HPE ProLiant SL270s Gen8 Storage Controllers
Genuine HPE Smart Array controllers, cache modules, licences and host bus adapters for the HPE ProLiant SL270s Gen8, new and refurbished. Storage starts on the embedded H220i host bus adapter, which becomes the B320i Dynamic Smart Array with a firmware update — and on this generation RAID 5 is not a firmware feature but a cache purchase.
SL270s Gen8 Storage Controller Specifications
- Embedded controller: HPE H220i host bus adapter, running as the B320i Dynamic Smart Array after a firmware update, on two internal 4X connectors and an x4 PCIe 2.0 link
- RAID levels: 0, 1 and 1+0 with zero cache memory; RAID 5 requires the optional 512MB flash backed write cache
- Logical volumes: up to two volumes across eight physical drives without cache, and up to 64 logical drives once cache is fitted
- Transfer rate: up to 6Gb/s SAS and 6Gb/s SATA, with eight SAS links giving 4.8GB/s of controller bandwidth
- SAS licence: the B320i needs the single-server SAS licence key before SAS hard drives can run on it as primary controller
- Add-in cards: Smart Array P222 with 512MB FBWC, P420 and P421 with 1GB or 2GB FBWC, and the 12Gb P430 with 2GB FBWC, plus SAS host bus adapters
- Two processors required: HPE documents the add-in SAS controllers for this tray as needing a two-processor configuration
RAID 5 is a cache purchase on this generation. HPE states that 512MB of flash backed write cache is required to enable RAID 5 on the B320i; with zero cache memory the controller offers RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 and only two logical volumes. The add-in Smart Array cards carry their own condition: two-processor trays only.
Which Controller Does Your Array Actually Need?
| Controller | Ports | Cache | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| B320i (embedded) | 2 internal 4X | None, or 512MB FBWC | The eight bays in the tray, on whatever cache is fitted |
| Smart Array P222 | 1 internal, 1 external | 512MB FBWC | Tray drives plus one external enclosure from one card |
| Smart Array P420 | 2 internal | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | More cache and more RAID on the internal bays |
| Smart Array P421 | 2 external | 1GB or 2GB FBWC | External storage only, leaving the bays on the B320i |
| Smart Array P430 | 1 internal | 2GB FBWC | A 12Gb internal path with the largest cache here |
Internal against external is the split that decides this page. The P421 has no internal port, so it cannot serve the tray's own bays however much cache it carries; the P222 is the one card here that reaches both. Two constraints sit behind the table: the add-in cards are documented for two-processor trays only, and the SFF Smart Array enablement kit that cables a card to the front bays must be paired with the P222 and its 512MB cache.
Choosing the Right SL270s Gen8 Storage Controller
- Decide internal or external before the model number. A P421 will not drive the bays inside the tray, and no cable kit changes that.
- Buy the cache if you need RAID 5. HPE states plainly that 512MB of cache is required to enable RAID 5 on the B320i; without it the controller offers RAID 0, 1 and 1+0 and two logical volumes.
- The SAS licence is separate from the controller. Running SAS hard drives on the embedded B320i needs the single-server licence key, a part number rather than a setting.
- Check the second socket before ordering a card. The add-in SAS controllers are documented as requiring a two-processor configuration in this tray.
- A 12Gb card does not make 6Gb drives faster. The P430 earns its place with 12G drives and a 2GB cache, not as a speed upgrade for an existing 6G array.
Complete Your SL270s Gen8 Build
Controllers and drives are bought together — see SL270s Gen8 drives for what the array will hold. Also available: SL270s Gen8 memory, processors, networking adapters and rack options, or the full SL270s Gen8 parts listing and the HPE parts by server model index. Background reading: what are HPE Flexible Smart Array controllers.
SL270s Gen8 Storage Controllers FAQ
Which storage controller is built into the SL270s Gen8?
An embedded HPE H220i host bus adapter. With a firmware update it runs as the B320i Dynamic Smart Array, which is what provides RAID on this tray.
Does the SL270s Gen8 support RAID 5?
Only with cache. HPE states that 512MB of flash backed write cache is required to enable RAID 5 on the B320i; without it the controller offers RAID 0, 1 and 1+0.
How many logical volumes can the embedded controller create?
Two logical volumes across eight physical drives with zero cache memory, and up to 64 logical drives once a cache module is fitted.
Do I need a licence key for SAS drives?
Yes, when the B320i is the primary controller. The single-server SAS licence key is required before SAS hard drives can be selected.
Can I fit a Smart Array card with only one processor installed?
No. HPE documents the add-in SAS controllers for this tray as requiring a two-processor configuration.
Which controller do I need for external storage?
The Smart Array P421 provides two external ports and no internal ports. The P222 offers one internal and one external port if a single card has to serve both.
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