HPE ProLiant SL230s Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules, enablement kits and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant SL230s Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded H220i host bus adapter, which carries no cache and no RAID of its own — RAID begins when it runs as the B320i Dynamic Smart Array, after a firmware update.
SL230s Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE H220i host bus adapter — 6Gb SAS and SATA on two internal 4X connectors, an x8 PCI Express 3.0 link, up to eight physical drives, no cache and no RAID of its own
- Embedded RAID: the same controller runs as the B320i Dynamic Smart Array with a firmware update, and takes a 512MB B-series flash backed write cache with a 24-inch cable
- Smart Array cards: the P222 with 512MB FBWC, one internal and one external port; the P421 with 1GB or 2GB FBWC and two external ports
- Enablement kits: a 2x Large Form Factor kit and an SL230s 4X Small Form Factor kit, which connect the drives inside the tray to a Smart Array controller
- Required with flash: the 12-inch super capacity option, which HPE lists as a cabling requirement for implementing any Smart Array controller with flash
- Licences and external SAS: the B320i SAS licence key, Smart Array Advanced Pack 2.0, and the HPE H222 host bus adapter
The embedded controller is a host bus adapter, not a RAID card. The H220i ships with no cache memory and no RAID support of its own; RAID arrives when it runs as the B320i Dynamic Smart Array with a firmware update, and write caching only once the 512MB B-series module is fitted. SAS drives on that controller also need the B320i SAS licence key.
Which controller can actually reach the drives inside the tray?
| Controller | Ports | What it serves |
|---|---|---|
| H220i (embedded) | 2 internal | The tray's own drives, with no cache or RAID until the B320i firmware is in place |
| B320i Dynamic Smart Array | 2 internal | The same drives with RAID, plus write caching once the 512MB module is fitted |
| Smart Array P222 | 1 internal, 1 external | Internal drives on a cached controller, plus one external enclosure |
| Smart Array P421 | 2 external | External storage only, leaving the internal drives on the embedded controller |
Internal against external is the split that decides this page. The P421 has no internal port, so it cannot serve the bays inside the tray however much cache it carries; the P222 is the one card here that does both. Either way, a cached card needs the 12-inch super capacity option to cable it and the matching enablement kit to reach the tray's drives.
Choosing the Right SL230s Gen8 Storage Controller
- Check for an internal port before anything else. A P421 will not drive the bays inside the tray, and no cable makes it do so.
- The super capacity option is not optional. HPE lists the 12-inch super cap as a cabling requirement for a Smart Array controller with flash, so it belongs in the same order as the card.
- The enablement kit follows the cage, not the card. There is a 2x LFF kit and a 4X SFF kit; the drive layout already in the tray decides which.
- SAS on the embedded controller needs the licence key. HPE requires the B320i SAS licence key where SAS drives run on the embedded controller as the primary controller.
- The H220i is a host bus adapter, not a RAID card. As supplied it has no cache and no RAID; RAID arrives with the B320i firmware, write caching only with the 512MB module.
Complete Your SL230s Gen8 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see SL230s Gen8 drives for what the array will hold. Also available: SL230s Gen8 memory, processors and networking adapters, or the full SL230s Gen8 parts listing and the HPE parts by server model index. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers.
SL230s Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which storage controller does the SL230s Gen8 come with?
An embedded HPE H220i host bus adapter. It has no cache and no RAID of its own, and becomes the B320i Dynamic Smart Array with a firmware update.
How many drives can the embedded controller address?
Up to eight physical drives, across two internal 4X SAS connectors at 6Gb, on an x8 PCI Express 3.0 host connection.
Do I need the super capacitor with a Smart Array card?
Yes. HPE lists the 12-inch super capacity option as a cabling requirement for a Smart Array controller with flash on this server.
Can a Smart Array P421 run the drives inside the tray?
No. The P421 has two external ports and no internal port. The P222 is the card here that offers one internal and one external port.
What does a Smart Array enablement kit do?
It connects the drives inside the tray to a Smart Array controller. HPE lists a 2x Large Form Factor kit and an SL230s 4X Small Form Factor kit, matched to the cage fitted.
Do SAS drives need a licence on this server?
With the embedded B320i as the primary controller, yes. HPE requires the B320i SAS licence key. SATA drives do not need it.
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