Description
More Information for the HPE 804326-B21 Raid Controller
In the ever-evolving landscape of data storage, having a robust and efficient RAID controller is paramount. The HPE 804326-B21 Smart Array E208I-A emerges as a key player, boasting cutting-edge technology to enhance storage capabilities. This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of this storage RAID controller, unraveling its features, benefits, and applications.
Understanding RAID Controllers
Before delving into the specifics of the HPE 804326-B21, it’s essential to grasp the concept of RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controllers. These controllers play a pivotal role in managing and optimizing data storage by organizing multiple disk drives into logical units.
RAID configurations offer various levels, each with its unique advantages. The HPE 804326-B21 is particularly designed to work with RAID configurations, providing users with a versatile and high-performance storage solution.
HPE 804326-B21 Smart Array E208I-A: Key Features
- High-Speed Connectivity: The E208I-A operates at a blazing-fast 12Gbps, leveraging PCI-E 3.0 x8 connectivity. This ensures swift data transfer rates, reducing latency and enhancing overall system performance.
- SAS Compatibility: Built for SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) storage systems, this RAID controller is equipped to handle the demands of modern data-intensive applications. SAS connectivity offers advantages like scalability and reliability, making it a preferred choice in enterprise environments.
- Storage Capacity Management: The Smart Array E208I-A is adept at efficiently managing storage capacities across multiple drives. Whether you’re dealing with large datasets or require a scalable solution for future expansion, this controller provides the flexibility needed.
- RAID Levels Support: From RAID 0 to RAID 6, the HPE 804326-B21 supports a range of RAID levels, allowing users to tailor their storage configurations to meet specific performance, redundancy, and capacity requirements. This adaptability is crucial for businesses with diverse storage needs.
- Data Protection Mechanisms: Data integrity is paramount in any storage environment. The E208I-A comes equipped with advanced data protection mechanisms, including error checking and correction (ECC) and hot spare support. These features enhance the reliability of the storage system, reducing the risk of data loss.
- Intuitive Management Tools: Effective management is simplified with HPE’s intuitive tools. The Smart Storage Administrator and HPE Systems Insight Manager allow users to monitor and configure the RAID controller with ease, ensuring optimal performance and reliability.
Applications of the HPE 804326-B21 Smart Array E208I-A
- Enterprise Servers: In enterprise server environments, where reliability and performance are critical, the Smart Array E208I-A shines. Its support for high-speed SAS connectivity and robust RAID configurations makes it an ideal choice for businesses handling mission-critical data.
- Data Centers: Data centers, dealing with massive amounts of information, benefit from the scalability and efficiency of the E208I-A. The controller’s ability to manage large storage capacities and support various RAID levels aligns with the dynamic needs of data center operations.
- Cloud Computing Infrastructure: As the cloud computing landscape continues to expand, storage solutions need to be adaptable and high-performing. The HPE 804326-B21 fits the bill, offering the necessary features to support storage-intensive applications in cloud infrastructures.
- Big Data Analytics: In the realm of big data analytics, where rapid data processing is essential, the E208I-A’s high-speed connectivity and RAID support contribute to creating a responsive and efficient storage environment. This is crucial for organizations extracting insights from vast datasets.
Performance Benchmarking
To gauge the effectiveness of the HPE 804326-B21 Smart Array E208I-A, performance benchmarking is essential. Conducting tests for data transfer rates, I/O operations per second (IOPS), and RAID rebuild times provides insights into the controller’s capabilities.
- Sequential Read and Write Speeds: In sequential read-and-write tests, the E208I-A showcases its high-speed connectivity, delivering impressive data transfer rates. This is particularly beneficial for applications requiring large file transfers, such as video editing or archival processes.
- Random Read and Write Performance: For scenarios involving random data access, such as database operations, the controller’s performance in random read and write tests is crucial. The E208I-A’s ability to handle random I/O efficiently contributes to its suitability for diverse workloads.
- RAID Rebuild Performance: RAID rebuild times are critical in maintaining data availability after a drive failure. The E208I-A’s performance in RAID rebuild tests provides valuable information about its resilience and efficiency in recovering from disk failures.
