Description
More Information for the HPE 749974-B2 Dual Port SAS Controller Card
In the ever-evolving landscape of information technology, server systems play a crucial role in ensuring the seamless operation of businesses and organizations. One integral component of server configurations is the RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) controller, which manages and optimizes data storage. The HPE P440AR Smart Array Controller, specifically the 749974-B21 model, is a sophisticated and high-performance solution designed to enhance storage capabilities in server environments.
Understanding the Basics
- HPE P440AR Overview: The HPE P440AR is a RAID controller card developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). It falls under the Smart Array family, known for its advanced features and reliability in managing data storage. The specific model, 749974-B21, boasts significant capabilities that make it suitable for a variety of server configurations.
- PCI-E 3.0 X8 Interface: The controller utilizes the PCI Express (PCI-E) 3.0 x8 interface, providing a high-speed connection to the server’s motherboard. This ensures efficient communication and data transfer between the controller card and other system components.
- Dual Port SAS Connectivity: Equipped with dual ports for SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) connectivity, the P440AR enables versatile and robust connections to storage devices. SAS is a technology known for its speed and reliability, making it a preferred choice in enterprise storage environments.
- 12Gbps Data Transfer Rate: The P440AR supports a blazing-fast data transfer rate of 12 gigabits per second (Gbps). This high-speed capability is crucial for handling large volumes of data and ensuring rapid access to stored information.
- 2GB FBWC (Flash-Backed Write Cache): A standout feature of the 749974-B21 model is its 2GB FBWC. FBWC is a critical component that enhances data reliability by temporarily storing write operations in a cache memory with a power source. In case of a power failure or unexpected shutdown, the FBWC ensures that data in the process of being written is not lost.
Key Features and Benefits
- RAID Support: The primary function of the HPE P440AR is to manage RAID configurations. RAID provides data redundancy and performance improvement by distributing data across multiple disks. The controller supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, and RAID 10, allowing users to choose the configuration that best suits their needs.
- Enhanced Data Protection: With its dual ports and SAS connectivity, the P440AR ensures a reliable and redundant data path, reducing the risk of data loss due to hardware failures. The 2GB FBWC further enhances data protection by providing a temporary storage buffer during write operations, safeguarding against potential data corruption.
- Improved System Performance: The PCI-E 3.0 x8 interface and 12Gbps data transfer rate contribute to the overall performance improvement of the server system. The controller efficiently manages data flow between the server and storage devices, resulting in faster read and write speeds.
- Easy Integration: The HPE P440AR is designed for seamless integration into HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 server systems. This ensures compatibility and simplifies the installation process for users deploying or upgrading their server configurations.
- Scalability: For organizations with growing storage needs, the P440AR offers scalability options. Users can expand their storage capacity by adding more drives to the RAID configuration, providing a flexible solution that can adapt to changing business requirements.
Use Cases
- Enterprise Servers: The HPE P440AR is well-suited for enterprise-level servers where data reliability, performance, and scalability are critical. It can handle the demands of data-intensive applications and ensure continuous operation in mission-critical environments.
- Data Centers: In data center environments where the efficient management of large datasets is paramount, the P440AR excels. Its high-speed data transfer rate and RAID support make it an ideal choice for optimizing storage infrastructure in data center configurations.
- Virtualization Platforms: Virtualized environments benefit from the P440AR’s performance capabilities. The controller can enhance the storage efficiency of virtual machines, providing a responsive and reliable storage solution for virtualization platforms.
- High-Performance Computing (HPC): In HPC scenarios, where rapid data access is crucial for computational processes, the P440AR’s 12Gbps data transfer rate becomes particularly advantageous. It ensures that storage performance does not become a bottleneck in high-performance computing tasks.
General Information about this HPE 749974-B21
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# 749974-B21
- Product Name: Controller
- Product Type: SAS Controller
Technical Specifications
- Host Interface: PCI Express 3.0
- Controller Type: Serial Ata/600
- Raid Levels: 0, 1
- Raid Supported: Yes
- Platform Supported: PC
- Data Backup Type: Flash Backed Cache
- Form Factor: Plug-In Card
- Total Number Of SAS Ports: 4
- Number Of SAS Ports (Internal): 4
In short, the HPE P440AR 12GBPS PCI-E 3.0 x8 Dual Port SAS Smart Array Controller Card with 2GB FBWC, represented by the model 749974-B21, stands as a robust solution for organizations seeking to optimize their server storage infrastructure. With its advanced features, including dual port SAS connectivity, high data transfer rates, and Flash-Backed Write Cache, this controller offers enhanced data protection, improved system performance, and scalability. Its seamless integration into HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, coupled with its compatibility with various use cases, makes it a versatile choice for enterprise environments, data centers, virtualization platforms, and high-performance computing scenarios. By understanding its features, benefits, installation process, and maintenance requirements, users can harness the full potential of the HPE P440AR for a reliable and efficient storage solution in their server systems.







