In the realm of data storage and management, RAID controllers play a crucial role in ensuring data integrity, performance, and reliability. The HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 is a notable player in this field, providing advanced features and capabilities. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the details of this RAID controller, exploring its specifications, functionality, and benefits.
Unpacking the Acronym: HP 631671-B21Before we dive into the specifics of the Smart Array P420, let's decode the product name and understand its significance.
- HP: Stands for Hewlett-Packard, a renowned multinational information technology company.
- 631671-B21: This alphanumeric sequence serves as a unique identifier for the product, helping users distinguish it from other HP offerings.
The Smart Array P420 is a RAID controller, an essential component in a server or storage system. RAID, or Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit to enhance performance, reliability, or both.
Key Features- 6GBPS Data Transfer Rate: The P420 supports a blazing-fast data transfer rate of 6 gigabits per second (6GBPS). This ensures swift and efficient communication between the RAID controller and the connected storage devices.
- 2-Ports PCI-E 3.0 X8: With two ports using the PCI Express 3.0 interface at x8 speed, the Smart Array P420 ensures a high-bandwidth connection to the server's motherboard. This feature is crucial for maintaining optimal data throughput.
- SAS-SATA Compatibility: The P420 is versatile, supporting both SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) drives. This flexibility allows users to choose the storage devices that best suit their needs without being limited by interface constraints.
- FBWC (Flash Backed Write Cache): One of the standout features of the Smart Array P420 is its Flash Backed Write Cache. This technology provides a layer of protection by storing data temporarily in a cache memory with power backup. In the event of a power failure, the cached data can be written to the disk, preventing data loss or corruption.
Let's explore each of the key features in more detail to grasp their significance in the context of storage and data management.
- 6GBPS Data Transfer Rate: Data transfer rate is a critical factor in storage systems, influencing how quickly data can be read from or written to the storage devices. The 6GBPS transfer rate of the P420 ensures that data-intensive tasks are handled efficiently, reducing latency and improving overall system responsiveness.
- 2-Ports PCI-E 3.0 X8: The two ports utilizing the PCI Express 3.0 interface at x8 speed contribute to the controller's high-performance capabilities. PCI Express 3.0 offers a substantial increase in bandwidth compared to its predecessor, allowing for faster data communication between the RAID controller and the server's motherboard. This is particularly beneficial in scenarios where large volumes of data need to be processed rapidly, such as in enterprise-level applications or data centers.
- SAS-SATA Compatibility: The Smart Array P420's support for both SAS and SATA drives adds a layer of flexibility to storage configurations. SAS drives are often preferred for high-performance and mission-critical applications, while SATA drives provide a cost-effective solution for less demanding storage needs. The ability to mix and match these drive types gives users the freedom to design storage systems tailored to their specific requirements.
- FBWC (Flash Backed Write Cache): The Flash Backed Write Cache is a feature designed to enhance data reliability in the face of unexpected power disruptions. In normal operation, data to be written to the disk is temporarily stored in the cache memory. If a power failure occurs, the FBWC ensures that this cached data is not lost. When power is restored, the cached data is written to the disk, preventing potential data corruption or loss. This is particularly crucial in environments where uninterrupted power supply cannot be guaranteed.
Understanding the technical specifications is just one part of the equation. Let's explore how the features of the Smart Array P420 translate into tangible benefits for users and organizations.
- Enhanced Performance: The combination of a high data transfer rate and PCI Express 3.0 support results in enhanced overall system performance. Whether it's handling large-scale databases, running complex applications, or supporting multiple users simultaneously, the Smart Array P420 is equipped to deliver the speed and responsiveness required in demanding computing environments.
- Versatility in Storage Configurations: The ability to support both SAS and SATA drives gives users the flexibility to design storage configurations that align with their specific needs and budget constraints. This versatility is particularly advantageous in scenarios where a mix of high-performance and cost-effective storage solutions is required.
- Data Reliability and Integrity: The Flash Backed Write Cache is a critical component in ensuring data reliability and integrity. In environments where power fluctuations or outages are a concern, the FBWC acts as a safeguard, preventing data loss or corruption that could result from incomplete write operations.
- Scalability and Future-Proofing: The Smart Array P420's PCI Express 3.0 support and dual ports not only contribute to current performance needs but also position the controller for future scalability. As technology evolves and storage requirements grow, having a RAID controller with ample bandwidth and modern interfaces ensures that the storage infrastructure can be expanded without becoming a bottleneck in the overall system.
Performance and Scalability
The HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 6GBPS 2-Ports PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS/SATA Raid Controller FBWC is a high-performance and scalable RAID controller that is designed to provide maximum performance and scalability for enterprise-class storage environments. It features a high-speed 6GBPS SAS/SATA interface, 2 ports, and a PCI-E 3.0 X8 interface that provides maximum bandwidth and low latency.
