HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E New

The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 is a cutting-edge SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller designed to enhance the storage capabilities of servers. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the features, specifications, and benefits of this PCI Express 3.0 X8 SAS controller, focusing on its 12GB Single Port (Internal) configuration and the inclusion of 4GB FBWC (Flash Backed Write Cache).

Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) controllers play a crucial role in managing and optimizing the flow of data between the server and the storage devices. These controllers are responsible for ensuring data integrity, reliability, and performance in storage systems.

The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 is part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise's (HPE) Smart Array family, known for delivering high-performance storage solutions for enterprise-level applications. This particular model stands out with its 12GB Single Port configuration, making it well-suited for a variety of storage environments.

The P440 controller utilizes the PCI Express 3.0 X8 interface, providing a high-speed connection between the controller and the server's motherboard. The X8 designation indicates that the controller can utilize eight lanes for data transfer simultaneously, maximizing throughput and reducing potential bottlenecks.

The adoption of PCI Express 3.0 brings several advantages to the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440. With a higher data transfer rate compared to its predecessors, PCIe 3.0 enables faster communication between the controller and other components, contributing to improved overall system performance. This is especially crucial in storage applications where rapid data access is paramount.

• 12GB Single Port SAS Configuration: The 12GB Single Port SAS configuration of the P440 controller ensures compatibility with the latest SAS hard drives and SSDs, allowing for seamless integration into modern storage infrastructures. The 12GB data transfer rate signifies the controller's ability to handle large volumes of data efficiently, meeting the demands of data-intensive applications.
• Internal SAS Connectivity: The "Internal" designation in the 12GB Single Port (Internal) configuration indicates that the controller is designed for connecting to storage devices within the server chassis. This is particularly useful for environments where internal storage is preferred or required, such as in rack-mounted servers or blade systems.
• 4GB Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC): One of the standout features of the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 is its inclusion of a 4GB Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC). This cache mechanism enhances data reliability and performance by temporarily storing write operations in case of power loss or system failure. The use of flash memory ensures that cached data is retained even during power outages, contributing to increased data integrity.
• Importance of Write Cache: Write cache is crucial in storage controllers as it helps overcome the performance gap between fast processors and relatively slower storage devices. By temporarily storing write operations in high-speed cache memory, the controller can acknowledge write requests more quickly to the operating system, improving overall system responsiveness.
• Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC) vs. Battery-Backed Write Cache (BBWC): Traditional storage controllers often use Battery-Backed Write Cache (BBWC) to protect cached data in case of power loss. However, BBWC comes with limitations such as the need for periodic battery replacement and potential environmental concerns. In contrast, FBWC, as employed in the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440, utilizes flash memory, eliminating the need for batteries and providing a more sustainable and maintenance-free solution.

The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 is well-suited for a range of applications and use cases. Its high data transfer rate, internal SAS connectivity, and Flash Backed Write Cache make it ideal for environments where data reliability, speed, and internal storage are critical.

• Enterprise Servers and Data Centers: The P440 controller is designed to meet the demands of enterprise-level servers and data centers, providing the necessary performance and reliability for mission-critical applications and workloads.
• Virtualization: In virtualized environments, where multiple virtual machines share the same physical hardware, the P440 controller's performance capabilities contribute to efficient data access and storage management.
• Database Servers: Database servers, which often handle large volumes of read and write operations, benefit from the P440 controller's high data transfer rate and write cache capabilities, ensuring optimal database performance.
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): HPC environments, where computational power and data throughput are paramount, can leverage the P440 controller to enhance storage performance and overall system efficiency.

The HPE Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller With 4GB FBWC (726823-001) is a high-performance, scalable SAS controller that is designed for use in enterprise-level server and storage environments.

Performance:

• The P440 has a 12 Gb/s SAS interface, which provides high-speed data transfer and improved performance over previous generations of SAS controllers.
• It also has a 4 GB flash-backed write cache (FBWC), which can significantly improve write performance and reduce the risk of data loss in the event of a power failure.
• The P440 can support up to 256 physical devices, providing a high degree of scalability and flexibility.

Scalability:

• The P440 supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing for a wide range of data protection and performance options.
• It also supports HPE's SmartCache technology, which allows for caching of frequently accessed data on solid-state drives (SSDs) for improved performance.
• The P440 can be used in a variety of HPE server platforms, including ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, providing a high degree of scalability and compatibility.

• Manufacturer: HPE
• Part Number or SKU# 726823-001
• Product Type: SAS Controller
• Product Name: Controller

• Device Type: Storage Controller (RAID) - Plug-in Card - Low Profile
• Host Bus: PCI-E 3.0 x8
• Transfer Rate: 12GB/s SAS per Physical Link, 6GB/s SATA per Physical Link, PCI Express Gen3 x8 Link Width
• Form Factor: Standard PCIe Plug-in Card
• Ports Internal: 8 Physical Links across 1 x8 Port
• Cache: 4GB Flash-backed Write Cache
• RAID Levels: 0, 1, 10, 5, 50, 6, 60, 10 ADM

Finally, the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller with 4GB FBWC stands out as a reliable and high-performance storage solution for enterprise-level applications. Its advanced features, including the 12GB Single Port SAS configuration, PCI Express 3.0 interface, and Flash Backed Write Cache, make it a versatile choice for a variety of storage environments.

Whether deployed in enterprise servers, data centers, virtualized environments, database servers, or high-performance computing setups, the P440 controller delivers the speed, reliability, and data protection required for critical workloads. As technology continues to evolve, HPE remains at the forefront of storage solutions, providing innovative products like the Smart Array P440 to meet the ever-growing demands of modern computing.