe card is installed, storage controllers included, and ships with performance models ordered with the H240
- Licensing: HPE SmartCache comes standard with the P840 and is licensed separately on the other supported Smart Array controllers
The embedded B140i is SATA only, and it does not share. It addresses up to ten SATA drives at 6Gb/s with RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5, but HPE states it cannot be mixed with any standup internal controller — so adding an H240 or a Smart Array card retires the embedded controller and moves the whole array at once.
Which Controller Does Your Array Need?
| Controller | Ports | Reach | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| B140i (embedded) | internal, SATA | Up to ten SATA drives at 6Gb/s | RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5 without using a slot |
| H240 Smart HBA | 2 internal | 12Gb SAS and SATA | SAS support and 12Gb transfer |
| P440 | 1 internal | 12Gb SAS and SATA | 4GB flash backed write cache |
| P840 | 2 internal | Required for the sixteen-bay SFF cage | Cache plus the reach for a full SFF front end |
| H241 and P441 | 2 external | External 12Gb SAS enclosures | Capacity beyond the chassis |
Read that as two steps rather than one ladder. B140i to H240 buys SAS and 12Gb transfer but no cache; H240 to a P440 or P840 buys the 4GB flash backed write cache, and on the P840 the reach to address sixteen SFF bays. The first step is larger than it looks, because the B140i cannot run alongside a standup internal card, so the whole array moves at once.
Choosing the Right ML150 Gen9 Storage Controller
- If the array is SAS, the embedded controller is out. The B140i handles SATA only, whatever the drive count.
- Sixteen SFF bays are a P840 decision. HPE limits that configuration to the P840, so the second drive cage and the controller are bought together.
- Budget for the battery and its holder. The 96W Smart Storage Battery needs the ML150 Gen9 battery holder kit to mount, and HPE calls for it with the P440 and P840.
- Count the cable kits. A P440 takes one and a P840 takes two; an H240 takes one for hot-plug 4LFF and two for 4+4 LFF or 8SFF.
- Check the card form before ordering. HPE documents the standup PCIe versions of these controllers for this server, and a modular variant that seats on a dedicated controller connector has nowhere to go in a chassis specified with six PCIe slots.
Complete Your ML150 Gen9 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see ML150 Gen9 drives for what the array will hold. Also available: ML150 Gen9 memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full ML150 Gen9 parts listing. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers. Other models are listed under HPE parts by server model.
ML150 Gen9 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the ML150 Gen9 come with?
An embedded HPE Dynamic Smart Array B140i on entry and base models, supporting RAID 0, 1, 10 and 5 on SATA drives at 6Gb/s. Performance models shipped with the H240 Smart Host Bus Adapter instead.
Does the B140i support SAS drives?
No. The B140i is a SATA-only controller with no expander support, addressing up to ten internal drives. SAS needs an H240, H241, P440, P840 or P441.
Can I keep the B140i and add a Smart Array card?
No. HPE states that the B140i cannot be mixed with any standup internal controller, so adding one moves the whole internal array onto the new card.
Do I need the Smart Storage Battery?
For the flash backed write cache on a P440 or P840, yes. HPE lists the 96W Smart Storage Battery with 145mm cable, and in this chassis it also needs the ML150 Gen9 battery holder kit to mount.
Which controller do sixteen SFF drives need?
The Smart Array P840. HPE limits the sixteen-bay SFF configuration to that controller, and it takes two Mini SAS cable kits rather than one.
Why does a controller card need a baffle kit?
Airflow. HPE requires the ML150 Gen9 PCI baffle kit whenever a PCIe card is installed, including storage controllers, networking cards and graphics options.
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