Description
More Information for the HPE 820834-B21 PCI-E Controller Card
The HPE 820834-B21 Smart Array P440/2GB SAS Controller is a cutting-edge piece of hardware designed to enhance storage performance and reliability in server systems. This article will delve into the various features, specifications, and benefits of this PCI-E 3.0 X8 Single Port Internal SAS Controller with 2GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC).
Overview of the HPE 820834-B21 Smart Array P440/2GB SAS Controller
The HPE 820834-B21 is a high-performance storage controller that operates on the PCI Express 3.0 interface. It is equipped with a single port for internal SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) connectivity, providing a seamless and efficient means of managing data storage within a server environment.
Key Features
- PCI Express 3.0 X8 Interface: The controller utilizes the PCI Express 3.0 X8 interface, ensuring high-speed data transfer between the SAS controller and the server. This interface is known for its increased bandwidth, optimizing the overall performance of the storage subsystem.
- Single Port Internal SAS Connectivity: The HPE 820834-B21 comes with a single internal SAS port, allowing it to connect directly to SAS-compatible storage devices within the server. This ensures a simplified and organized cabling setup while maintaining high-speed data communication.
- 2GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC): One of the standout features of this SAS controller is its 2GB Flash-Backed Write Cache. The FBWC functionality enhances data reliability by temporarily storing written data in the cache memory. In the event of a power loss or system failure, the flash-backed write cache preserves the data, preventing potential data loss or corruption.
Technical Specifications
- SAS Support: The HPE 820834-B21 supports SAS, a robust and scalable interface for connecting storage devices. SAS provides advantages such as high data transfer rates, better performance, and flexibility in configuring storage arrays.
- Data Transfer Rate: With a data transfer rate of 12Gbps (Gigabits per second), this SAS controller ensures swift and efficient communication between the server and connected storage devices. The high data transfer rate is crucial for handling large volumes of data and demanding applications.
- RAID Support: The SAS controller offers RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) support, enabling users to configure and manage multiple disk drives for improved performance, data redundancy, or a combination of both. RAID configurations enhance data protection and system reliability.
- Compatibility: The HPE 820834-B21 is designed for compatibility with various HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers, ensuring seamless integration into existing server infrastructures. Compatibility is crucial for easy deployment and scalability.
Advantages of the HPE 820834-B21 Smart Array P440/2GB SAS Controller
- Improved Storage Performance: By leveraging the high-speed PCI Express 3.0 X8 interface and 12Gbps SAS connectivity, the HPE 820834-B21 significantly enhances storage performance. This is particularly beneficial for applications with demanding input/output requirements.
- Enhanced Data Reliability: The inclusion of a 2GB Flash-Backed Write Cache provides an extra layer of data protection. In the event of power loss or unexpected system failures, the FBWC ensures that critical write data is preserved, minimizing the risk of data loss or corruption.
- Simplified Storage Management: With a single internal SAS port, the controller simplifies the cabling setup within the server. This not only contributes to a cleaner and more organized server environment but also facilitates easier management of storage configurations.
- RAID Flexibility: The RAID support offered by HPE 820834-B21 allows users to configure their storage arrays according to specific requirements. Whether prioritizing performance, redundancy, or a balance of both, RAID configurations provide flexibility in meeting diverse storage needs.
Use Cases and Deployment Scenarios
- Enterprise Servers: The HPE 820834-B21 is well-suited for enterprise-level servers where performance and reliability are critical. Its compatibility with HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 servers makes it an ideal choice for businesses with existing HPE server infrastructures.
- Data-Intensive Applications: Servers hosting data-intensive applications, such as databases or virtualization platforms, can benefit from the high-speed data transfer rates and RAID capabilities of this SAS controller. It ensures that storage systems can handle the demands of these resource-intensive applications.
- Scalable Storage Solutions: For organizations requiring scalable storage solutions, the HPE 820834-B21 offers the flexibility to expand storage capacity and improve performance by configuring RAID arrays with additional drives.
Compatibility and Connectivity
The HPE Smart Array P440/2GB controller, also known as the 820834-B21, is specifically designed for use in HPE ProLiant servers, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of HPE server models.
