Smart Array controllers overview

The Smart Array controller organizes the physical drives into a hardware-based redundant array of inexpensive drives (RAID). These RAID arrays are named storage arrays in HPE StoreEasy Storage system. The physical drives are attached to the Smart Array controller through the drive enclosures, which hold the physical drives.

You can protect the data and modify the storage array without interrupting data access. The Smart Array controllers can monitor physical drive I/O activity, track key parameters, predict potential problems, take corrective actions, provide automatic recovery, and provide protection against physical drive failure.

HPE StoreEasy Storage system supports the following Smart Array controllers:
  • HPE Smart Array P408e-p SR Gen10: An external controller which contains the physical disks to create an array. The P408e-p controller is installed in a PCIe slot with only external connections for connecting to an external drive enclosure.

  • HPE Smart Array P408i-p SR Gen10: A controller which contains the physical disks to create an array. The P408i-p controller is installed in a PCIe slot and is used for connecting to storage that is internal to the system.

  • HPE Smart Array P816i-a SR Gen10: A controller where physical disk and controllers are attached directly. The P816i-a controller is installed in the ALOM slot and is used for connecting to internal drive enclosures. You can create more arrays using this controller, which is included standard in the HPE StoreEasy 1660 and 1860 systems.

  • HPE Smart Array S100i SR Gen10: This controller is embedded on the system board of all sixth generation of HPE StoreEasy 1000 models. This controller can be provisioned with SATA drives in basic RAID configurations. This Smart Array controller is used to provision the OS array partition for the HPE StoreEasy 1660 and 1860.