Description
More Information for the HPE 726823-001 PCI-E Controller Card
The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 is a cutting-edge SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) controller designed for high-performance data storage solutions. This PCI-E 3.0 X8 interface SAS controller comes equipped with a 12GB single port, making it an ideal choice for demanding storage environments. One of its standout features is the 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC), which enhances data protection and accelerates write performance. In this detailed exploration, we’ll delve into the key aspects of the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440, examining its architecture, functionalities, benefits, and how it contributes to a robust storage infrastructure.
Key Features
- PCI-E 3.0 X8 Interface: The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 boasts a PCI Express 3.0 x8 interface. This high-speed interface ensures rapid data transfer between the SAS controller and the host system, making it suitable for data-intensive applications and environments where low latency is crucial.
- 12GB Single Port SAS Controller: At the heart of this controller is a 12GB single-port SAS controller. SAS technology provides a balance of speed, reliability, and scalability, making it a preferred choice for enterprise storage solutions. The single port design simplifies connectivity while maintaining high-speed data transmission.
- 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC): None of the standout features of the HPE 726823-001 is its 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache. This cache serves as a temporary storage area that accelerates write operations, enhancing overall system performance. Additionally, the flash-backed nature of the cache ensures data integrity by preserving cached data in the event of a power loss.
Architecture and Functionality
- SAS Technology: Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) is a high-speed, high-performance data storage interface used in enterprise environments. SAS technology offers advantages such as faster data transfer rates, improved reliability, and scalability. The HPE 726823-001, with its 12GB SAS controller, taps into the power of SAS to deliver efficient and reliable storage capabilities.
- PCI Express 3.0: The PCI Express 3.0 interface is a key component of the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440. The third generation of PCI Express provides higher data transfer rates compared to its predecessors, ensuring that the SAS controller can keep up with the demands of modern storage applications. The x8 configuration further enhances bandwidth, facilitating seamless communication between the controller and the host system.
- Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC): The 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache is a critical element for optimizing write performance and ensuring data integrity. Traditional write caches rely on volatile memory, which could result in data loss in the event of a power failure. The flash-backed nature of the cache in the HPE 726823-001 protects against this risk by storing cached data in non-volatile flash memory, providing a reliable safeguard for critical data.
Benefits of HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440
- Enhanced Performance: The combination of a 12GB SAS controller and PCI Express 3.0 interface results in a SAS controller that can meet the performance demands of modern, data-intensive applications. Whether it’s handling large datasets or supporting multiple users accessing the storage system simultaneously, the HPE 726823-001 excels in providing a responsive and high-performance storage solution.
- Data Protection and Integrity: The 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache plays a pivotal role in ensuring data protection and integrity. By temporarily storing write operations in non-volatile flash memory, the controller safeguards against potential data loss during power outages. This feature is particularly critical in enterprise environments where data consistency is paramount.
- Scalability and Flexibility: The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 is designed with scalability in mind. The SAS controller’s architecture and features make it suitable for scaling storage solutions to accommodate growing data needs. This scalability, coupled with the flexibility of SAS technology, allows businesses to adapt their storage infrastructure to changing requirements without compromising performance.
- Reliability in Enterprise Environments: Enterprise environments demand robust and reliable storage solutions. The HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 addresses this need with its SAS technology, high-speed PCI Express 3.0 interface, and the Flash-Backed Write Cache. These features collectively contribute to the controller’s reliability, making it an ideal choice for mission-critical applications where downtime is not an option.
Use Cases
- Data Centers: In data center environments, where performance, reliability, and scalability are paramount, the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 shines. Its high-speed SAS controller and Flash-Backed Write Cache make it suitable for handling the data storage requirements of large-scale server deployments.
- Enterprise Storage Solutions: For businesses with demanding storage needs, such as those dealing with vast amounts of data generated by analytics, databases, and other data-intensive applications, the HPE 726823-001 offers a robust solution. Its 12GB SAS controller ensures quick data access, and the Flash-Backed Write Cache provides a layer of protection against data loss.
- Virtualized Environments: Virtualized environments often put a strain on storage systems due to the simultaneous access of multiple virtual machines. The HPE 726823-001’s high-performance SAS controller, coupled with its Flash-Backed Write Cache, makes it well-suited for virtualized environments where responsiveness and data integrity are crucial.
Compatibility and Integration
- Compatibility: The HPE Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller With 4GB FBWC is compatible with a wide range of HPE server models, including the HPE ProLiant DL, BL, and SL series. It is also compatible with select HPE storage systems and HPE blade systems.
- Integration: The HPE Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller With 4GB FBWC can be integrated with a wide range of storage options, including SAS, SATA, and SSD drives. It also supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing for a variety of data protection options.
- Management and Monitoring: The HPE Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller With 4GB FBWC can be managed and monitored using the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) software. This software allows for configuration, monitoring, and management of the controller and connected storage devices.
- Firmware Updates: The HPE Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller With 4GB FBWC can be updated with the latest firmware using the HPE Smart Update Manager (SUM) software. This software allows for easy and automated firmware updates, reducing downtime and ensuring optimal performance.
- Backup and Recovery: The HPE Smart Array P440 12GB Single Port (Int) PCI-E 3.0 X8 SAS Controller With 4GB FBWC supports HPE’s SmartCache, which provides an additional layer of data protection by automatically creating snapshots of data and allowing for easy recovery in the event of a failure.
General Information about this HPE 726823-001
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# 726823-001
- Product Type: SAS Controller
- Product Name: Controller
Technical Specifications
- 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
In short, the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 stands out as a formidable SAS controller, combining high-performance features with advanced data protection mechanisms. Its 12GB SAS controller, PCI Express 3.0 interface, and Flash-Backed Write Cache make it a versatile solution for a variety of storage-intensive applications, ranging from data centers to virtualized environments. The controller’s compatibility with HPE servers and robust driver support further contribute to its appeal for businesses seeking reliable, scalable, and high-performance storage solutions. Whether you are upgrading an existing storage infrastructure or building a new one from the ground up, the HPE 726823-001 Smart Array P440 deserves consideration for its impressive combination of features and benefits in the ever-evolving landscape of enterprise storage solutions.
