Description
Product Overview for the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array 2-ports Card
The HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 is a cutting-edge RAID controller designed to enhance data storage and retrieval capabilities in server environments. This controller, equipped with advanced features, operates at 6Gbps, utilizes a PCI-E 3.0 X8 interface, and supports both SAS and SATA drives. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key aspects of the HP 631671-B21, exploring its functionality, benefits, and how it can be a valuable addition to your server infrastructure.
Understanding the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420
Architecture and Compatibility: The Smart Array P420 is built on a robust architecture that incorporates the latest technological advancements. Its compatibility with PCI-E 3.0 X8 ensures a high-speed connection to the server, optimizing data transfer rates. The controller is designed to support both SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) and SATA (Serial ATA) drives, offering flexibility in storage device selection.
Data Transfer Speeds (6Gbps): One of the standout features of the HP 631671-B21 is its impressive data transfer speed of 6Gbps. This ensures rapid access to stored data, reducing latency and enhancing overall system performance. Whether you’re dealing with large datasets or running applications that demand quick data retrieval, the P420’s 6Gbps speed provides a significant advantage.
Key Features of the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420
RAID Support: The Smart Array P420 is a RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller, offering various RAID levels to optimize data protection, performance, and capacity. Administrators can configure RAID 0 for enhanced performance, RAID 1 for data mirroring, or RAID 5 for a balance of performance and redundancy. This flexibility allows customization based on specific storage needs.
Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC): The inclusion of Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) is a crucial feature that enhances data reliability and protection. FBWC ensures that in the event of a power failure or unexpected system shutdown, data in the write cache is preserved. This prevents data loss and corruption, providing an added layer of security for critical information.
Battery Backup Unit (BBU) Option: For environments where extended power outages are a concern, the Smart Array P420 offers the option of a Battery Backup Unit (BBU). This accessory further safeguards data integrity by providing power to the controller in case of a sudden power loss. This feature is particularly valuable in scenarios where uninterrupted data access is paramount.
Ease of Management: HP has prioritized user-friendly management interfaces, making it easier for administrators to configure and monitor the Smart Array P420. The controller is supported by HP’s Array Configuration Utility (ACU), which provides a graphical interface for managing storage arrays. This intuitive tool simplifies the process of creating, modifying, and deleting arrays, ensuring efficient storage management.
Advantages of the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420
Improved Performance: The Smart Array P420 significantly boosts server performance by optimizing data access and transfer speeds. The RAID support and 6Gbps data transfer rate ensure that the controller can handle the demands of modern applications and data-intensive tasks, making it an ideal choice for high-performance computing environments.
Data Protection and Redundancy: With support for various RAID levels and the inclusion of FBWC, the P420 prioritizes data protection. Whether it’s safeguarding against disk failures or mitigating the impact of power interruptions, the controller’s features contribute to a more robust and reliable storage infrastructure.
Flexibility in Storage Configuration: The ability to support both SAS and SATA drives provides administrators with flexibility in designing storage configurations that align with their specific requirements. This versatility allows for the integration of cost-effective SATA drives for less critical data and high-performance SAS drives for mission-critical applications.
Scalability for Future Expansion: The Smart Array P420 is designed with scalability in mind. As your storage needs grow, the controller can easily accommodate additional drives and storage capacity. This scalability ensures that your infrastructure can adapt to changing requirements without the need for a complete overhaul.
RAID Levels Supported by the P420
The HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 6GBPS 2-Ports PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS/SATA Raid Controller FBWC supports the following RAID levels:
- RAID 0 (Striping)
- RAID 1 (Mirroring)
- RAID 1+0 (Mirrored Stripe)
- RAID 5 (Parity)
- RAID 6 (Double Parity)
- RAID 50 (Striped Parity)
- RAID 60 (Striped Double Parity)
- RAID ADG (Advanced Data Guarding)
- RAID 1 ADM (Advanced Data Mirroring)
- RAID 10 ADM (Advanced Data Mirroring & Stripe)
- RAID 10 ADM 2 (Advanced Data Mirroring & Stripe with 2 mirrored copies)
- RAID 5 ADG (Advanced Data Guarding Parity)
- RAID 6 ADG (Advanced Data Guarding Double Parity)
- RAID 50 ADG (Advanced Data Guarding Striped Parity)
- RAID 60 ADG (Advanced Data Guarding Striped Double Parity)
SAS and SATA Connectivity options
The HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 6GBPS 2-Ports PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS/SATA Raid Controller FBWC offers both SAS and SATA connectivity options. It has two SAS ports that support 6Gbps data transfer rates and can connect to SAS or SATA hard drives or SSDs. Additionally, it also has a PCI-E 3.0 x8 interface that connects to the motherboard to provide high-speed data transfer. This controller also includes Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC) technology that provides faster write performance and data protection in case of power failure.
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
Technical Specifications
- 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
Expansion / Connectivity
- 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
Interfaces / Ports
- Total Number of SAS Ports: 2
Miscellaneous
- Compliant Standards: WEEE
Software / System Requirements:
- 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 short, the HP 631671-B21 Smart Array P420 6GBPS RAID Controller stands out as a versatile and high-performance solution for data storage in server environments. Its robust architecture, advanced features like FBWC and RAID support, and user-friendly management interfaces make it a reliable choice for businesses seeking to optimize their storage infrastructure. By understanding the key features, advantages, and installation processes outlined in this guide, administrators can make informed decisions about integrating the Smart Array P420 into their server setups, ensuring enhanced performance, data protection, and scalability.
