Description
Product Overview for the HP 631667-B21 Smart Array Controller
In the realm of computer hardware, the HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222 holds a significant position as a RAID controller. This crucial component plays a pivotal role in managing and optimizing data storage, ensuring the integrity and performance of storage systems. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the specifics of the HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222, exploring its features, functionalities, and the benefits it brings to users seeking efficient and reliable storage solutions.
Understanding RAID Controllers
Before diving into the details of the HP 631667-B21, let’s establish a foundational understanding of RAID controllers. RAID, which stands for Redundant Array of Independent Disks, is a technology that combines multiple disk drives into a single logical unit. This is done for the purposes of data redundancy, performance improvement, or both. RAID controllers are essential components that manage the data storage configuration and the distribution of data across the connected drives.
HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222 Overview
- Model and Specifications: The HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222 is a RAID controller designed for high-performance storage solutions. It operates at a data transfer rate of 6Gbps, ensuring swift and efficient data processing. The controller is equipped with one internal and one external port, providing flexibility in connecting to various storage devices.
- PCI-E 3.0 X8 Interface: The use of PCI Express (PCI-E) 3.0 X8 interface signifies a high-speed connection between the RAID controller and the host system. This interface standard ensures optimal data transfer rates and compatibility with modern computer systems.
- SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) Compatibility: The P222 RAID controller is tailored for SAS, a high-speed, high-performance data transfer protocol. This compatibility makes it suitable for enterprise-level applications where speed and reliability are paramount.
- FBWC (Flash-Backed Write Cache): One of the standout features of the HP 631667-B21 is its Flash-Backed Write Cache. This technology enhances data reliability and integrity by temporarily storing write operations in a cache memory with flash memory backup. In the event of a power failure, the cached data can be safely committed to disk, preventing data loss or corruption.
Key Features and Functionalities
- RAID Levels: The P222 supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and more. These levels offer different combinations of data striping, mirroring, and parity, catering to diverse storage requirements such as performance optimization, data redundancy, and a balance of both.
- Data Migration and Expansion: With the HP 631667-B21, users can seamlessly migrate data between RAID levels, facilitating flexibility in adapting to changing storage needs. Additionally, the controller supports online capacity expansion, allowing users to add more drives to their existing RAID configurations without downtime.
- Drive Compatibility: The P222 is compatible with a wide range of SAS drives, providing users with the flexibility to choose drives based on capacity, speed, and other specifications. This versatility makes it suitable for various storage environments, from small businesses to large enterprises.
- Intuitive Management Software: HP Smart Storage Administrator, the management software for the P222, offers a user-friendly interface for configuring and managing RAID arrays. This software provides a centralized platform for monitoring the health and performance of connected drives, simplifying the overall maintenance process.
- Advanced-Data Protection: Beyond basic RAID functionalities, the P222 incorporates advanced data protection features, including support for hot-swap drives, predictive failure analysis, and logical drive bad block repair. These features contribute to the overall robustness of the storage solution, ensuring data integrity and minimizing the risk of data loss.
Benefits of the HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222
- Enhanced Performance: The 6Gbps data transfer rate and PCI-E 3.0 X8 interface contribute to the controller’s high-performance capabilities. Whether handling large datasets or demanding applications, users can expect swift and efficient data processing.
- Reliability and Data Integrity: The inclusion of FBWC, along with advanced data protection features, elevates the reliability of the P222. The Flash-Backed Write Cache ensures that data is safeguarded even in the face of unexpected power outages, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption.
- Scalability: The P222’s support for online capacity expansion and data migration makes it a scalable solution. As storage requirements evolve, users can easily adapt their configurations without the need for complex and time-consuming data transfers.
- Compatibility and Versatility: The controller’s compatibility with SAS drives and its support for various RAID levels make it a versatile solution for a broad spectrum of storage environments. Whether users require high-speed data access or prioritized data redundancy, the P222 can be tailored to meet diverse needs.
- User-Friendly Management: The intuitive management software, HP Smart Storage Administrator, simplifies the configuration and monitoring of RAID arrays. This user-friendly interface reduces the learning curve for users, making it easier to manage and maintain the storage infrastructure.
Use Cases and Industry Applications
- Enterprise Storage Solutions: The high-performance capabilities and advanced features of the HP 631667-B21 make it well-suited for enterprise-level storage solutions. From database management to virtualization, the P222 enhances data processing and storage efficiency.
- Data Centers: In data center environments where reliability and scalability are paramount, the P222 shines. Its support for hot-swap drives and online capacity expansion aligns with the dynamic nature of data center operations.
- Small to Medium-Sized Businesses (SMBs): SMBs seeking a cost-effective yet robust storage solution can benefit from the P222. Its compatibility with a variety of SAS drives and support for essential RAID levels provide flexibility for businesses with evolving storage needs.
- Workstation Applications: Workstations handling resource-intensive tasks, such as video editing or 3D rendering, can leverage the P222’s high-speed data transfer rate for improved performance. The controller’s reliability is especially crucial in environments where data loss could have significant consequences.
RAID Levels Support
The HP 631667-B21 P222 SAS RAID controller supports multiple RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 10, and RAID 5. Each of these RAID levels provides different levels of data protection and performance.
