Description
Product Overview of the HPE 726821-B21
In the fast-paced world of technology, businesses and individuals alike seek efficient and reliable storage solutions to meet their ever-growing data needs. One such solution that has gained prominence is the HPE 726821-B21 P440 Smart Array Storage Controller. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the intricacies of this storage controller, shedding light on its features, capabilities, and the value it brings to storage infrastructure.
Serial-Attached SCSI (SAS)
The incorporation of Serial-Attached SCSI technology enhances the storage controller’s ability to handle large volumes of data efficiently. SAS offers advantages such as high data transfer rates, improved reliability, and scalability, making it a preferred choice for enterprise storage solutions.
The HPE 726821-B21 P440
The HPE 726821-B21 P440 is a cutting-edge storage controller designed to deliver high performance and flexibility. Equipped with 4GB of Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC), this controller is tailored for users with demanding storage requirements.
Peripheral Component Interconnect Express (PCIe)
At the heart of the HPE 726821-B21 P440 is the PCIe interface, a high-speed serial computer expansion bus standard. This allows for seamless communication between the storage controller and the rest of the system, ensuring rapid data transfer and reduced latency.
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA)
In addition to SAS, the HPE 726821-B21 P440 supports SATA, providing users with flexibility in choosing the type of storage devices they want to connect. SATA, known for its cost-effectiveness, is often used for secondary storage or applications with less demanding performance requirements.
Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC)
The inclusion of a 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache is a standout feature of the HPE 726821-B21 P440. This cache ensures that data being written to the storage controller is temporarily stored in non-volatile memory, reducing the risk of data loss in the event of a power failure.
Capabilities and Performance
Smart Array Technology
The HPE 726821-B21 P440 incorporates Smart Array technology, providing users with advanced management and monitoring capabilities. Smart Array features include predictive failure analysis, which allows the controller to identify potential issues before they escalate, minimizing the risk of data loss and downtime.
HPE Smart Storage Administrator
To simplify storage management tasks, HPE offers the Smart Storage Administrator, a powerful tool that allows users to configure, monitor, and manage their storage controllers easily. This web-based interface provides a user-friendly experience, making it accessible to both seasoned IT professionals and those with limited technical expertise.
Data Protection Features
Data protection is a top priority for any storage solution, and the HPE 726821-B21 P440 is equipped with a range of features to ensure the integrity and availability of stored data. From advanced error checking and correction (ECC) to the aforementioned FBWC, the controller employs a multi-layered approach to safeguarding data.
Redundancy and High Availability
In mission-critical environments, downtime is not an option. The HPE 726821-B21 P440 addresses this concern by offering features that enhance system redundancy and high availability. Hot plug support and spare drive support contribute to a resilient storage infrastructure that minimizes the impact of hardware failures.
Compatibility and Interoperability
Compatibility with existing infrastructure and interoperability with other components are crucial aspects of any storage solution. The HPE 726821-B21 P440 is designed to seamlessly integrate with HPE ProLiant servers and a variety of storage devices, ensuring a hassle-free deployment process.
More Information
The HPE P440 4GB 1 Port PCI-E SAS/SATA FBWC Smart Array Storage Controller (part number 726821-B21) is a high-performance RAID controller designed for use in enterprise environments. It is a Smart Array controller that provides advanced monitoring, management, and configuration capabilities for the storage devices connected to it.
The controller has the following key features:
- 4GB of memory: The memory is used to cache data and improve performance.
- 1 PCIE interface: The interface connects the controller to the server’s motherboard and provides high-speed data transfer between the controller and the server.
- SAS and SATA drive support: The controller can be used to control a variety of storage devices, including hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).
- Flash-backed write cache (FBWC): The controller has a small amount of flash memory that can be used as a write cache to improve performance.
- RAID support: The controller supports a variety of RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 1+0, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 60. These different RAID levels provide different levels of data protection and performance.
- Compatibility: The controller is specifically designed to work with HPE ProLiant servers and it may also be compatible with other HPE server models. It is also compatible with HPE’s software management tools and utilities.
- Interoperability: The controller supports a variety of different operating systems, including Microsoft Windows, Linux, and VMware. It also supports different types of storage devices, including SAS and SATA hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs).
The HPE P440 4GB 1 Port PCI-E SAS/SATA FBWC Smart Array Storage Controller is a high-performance RAID controller that is designed for use in enterprise environments. It comes with 4GB of memory, a single PCIE interface, and supports both SAS and SATA drives. It also has a flash-backed write cache feature that can significantly improve write performance and support different RAID levels. Additionally, it’s specifically designed to work with HPE ProLiant servers and it may also be compatible with other HPE server models. It is also compatible with HPE’s software management tools and utilities and also supports a variety of different operating systems and storage devices.
