Description
More Information for the HPE 804334-002 SAS Modular Controller
In the realm of data storage and management, having a reliable and efficient controller is crucial. The HPE 804334-002 Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 PCI-E 3.0 x8 12GBPS SAS Modular Controller stands out as a noteworthy solution in this landscape. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricacies of this controller, exploring its features, functionalities, and the benefits it brings to the table.
Understanding the Basics
Let’s start by breaking down the name to better understand what this controller is all about:
HPE 804334-002
HPE stands for Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a renowned player in the information technology industry. The numerical code 804334-002 serves as a unique identifier for this specific Smart Array controller.
Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10
- Smart Array: This indicates that the controller belongs to HPE’s Smart Array family, which is known for providing reliable RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) solutions.
- P408i-a SR: The alphanumeric code P408i-a SR signifies the specific model within the Smart Array series. This nomenclature often includes information about the controller’s capabilities and features.
- Gen10: The “Gen10” denotes that this controller is designed for HPE Gen10 servers, showcasing compatibility with the latest generation of Hewlett Packard Enterprise servers.
PCI-E 3.0 x8
- PCI-E 3.0: This controller utilizes the PCI Express (PCI-E) 3.0 interface, a high-speed data transfer protocol commonly employed in modern computing systems. The third generation of PCI-E offers increased bandwidth and improved performance compared to its predecessors.
- x8: The “x8” designation refers to the number of lanes in the PCI-E interface. In this case, the controller utilizes eight lanes, further enhancing data transfer rates and overall efficiency.
12GBPS SAS Modular Controller
- 12GBPS SAS: The controller supports SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) technology with a data transfer rate of 12 gigabits per second. SAS is a robust and scalable storage interface commonly used in enterprise environments for its reliability and performance.
- Modular Controller: The term “Modular Controller” suggests that this device is designed to be flexible and adaptable to different storage configurations, offering scalability and ease of integration.
Features and Capabilities
Now that we have a basic understanding of the nomenclature, let’s explore the features and capabilities that make the HPE 804334-002 Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 a compelling choice for storage management.
- RAID Support: One of the primary functions of the Smart Array controllers is to implement RAID configurations. RAID provides data protection, improved performance, and fault tolerance by combining multiple disk drives into a single logical unit. The P408i-a SR Gen10 supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, and more.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: With the PCI-E 3.0 interface and eight lanes, this controller ensures high-speed data transfer between the storage devices and the server. This is crucial for applications that demand quick access to large datasets, such as database management systems and virtualization environments.
- SAS Connectivity: The 12GBPS SAS technology employed by this controller offers a robust and reliable connection between the controller and the attached storage drives. SAS is known for its scalability, making it suitable for enterprise-level storage solutions where performance and reliability are paramount.
- Modular Design for Scalability: The “Modular Controller” aspect of this device signifies its ability to adapt to changing storage requirements. Whether you’re starting with a minimal storage configuration or planning to expand in the future, the modular design allows for seamless scalability without the need for a complete overhaul of the storage infrastructure.
- Gen10 Server Compatibility: Designed specifically for HPE Gen10 servers, the P408i-a SR Gen10 ensures compatibility and optimized performance when integrated into these server systems. This compatibility enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of the server-storage ecosystem.
- RAID Management Software: HPE provides dedicated RAID management software that allows users to configure, monitor, and maintain the RAID arrays created with the P408i-a SR Gen10. This software provides a user-friendly interface, making it easier for administrators to manage storage configurations and ensure the health of the storage subsystem.
- Data Protection and Security: Data protection is a critical aspect of storage management, especially in enterprise environments. The Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 includes features such as online RAID level migration and online capacity expansion, allowing for dynamic adjustments to the storage configuration without downtime. Additionally, it offers advanced security features, including drive erase and self-encrypting drives (SEDs), ensuring the confidentiality of sensitive data.
Performance and Benchmarking
To assess the performance of the HPE 804334-002 Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10, it’s essential to conduct benchmark tests under realistic conditions. Performance metrics such as data transfer rates, IOPS (Input/Output Operations Per Second), and latency should be evaluated to gauge the controller’s efficiency in handling various workloads.
