836260-001 – HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 AROC (8 Internal Lanes / 2GB FBWC) 12G SAS Controller RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 Mixed Mode Support

Overview on HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 Controller

The HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 is an enterprise-class, high-performance storage controller designed to maximize reliability and speed in ProLiant servers. This Adaptive RAID on Chip (AROC) module features eight internal SAS lanes and includes 2GB of Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) to accelerate data processing. Furthermore, integrating the HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 allows you to leverage advanced RAID levels and 12Gb/s SAS technology without consuming a standard PCIe expansion slot.

Because it supports Mixed Mode operations, the HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 enables the simultaneous use of RAID and HBA logical volumes. Consequently, this controller is an ideal choice for enterprise environments that require robust data protection, high-capacity storage, and maximum server configuration flexibility.

High-Performance Storage and RAID Support

This controller provides the bandwidth and redundancy required for intensive enterprise workloads. Specifically, it includes the following:

• 8 Internal SAS Lanes: Provides high-throughput connectivity for up to eight internal physical drives.

• 2GB Flash-Backed Write Cache: Enhances write performance and protects data by offloading the cache to flash memory during power loss.

• 12Gb/s SAS & 6Gb/s SATA Support: Offers industry-leading performance for SAS enterprise drives while maintaining compatibility with cost-effective SATA drives.

• Advanced RAID Levels: Supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, 1 ADM, and 10 ADM (Advanced Data Mirroring) for maximum fault tolerance.

Enterprise Versatility and Efficiency

HPE designs the P408i-a to meet the evolving needs of modern data centers. Specifically, it offers:

• Mixed Mode Operation: Allows you to manage RAID-protected boot volumes while simultaneously using HBA mode for software-defined storage.

• AROC Form Factor: Installs in a dedicated internal slot, which frees up primary PCIe slots for additional networking or GPU cards.

• HPE Smart Storage Administrator: Features a unified management interface that simplifies the configuration, deployment, and monitoring of your storage.

• Predictive Spare Activation: Automatically begins rebuilding data to a spare drive before a failure occurs, significantly increasing system uptime.

Advanced Security and Data Integrity

Protecting your sensitive information is a priority for the Gen10 storage family. Specifically, consider these features:

• HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption: Provides an optional FIPS 140-2 Level 1 validated solution for data-at-rest encryption.

• Digitally Signed Firmware: Ensures that only authentic, untampered firmware can run on the controller to prevent malicious attacks.

• Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC): Eliminates the need for traditional batteries by using the HPE Smart Storage Battery to save data during power interruptions.

Specifications

• Brand: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE)

• Option Part Number: 804331-B21

• Spare Part Number: 836260-001

• Interface: 12Gb/s SAS / 6Gb/s SATA

• Form Factor: AROC (Adaptive RAID on Chip)

• Cache: 2GB Flash-Backed Write Cache

• RAID Levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, 1 ADM, 10 ADM

• Internal Lanes: 8 lanes

Conclusion

The HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 stands as a powerful and flexible storage foundation for professional server deployments. It combines high-speed 12G SAS performance with 2GB of cache to handle the most demanding database and virtualization tasks. Moreover, its AROC design optimizes internal server space while providing elite-level data protection. Therefore, it is a smart investment for any business seeking to enhance the speed, security, and reliability of their HPE ProLiant Gen10 server infrastructure.