804329-001 -HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 AROC (8 Internal Lanes / No Cache) 12G SAS / 6G SATA Controller RAID 0, 1, 5, 10 Mixed Mode & HBA Support

Overview on HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 Controller

The HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 is an enterprise-level, entry-class storage controller designed for cost-effective data protection and high-speed connectivity. This Adaptive RAID on Chip (AROC) module features eight internal SAS lanes and supports 12G SAS and 6G SATA technology without occupying a standard PCIe expansion slot. Integrating the HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 into your server provides a reliable foundation for basic RAID configurations and HBA (Host Bus Adapter) operations.

Because it operates in Mixed Mode, the HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 allows for the simultaneous use of RAID and HBA logical volumes. Therefore, this controller is a perfect choice for organizations that need a flexible, entry-level storage solution that maximizes server density and performance.

Essential RAID and Connectivity Features

This controller is built to provide reliable data pathways for internal server drives. Specifically, it includes:

• 8 Internal SAS Lanes: Provides ample bandwidth across two x4 internal ports for connecting multiple SFF or LFF drives.

• RAID Support: Offers hardware-based RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 to ensure data redundancy and performance for basic workloads.

• 12G SAS & 6G SATA: Compatible with high-speed SAS enterprise drives and cost-effective SATA drives.

• No Cache Design: Optimized for environments where external battery-backed write cache is not required, reducing overall system complexity and cost.

Flexible Storage Modes

The E208i-a is engineered for versatility in modern data center environments:

• Mixed Mode Operations: Allows you to run RAID volumes for operating systems while using HBA mode for software-defined storage (like vSAN) simultaneously.

• AROC Form Factor: Plugs into a dedicated internal slot, leaving your primary PCIe slots free for networking or accelerators.

• HPE Smart Storage Administrator: Fully manageable through a unified interface for easy configuration and deployment.

• UEFI System Utilities: Integrated support for pre-boot configuration and simplified management.

Security and Reliability

HPE prioritizes the integrity of your data through built-in enterprise features:

• Digitally Signed Firmware: Ensures that the firmware running on the controller is authentic and hasn’t been compromised.

• Data-at-Rest Encryption: Supports HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption to protect sensitive information on drives connected to the controller.

• Predictive Spare Activation: Works with HPE management tools to automatically rebuild data to a hot spare before a drive fails.

Specifications

• Brand: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

• Part Number: 804326-B21

• Interface: 12G SAS / 6G SATA

• Form Factor: AROC (Adaptive RAID on Chip)

• RAID Levels: 0, 1, 5, 10

• Internal Lanes: 8 lanes across 2 ports

• Data Transfer Rate: Up to 12Gb/s per lane

Conclusion

The HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 stands as an efficient and reliable storage controller for general-purpose server needs. It combines the flexibility of Mixed Mode operations with the space-saving benefits of the AROC form factor. Moreover, its support for 12G SAS ensures your storage subsystem can keep pace with modern enterprise demands. Therefore, it is a smart investment for any business seeking a dependable, entry-level RAID solution for their Gen10 HPE ProLiant servers.