- Sequential Read/Write Performance: Sequential read and write performance is crucial for applications that involve large file transfers or streaming data. Benchmarking tools can be used to measure the sustained data transfer rates when reading from or writing to the storage drives attached to the Smart Array controller.
- Random Read/Write Performance: For workloads involving small, random access patterns, such as database operations, random read and write performance is a key metric. Benchmark tests should simulate these conditions to evaluate how well the controller handles random I/O operations.
- RAID Configuration Impact: Since the Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 supports various RAID levels, it’s important to assess the impact of different RAID configurations on performance. This includes testing RAID 0 for maximum performance, RAID 1 for data redundancy, and other RAID levels to find the optimal balance between performance and data protection.
- Scalability Testing: To validate the modular design and scalability of the controller, tests should be conducted to assess its performance when adding or removing storage drives. This helps organizations understand how well the controller adapts to changing storage requirements over time.
Use Cases
- Enterprise Server Environments: The HPE 804334-002 Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 is well-suited for enterprise server environments where performance, scalability, and data protection are paramount. Its compatibility with Gen10 HPE servers makes it an ideal choice for businesses looking to upgrade their existing infrastructure.
- Virtualization: In virtualized environments where multiple virtual machines share the same physical hardware, the controller’s high-speed connectivity and RAID capabilities play a crucial role. It ensures that virtualized applications perform efficiently and that data integrity is maintained across virtual machines.
- Data-Centric Applications: Applications that heavily rely on data processing, such as big data analytics and database management systems, benefit from the controller’s high-speed data transfer capabilities. The RAID features also contribute to the reliability of data storage in these data-centric applications.
General Information about this HPE 804334-002
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# 804334-002
- Product Type: SAS-SATA
- Product Name: Controller
Technical Specifications
- Storage Interface (SAS/SATA): 8 SAS Lanes Across 2 x4 Internal Mini-SAS Ports.
- Speed: 12Gb/s SAS, 6Gb/s SATA Technology.
- Compatibility: Mix-and-match SAS and SATA drives to the same controller. Support for SAS tape drives.
- Cache: 2GB Flash-backed Write Cache (FBWC).
- PCI Express: PCI Express 3.0 x8 Link.
- RAID Levels: RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60, 1 ADM, 10 ADM (Advanced Data Mirroring).
- Mixed Mode: RAID logic drives and HBA physical drives simultaneously.
- Validation: Windows Storage Spaces Direct Validated. VMware Virtual SAN Certified.
- Boot Operations: Legacy and UEFI boot operation. UEFI System Utilities (storage configuration).
- Drive Support: Up to 238 physical drives. Up to 64 logical drives.
- Enhancements: HPE SSD Smart Path. Rapid Parity Initialization (RPI). Rapid Rebuild. Drive Sanitize.
- Performance Optimization: Degraded reads and read coalescing.
- Power Efficiency: Designed for power efficiency.
- Compatibility: Seamless upgrades from HPE Smart Array S-class and E-class controllers.
Server Support
- HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10.
- HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10.
- HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen10.
- HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10.
- HPE ProLiant XL450 Gen10.
Outline, the HPE 804334-002 Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 PCI-E 3.0 x8 12GBPS SAS Modular Controller emerges as a robust and versatile solution for organizations seeking efficient storage management in their HPE Gen10 server environments. With its support for various RAID levels, high-speed data transfer capabilities, and modular design, this controller caters to the diverse needs of modern data-centric applications.
As technology evolves, the role of storage controllers becomes increasingly pivotal in maintaining the integrity, availability, and performance of data. The Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10, with its feature-rich design, positions itself as a reliable component in the ever-growing landscape of data storage solutions. Whether you’re establishing a new server infrastructure or upgrading an existing one, the HPE 804334-002 Smart Array controller warrants consideration for its advanced features and the promise of seamless scalability in the dynamic world of enterprise storage.
