This item, P81160-B21, is the HPE option part number for the product described as NS204i‑u v2 960GB NVMe Hot Plug Boot Optimized Storage Device. Further details below.
The HPE NS204i-u v2 960GB NVMe Hot Plug Boot Optimized Storage Device (P81160-B21) is a self-contained, plug-and-play OS boot solution built on two M.2 NVMe SSDs in a dedicated slot card. It automatically creates a hardware RAID 1 volume out of the box - no GUI, no user setup - so your operating system is mirrored and protected from day one, with read performance up to 4x faster than legacy SATA boot solutions. Optional SED capabilities on the 960 GB configuration add an extra layer of data security.
Because P81160-B21 installs in a dedicated universal hot plug location, it consumes no PCIe slot and no drive bay, leaving your expansion and storage capacity free for workloads. It presents to the management interface as a single directly connected NVMe drive rather than a RAID controller, and uses native Windows, Linux, and VMware NVMe inbox drivers for effortless deployment. Certified to meet VMware and Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct requirements, it supports HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11, DL325 Gen11, DL145 Gen11, DL380 Gen11, DL345 Gen11, DL340e Gen12, DL340 Gen12, DL380a Gen12, DL325 Gen12, DL380 Gen12, and ML350 Gen12 servers.
HPE Option Part #: P81160-B21
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS FOR P81160-B21:
- SKU #: P81160-B21
- Device type: NVMe OS Boot Device (self-contained boot solution in a simple, pre-configured dedicated slot card that requires no GUI or user setup)
- Capacity / media: Two 480 or 960 GB M.2 SSDs (plug-and-play OS boot device)
- RAID: Hardware RAID 1 (only RAID 1 mode is supported; auto-creates RAID1 volume)
- Performance: Up to 4x faster read capability than legacy SATA boot solutions
- Security: Optional SED capabilities for 960 GB
- Installation: Universal installation hot plug; does not take up a PCIe slot; does not consume any drive bay
- Drivers: Utilizes Windows, Linux, or VMware NVMe inbox drivers
- Management presentation: Presents itself to the management interface as a single directly connected NVMe drive, not a RAID controller
- Certifications: Meets the certification requirements of VMware and Microsoft Storage Spaces Direct
- Deployment limit: Server platforms support a single NS204i OS boot device
COMPATIBLE WITH:
PROLIANT DL SERIES
PROLIANT ML SERIES
** This list may not be complete. Contact us via Live Chat if you have any questions about compatibility.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS FOR P81160-B21:
- Does P81160-B21 use up a PCIe slot or drive bay in my server?
No. The P81160-B21 NS204i-u v2 boot device installs in a dedicated universal hot plug location, so it does not occupy a PCIe slot or consume any drive bay - your expansion slots and storage bays stay available for other workloads. - What RAID modes does P81160-B21 support, and do I have to configure it?
P81160-B21 supports hardware RAID 1 only, and it auto-creates the RAID 1 volume for you. There is no GUI or user setup required - it arrives pre-configured as a plug-and-play OS boot device using two M.2 SSDs. - Which servers are compatible with P81160-B21, and can I install more than one?
P81160-B21 is supported on the HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11, DL325 Gen11, DL145 Gen11, DL380 Gen11, DL345 Gen11, DL340e Gen12, DL340 Gen12, DL380a Gen12, DL325 Gen12, DL380 Gen12, and ML350 Gen12. Server platforms support a single NS204i OS boot device, so only one unit can be deployed per server.
Last Updated: 2026-08-19
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This product is warrantied against hardware failure for a period of 1 Year from the date of purchase. Before making a purchase, please take a moment to review our return policy below.
Returns
It is the customer's responsibility to verify compatibility with their machine(s) before placing an order. If an item is ordered by mistake, it can be returned for refund, minus a 25% restocking fee, within 5 business days of receipt. The cost of freight is not refundable.
Please be aware that factory-sealed equipment can only be returned if it remains unopened.
Defective Products
If you have received a defective part and your machine is still within the HPE warranty period, please initiate a warranty exchange by visiting the HPE Enterprise Support Center. Be sure to have the serial numbers of the defective drive and your server/storage array handy.
In case your hardware becomes defective during the Global One warranty period, but the HPE warranty has expired, you can return the product to us for a working replacement. You are responsible for the shipment of returned merchandise. However, we will cover the expense of Ground /Economy shipment for the replacement item(s).
Requesting an RMA
To initiate a return or warranty claim, please complete and submit the RMA Request Form.