- RAID 0: RAID 0 is a type of RAID that uses data striping to improve performance. In RAID 0, data is split into small blocks and written across multiple disks simultaneously. This improves the overall read and write performance of the storage system by spreading the load across multiple disks. However, it does not provide any data protection, as if one of the disks fails, all the data will be lost.
- RAID 1: RAID 1 is a type of RAID that uses data mirroring to provide data protection. In RAID 1, data is written to two or more disks simultaneously, creating an exact copy of the data on each disk. This provides data protection as if one of the disks fails, the data can be read from the other disk. However, it does not provide any performance benefits.
- RAID 10: RAID 10 is a combination of RAID 1 and RAID 0. It uses data striping and data mirroring to provide both data protection and performance benefits. In RAID 10, data is split into small blocks and written across multiple disks simultaneously, creating an exact copy of the data on each disk. This provides both data protection and performance benefits.
- RAID 5: RAID 5 is a type of RAID that uses data striping with distributed parity to provide data protection. In RAID 5, data is split into small blocks and written across multiple disks simultaneously, with one disk used to store parity information. This provides data protection, if one of the disks fails, the data can be reconstructed using the parity information. However, it does not provide any performance benefits.
The HP 631667-B21 P222 SAS RAID controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 10, and 5. Each RAID level provides different levels of data protection and performance. RAID 0 provides improved performance, RAID 1 provides data protection, RAID 10 provides both data protection and performance benefits and RAID 5 provides data protection and distributed parity.
Compatible
The HP 631667-B21 P222 SAS RAID controller is specifically designed to work with HP ProLiant and Apollo servers. These servers are a part of HP’s line of enterprise-level server products, which are known for their high performance, reliability, and scalability.
The P222 controller is compatible with a wide range of HP ProLiant and Apollo servers, including the DL, ML, and SL series, as well as the Apollo 2000 and 4000 series. It can be easily installed and configured in these servers, using the HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) software.
Additionally, the P222 controller is also compatible with other HP storage products, such as HP’s MSA and P2000 G3 storage arrays, which allow for seamless integration and management of your storage infrastructure.
The HP 631667-B21 P222 SAS RAID controller is specifically designed to work with HP ProLiant and Apollo servers, and it is compatible with a wide range of HP ProLiant and Apollo servers, including the DL, ML, and SL series, as well as the Apollo 2000 and 4000 series. It can be easily installed and configured in these servers, using the HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) software and it is also compatible with other HP storage products, such as HP’s MSA and P2000 G3 storage arrays.
General Information about this HP 631667-B21
- Manufacturer Name: HP
- Part Number or SKU# 631667-B21
- Product Type: SAS-SATA
- Product Name: Smart Array P222/512 Fbwc 6GB SAS Controller
Storage Controllers
- Interface: SATA 6Gb/s / SAS 6Gb/s
- Data Transfer Rate: 600 MBps
- Buffer Size: 512 MB
- Supported Devices: Hard drive, disk array (RAID)
- Channel Qty: 8
- RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 10, RAID 50
Expansion / Connectivity
- Interfaces: 1 x SATA 6Gb/s / SAS 6Gb/s – 36 pin 4i Mini MultiLane SAS (SFF-8087) ( internal ) 1 x SATA 6Gb/s / SAS 6Gb/s – 26 pin 4x Shielded Mini MultiLane SAS (SFF-8088) ( external )
- Compatible Slots: 1 x PCI Express 3.0 x8
- Compliant Standards: WEEE
Compatibility Information
- HP LTO-5 Ultrium 3000.
- HP ProLiant DL Series: DL160 Gen8, DL160 Gen8 Entry, DL160 Gen8 Performance, DL320e Gen8, DL320e Gen8 Base, DL320e Gen8 Entry, DL320e Gen8 Performance, DL360p Gen8, DL360p Gen8 Base, DL360p Gen8 CMS, DL360p Gen8 Entry, DL360p Gen8 High 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, MicroServer Gen8, MicroServer Gen8 Base, MicroServer Gen8 Base Starter Kit, MicroServer Gen8 Entry
- HP 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, ML350e Gen8 v2 Base
- HP ProLiant SL Series: SL210t Gen8 1U Node, SL230s Gen8 1U Left Half Width Tray, SL230s Gen8 1U Right Half Width Tray, SL230s Gen8 Base 1U Left Tray Server, SL230s Gen8 Base 1U Right Tray Server, 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
- HP StoreEver LTO-6 Ultrium 6250, LTO-6 Ultrium 6650
In short, the HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222 stands as a formidable RAID controller, offering a blend of high performance, reliability, and versatility. From its 6Gbps data transfer rate to advanced features like FBWC, this controller caters to the diverse needs of users across various industries. Whether implemented in enterprise-level data centers or small businesses with evolving storage requirements, the P222 provides a robust and scalable solution for managing and optimizing data storage. Its user-friendly management software and seamless configuration processes further contribute to making it an accessible choice for a broad spectrum of users. As technology continues to advance, the HP 631667-B21 Smart Array P222 remains a stalwart companion in the ever-evolving landscape of data storage and management.