The controller is compatible with a wide range of drive types, including SAS and SATA drives, and is compatible with both 2.5-inch and 3.5-inch drives. It has a 12 Gb/s SAS interface, providing fast data transfer rates and high bandwidth.
The controller connects to the host system through a PCIE 3.0 x8 interface and has a single internal SAS port, which can be used to connect to multiple external SAS or SATA drive enclosures. This allows for easy expansion and connectivity options, such as adding more disks or expanding the capacity of existing volumes.
Management and monitoring software such as HPE Array Configuration Utility (ACU) or Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) provides a graphical user interface for configuring and managing RAID arrays and volumes, monitoring the status of the RAID, and updating controller firmware. This makes it easy to monitor the controller and the RAID and to configure and manage the RAID arrays and volumes.
RAID Support and Configuration
The 820834-B21 HPE Smart Array P440/2GB controller supports various RAID levels, including RAID 0, RAID 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50, and RAID 60, providing a range of options for data performance, security, and fault tolerance.
RAID Configuration options allow for the creation and management of RAID arrays and volumes. The controller supports both hardware and software RAID, which allows the user to configure RAID through the controller’s BIOS or through software management tools such as HPE Array Configuration Utility (ACU) or Smart Storage Administrator (SSA).
Managing RAID arrays and volumes can be done through the controller’s BIOS or through software management tools, such as the HPE Array Configuration Utility (ACU) or Smart Storage Administrator (SSA), which allow the user to create, delete, and manage RAID arrays and volumes, as well as monitor the status of the RAID.
The controller also supports Online Capacity Expansion and RAID Level Migration, which means that the user can expand the capacity of a RAID array or volume without having to take it offline and can also change the RAID level of an existing array or volume.
RAID Performance Optimization can be achieved by adjusting various settings, such as stripe size, read and write cache, and read-ahead. These settings can be configured through the controller’s BIOS or through software management tools.
RAID Management and Monitoring Tools, such as HPE Array Configuration Utility (ACU) or Smart Storage Administrator (SSA), allow the user to monitor the status of the RAID, including the health of the disks and the RAID’s performance.
RAID Data Protection and Recovery Features include hot spare disk support, automatic rebuild, and global and dedicated hot spare support. These features ensure that the RAID is protected against disk failures and can recover quickly in case of a failure. Additionally, the controller also includes 2GB of flash-backed write cache (FBWC) which helps to accelerate write performance and protect data in case of power loss.
General Information about this HPE 820834-B21
- Manufacturer: HPE
- Part Number or SKU# 820834-B21
- Product Name: Controller
- Product Type: SAS-SATA
Technical Information 820834-B21
- Product Type: Storage Controller (Raid) – Plug-In Card – Low Profile
- Controller Interface Type: SATA 6GBPS / SAS 12GBPS
- Bus Type: PCI-E 3.0 X8
- Data Transfer Rate: 1.2 GBPS
- Raid Level: Raid 0, Raid 1, RAID 5, RAID 6, RAID 10, RAID 50, RAID 60, Raid 1 ADM, Raid 10 ADM
- Supported Drive: Hard Drive, Disk Array (Raid)
- Channel Qty: 8
In general, the HPE 820834-B21 Smart Array P440/2GB SAS Controller stands out as a reliable and high-performance solution for storage management within server environments. With its advanced features, including a 12Gbps data transfer rate, 2GB FBWC, and support for various RAID configurations, it caters to the diverse needs of businesses and enterprises.
Proper installation, configuration, and ongoing monitoring are essential to maximizing the benefits of the HPE 820834-B21. As part of Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s ecosystem, this SAS controller exemplifies the commitment to delivering innovative and integrated solutions for modern data storage challenges.
By understanding the key features, advantages, and installation steps outlined in this guide, administrators can make informed decisions about incorporating the HPE 820834-B21 Smart Array P440/2GB into their storage infrastructure. Whether used in small-scale deployments or enterprise-level environments, this SAS controller contributes to a robust and efficient storage ecosystem, ensuring the integrity and accessibility of critical data.