The Smart Array P420 controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 1+0, 5, 5+0, 6, 6+0, and 10, which allows for a wide range of data protection and performance options. It also supports advanced features such as online RAID level migration, online capacity expansion, and online RAID expansion.
The controller also features a flash-backed write cache (FBWC) that provides fast data caching and write acceleration, improving overall system performance. The FBWC module is designed to protect data in the event of a power failure, ensuring that all data is written to the storage devices before power is lost.
In terms of scalability, the Smart Array P420 controller supports up to 32 SAS/SATA hard drives and can be configured in a variety of RAID topologies, including large RAID arrays with multiple controllers for maximum scalability.
General Information about this HP 631671-B21- Manufacturer Name: HP
- Part Number or SKU# 631671-B21
- Product Name: Smart Array P420 Controller
- Product Type: SAS-SATA
- Device Type: FBWC Smart Array Storage (RAID) Controller
- Memory Size: 2 GB
- Form Factor: Plug-In Card
- Designation: Servers
- Host Interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
- Data Backup Type: Flash Backed Cache
- Card Height: Low-Profile
- Number of Logical Drive Supported: 64
- Interface: SATA 6Gbps / SAS 6Gbps
- Data Transfer Rate: 6 Gb/sec
- Buffer Size: 2 GB
- Supported Devices: Hard Drive, Disk Array (RAID)
- Channel Qty: 8
- RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, RAID 50
- Interfaces: 2 x SATA 6Gb/s / SAS 6Gb/s - 36 pin 4i Mini MultiLane SAS (SFF-8087) ( internal ) 2 x SATA 6G
- Compatible Slots: 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x8
- Total Number of SAS Ports: 2
- Compliant Standards: WEEE
- OS Required: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 x86 Edition, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 11, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 10, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5, Microsoft Windows Server 2008 x64 Edition, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 5 x64 Edition, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 10 x64 Edition, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 x64 Edition
Compatibility Information
- HPE ProLiant DL Series: DL160 Gen8, DL160 Gen8 Entry, DL160 Gen8 Performance, DL320e Gen8, DL320e Gen8 Base, DL320e Gen8 Entry, DL320e Gen8 Performance, DL380e Gen8, DL380p Gen8, DL380p Gen8 Base, DL380p Gen8 Entry, DL380p Gen8 High Performance, DL380p Gen8 Special, DL385p Gen8, DL385p Gen8 Dedicated Workload, DL385p Gen8 Entry, DL385p Gen8 Maximized Consolidation, DL385p Gen8 Storage, DL560 Gen8, DL560 Gen8 Base, DL560 Gen8 Entry, DL560 Gen8 Performance
- HPE ProLiant ML Series: ML310e Gen8, ML310e Gen8 Base, ML310e Gen8 Entry, ML310e Gen8 Performance, ML310e Gen8 v2, ML310e Gen8 v2 Base, ML310e Gen8 v2 Enty, ML310e Gen8 v2 Performance, ML350e Gen8, ML350e Gen8 Base, ML350e Gen8 Entry, ML350e Gen8 Performance, ML350e Gen8 v2, ML350p Gen8
- HPE ProLiant SL Series: SL210t Gen8 1U Node, SL250s Gen8 2U Left Half Width Tray, SL250s Gen8 2U PCIe Gen3 Left Tray, SL250s Gen8 2U Right Half Width Tray, SL250s Gen8 Base 2U Left Half Width Tray, SL250s Gen8 Base 2U Right Half Width Tray, SL270s Gen8 1U Left Half Width Tray, SL270s Gen8 1U Right Half Width Tray, SL270s Gen8 Base 4U Left Half Width Tray, SL270s Gen8 Base 4U Right Half Width Tray, SL270s Gen8 SE 4U Left Tray, SL270s Gen8 SE 4U Right Tray
In general, the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 stands as a robust and versatile RAID controller, catering to the diverse needs of modern storage environments. Its combination of high data transfer rates, PCI Express 3.0 support, SAS-SATA compatibility, and Flash Backed Write Cache makes it a compelling choice for those seeking a balance between performance and data integrity.
Understanding the technical specifications, benefits, and proper installation and maintenance procedures empowers users to leverage the full capabilities of this RAID controller. Whether deployed in enterprise data centers, small business servers, or personal computing setups, the Smart Array P420 contributes to a reliable and efficient storage infrastructure.
As technology continues to evolve, RAID controllers like the Smart Array P420 play a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of data storage and management. By staying informed about updates, utilizing diagnostic tools, and following best practices in installation and configuration, users can ensure a seamless and reliable storage experience with the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 RAID controller.
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