Performance and Scalability
The HPE P440 4GB 1 Port PCI-E SAS/SATA FBWC Smart Array Storage Controller (part number 726821-B21) is a high-performance RAID controller that is designed for use in enterprise environments. It provides advanced monitoring, management, and configuration capabilities for the storage devices connected to it.
In terms of performance, the P440 controller can provide high-speed data transfer rates between the controller and the storage devices connected to it. The specific performance will depend on the number and type of storage devices connected, the RAID level used, and the workload. The controller also has a flash-backed write cache feature that can significantly improve write performance.
In terms of scalability, the P440 controller can support a large number of physical disks. The specific number of disks supported will depend on the configuration and the RAID level used. The controller also supports hot-plugging, which means that storage devices can be added or removed while the system is running without shutting it down.
The controller also supports online capacity expansion and online RAID level migration, which allow you to expand the capacity of a RAID array or change the RAID level without shutting down the system. This allows for more flexible and dynamic management of storage resources.
High Availability and Data Protection
- The HPE P440 4GB 1 Port PCI-E SAS/SATA FBWC Smart Array Storage Controller (part number 726821-B21) is a high-performance RAID controller that is designed for use in enterprise environments where high availability and data protection are critical.
- One of the key features of the controller is its support for various RAID levels, including RAID 1, RAID 1+0, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 60. These RAID levels provide different levels of data protection and performance. For example, RAID 1 and RAID 1+0 provide complete data protection in case of a single drive failure while RAID 5 and RAID 6 protect against a single drive failure. RAID 60 provides very high data protection against multiple drive failures.
- The controller also supports advanced data protection features such as advanced data recovery, which allows you to recover data in the event of a disk failure, and global spare disks, which automatically replace a failed disk with a spare disk.
- The controller also supports online spare disks, which can be used to automatically replace a failed disk without shutting down the system. This helps to maintain the high availability of the storage system.
- The controller supports advanced monitoring and management features such as HPE Smart Storage Administrator, HPE Systems Insight Manager, and HPE Integrated Lights-Out, which provide advanced monitoring, management, and configuration capabilities for the controller and the storage devices.
General Information 726821-B21 HPE
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Model Number or SKU# 726821-B21
- Product Type: Smart Array
- Product Name: Network Adapter
Storage Controllers
Cache (Buffer Size): 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache
Ports (Channel Qty): 8 Physical Links Across 1 x8 Ports (Internal)
Data Transfer Rate: 12Gb/sec SAS per Physical Link 6Gb/sec SATA per Physical Link PCI Express Gen3 x8 Link Width
Interface: SATA 6Gbps / SAS 12Gbps
RAID Level: RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50, RAID 60, RAID 1 ADM, RAID 10 ADM
Supported Devices: Hard Drive, Disk Array (RAID)
Additional features: HPE SmartCache (Optional License) HPE Secure Encryption (Optional License)
Software / System Requirements
OS Required: Microsoft Windows Server 2008 R2, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, VMware ESXi 5, Ubuntu 12.04, Microsoft Windows Server 2012, Oracle Solaris 11.1, Microsoft Windows Server 2012 R2, VMware vSphere 5.5, SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 11 SP3, VMware ESXi 5.5, Ubuntu 14.04, Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
Compatibility Information 726821-B21 HPE P440
- HPE Apollo 4200 Gen9, 4500 Gen9, 4510 Gen9, 4530 Gen9, 6000 Gen9
- HPE ProLiant DL Series: DL20 Gen9, DL20 Gen9 Solution, DL80 Gen9, DL120 Gen9, DL180 Gen9, DL360 Gen9, DL380 Gen9, DL380 Gen9 High Performance, DL560 Gen9, DL560 Gen9 Entry
- HPE ProLiant ML Series: ML30 Gen9, ML30 Gen9 Entry, ML30 Gen9 Solution, ML110 Gen9, ML150 Gen9, ML350 Gen9
- HPE ProLiant XL Series: XL170r Gen9, XL230a Gen9 Compute Tray, XL230a Gen9 Compute Tray (12G), XL230a Gen9 Compute Tray (6G), XL230a Gen9 NHP Compute Tray (12G), XL270d Gen9
In summary, The HPE 726821-B21 P440 Smart Array Storage Controller stands out as a versatile and high-performance solution for storage needs in diverse environments. From its advanced caching capabilities to the flexibility in storage configurations and robust data protection features, this controller is well-equipped to meet the demands of modern data storage.
As businesses continue to grapple with increasing data volumes, having a reliable and scalable storage infrastructure becomes imperative. The HPE 726821-B21 P440 not only meets these requirements but also offers a user-friendly management interface, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
Whether you are a seasoned IT professional looking to optimize storage performance or a business owner seeking a reliable storage solution, the HPE 726821-B21 P440 warrants serious consideration. Its combination of high performance, flexibility, and advanced features positions it as a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of data storage technology.