HPE ProLiant ML350p Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, flash backed write cache modules and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant ML350p Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded Smart Array P420i, and the number that governs every array is cache size — HPE requires at least 512MB of cache to enable RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60.
ML350p Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: Smart Array P420i on an x8 PCIe 3.0 link with two internal 4X SAS connectors, fitted as Zero Memory or with 512MB, 1GB or 2GB of FBWC
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 on every build; 5, 50, 6 and 60 need at least 512MB of cache, with RAID 6 and 60 also requiring firmware 4.68 or later
- Logical drives: 2 volumes across 8 physical drives on Zero Memory, rising to 64 with cache
- Internal add-in cards: P420 with 1GB or 2GB FBWC on 6G SAS; the 12G SAS P430 with 2GB or 4GB FBWC and P830 with 4GB
- External add-in cards: P421 with 1GB or 2GB FBWC and the 12G SAS P431 with 2GB or 4GB, plus the P822 with two internal and four external ports
- Cache and licensing: 512MB, 1GB and 2GB P-series flash backed write cache modules, plus SmartCache licences
- Host bus adapters: H220, H221 and H222 SAS adapters, plus the SC11Xe Ultra320 SCSI adapter for legacy tape
512MB of cache is the RAID 5 and RAID 6 line. HPE requires a minimum of 512MB of controller cache to enable RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60; a Zero Memory Smart Array P420i does RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 and nothing beyond. If the array you want needs parity, the cache module is the part to buy.
Which Smart Array Card Fits Which Slot?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Slot restriction |
|---|---|---|---|
| P420i (embedded) | 2 internal | Zero, 512MB, 1GB or 2GB FBWC | Dedicated — uses no PCIe slot |
| P420 | 2 internal | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | Not supported in slots 3 and 4 |
| P430 / P830 | 1 or 2 internal, 12G | 2GB or 4GB FBWC | P430 not supported in slots 3 and 4 |
| P421 / P431 | 2 external | 1GB to 4GB FBWC | P431 not supported in slot 2 |
| P822 | 2 internal, 4 external | 2GB FBWC | Slots 3 and 4 only |
Slot placement is a real constraint here, not a footnote: the restrictions differ card by card, and the P822 is confined to two slots out of nine. Decide internal against external, then cache size, then check the card against the slots you have free — and note that slots 5 to 9 need the second processor.
Choosing the Right ML350p Gen8 Storage Controller
- 512MB of cache is the RAID 5 and RAID 6 line. A Zero Memory P420i does RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 and nothing beyond, so the cache module is the part to buy for parity RAID.
- One controller per additional standard drive cage. HPE documents a separate card for each extra hot-plug cage, unless Expander cage kits put every bay behind one.
- A P430 needs its cable kit. HPE states that the ML350p Gen8 Smart Array Cable Kit must be purchased alongside a P430.
- 12G cards do not make a 6G backplane faster. The P430, P431 and P830 are 12G parts, but the path still negotiates to a common rate.
- Host bus adapters are not RAID cards. The H220, H221 and H222 present drives directly for software RAID or external attach, with no cache or parity.
Complete Your ML350p Gen8 Build
The controller decides which RAID levels an array can run — see ML350p Gen8 drives for what goes behind it. Also available: memory, processors, networking adapters and power supplies, or the full ML350p Gen8 parts listing. Background reading: HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers. Other models: HPE parts by server model.
ML350p Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which RAID controller does the ML350p Gen8 come with?
An embedded HPE Smart Array P420i, shipped as Zero Memory on entry models, with 512MB of cache on base tower models, 1GB on base rack models, and 2GB on performance models.
Does the ML350p Gen8 support RAID 5 and RAID 6?
Yes, with cache. HPE requires a minimum of 512MB of controller cache for RAID 5, 50, 6 and 60. RAID 6 and 60 also need controller firmware 4.68 or later.
How many logical drives can the P420i handle?
Two logical volumes across eight physical drives on the Zero Memory build, and up to 64 once a cache module is fitted.
Can I connect external storage to an ML350p Gen8?
Yes. The Smart Array P421 and P431 provide two external ports each, and the P822 adds four external ports alongside two internal.
Do I need a cable kit with a Smart Array P430?
Yes. HPE states that the ML350p Gen8 Smart Array Cable Kit must be purchased when a P430 is fitted.
Which slots can a Smart Array card go in?
It depends on the card. The P420 and P430 are not supported in slots 3 and 4, the P431 not in slot 2, and the P822 only in slots 3 and 4 - and not slot 3 if slot 4 already holds a controller.
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