RAID Capabilities and Options
The HPE Smart Array E208I-A (804326-B21) controller has several RAID capabilities and options that provide data redundancy and performance options for small to medium-sized businesses.
- RAID 0: RAID 0, also known as striping, provides the highest performance by distributing data across multiple drives. However, it does not provide data redundancy, meaning that if one drive fails, all data is lost.
- RAID 1: RAID 1, also known as mirroring, provides data redundancy by copying data across multiple drives. In the event of a drive failure, the controller can automatically switch to the mirrored drive without any data loss. However, RAID 1 provides lower performance than RAID 0.
- RAID 10: RAID 10, also known as mirroring and striping, combines the benefits of RAID 0 and RAID 1 by providing both data redundancy and performance. It strips data across multiple drives and then mirrors the striped data to another set of drives.
- Online RAID level migration and expansion: This feature allows you to easily upgrade your storage capacity or change your RAID level without having to take your server or storage system offline.
It’s important to note that the RAID level used will affect the performance and scalability of the controller. RAID 0 provides the highest performance but no data redundancy, while RAID 1 provides data redundancy but lower performance. RAID 10 provides a balance between performance and data redundancy.
The HPE Smart Array E208I-A controller provides several RAID capabilities and options, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and online RAID level migration and expansion. These options provide data redundancy and performance options to suit different needs and the RAID level used will affect the performance and scalability of the controller.
Integration of HPE Proliant Server
The HPE Smart Array E208I-A (804326-B21) controller is designed for use in HPE ProLiant servers and storage systems. It is an entry-level controller that can be integrated into a wide range of HPE ProLiant servers and storage systems.
The controller can be integrated with HPE ProLiant Gen10 and Gen9 servers through the PCI Express (PCIe) 3.0 x8 slot. It can also be integrated with HPE ProLiant Gen8 servers through the PCIe 2.0 x8 slot.
The controller can be configured and managed through the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA), a web-based tool that allows you to easily manage and monitor the controller and its associated storage. This tool can be accessed through the HPE ProLiant Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) or the HPE ProLiant Onboard Administrator (OA).
The controller also supports HPE SmartDrive Carrier, which allows you to easily remove and replace drives without having to power down the server.
The HPE Smart Array E208I-A controller is designed for use in HPE ProLiant servers and storage systems and can be easily integrated with a wide range of HPE ProLiant servers and storage systems through the PCI Express (PCIe) slot and it can be managed through the HPE Smart Storage Administrator(SSA) tool. The controller also supports HPE SmartDrive Carrier for easy drive replacement.
General Information about this HPE 804326-B21
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# 804326-B21
- Product Type: Controller
- Product Name: SAS-SATA
Technical Information of PCI-E Controller Card
- Transfer Rate: 12GB/S SAS Per Lane, 6GB/S SATA Per Lane, PCI Express 3.0 X8 Lane Width
- Interface: Smart Array
- Form Factor: Type-A Modular Controller
- Ports Internal: 8 SAS Lanes Across 2 X4 Mini-SAS Ports
- Cache: No Cache
- Raid Levels: 0, 1, 5, 10
Servers Supported Information for Raid Controller Card
- HPE Proliant Dl360 Gen10
- HPE Proliant Dl380 Gen10
- HPE Proliant Ml350 Gen10
- HPE Proliant Xl450 Gen10
In general, the HPE 804326-B21 Smart Array E208I-A stands as a formidable contender in the realm of storage RAID controllers. Its high-speed connectivity, robust RAID support, and intuitive management tools make it a versatile solution for a range of applications, from enterprise servers to cloud computing infrastructures.
By understanding the key features, applications, installation processes, and performance benchmarks of the E208I-A, users can make informed decisions about integrating this RAID controller into their storage infrastructure. As with any technology, regular maintenance, firmware updates, and proactive troubleshooting are essential to ensure the continued reliability and performance of the storage system.
In a world where data is a driving force behind innovation and decision-making, having a storage solution that combines speed, reliability, and adaptability is paramount. The HPE 804326-B21 Smart Array E208I-A emerges as a dependable ally in the pursuit of efficient and secure data storage.
I have ordered disks from you a couple of times.
Review of 2/12/2024, reflecting an experience on 2/12/2024 by Neil M