HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 RAID controller with 2 GB cache, SAS 12Gb/s / SATA 6Gb/s, PCIe 3.0 x8

The HPE Smart Array P408i-a SR Gen10 Controller (HPE 869081-B21) is an enterprise RAID controller that provides 12 Gb/s SAS connectivity for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers via a PCI Express x8 interface. Designed for messaging, database and general server workloads, the controller combines a 2 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache with features such as HPE SSD Smart Path and optional SR SmartCache to improve I/O performance and reduce latency in both SSD- and HDD-based storage environments.

Advantages

This controller increases read and write performance with a 2 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache and offers faster SSD I/O paths through HPE SSD Smart Path. It supports 12 Gb/s SAS connectivity and provides optional features for caching (SR SmartCache) and encryption (SR Secure Encryption). Mixed Mode lets the controller operate in RAID and HBA simultaneously, reducing the need to purchase an additional adapter. Management is simplified with UEFI storage configuration tools and the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA).

Suitable for

• Enterprise database servers with heavy write logging
• Virtualized and messaging servers requiring low latency
• Mixed SSD and HDD storage arrays where caching benefits are needed
• Environments requiring hardware-based encryption for data-at-rest

Key specifications

• Brand: HP Enterprise (HPE)
• MPN: 869081-B21
• Host interface: PCI Express x8 (Gen3)
• SAS connectivity: 12 Gb/s
• Cache: 2 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache
• Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, 60 and JBOD
• Optional licenses: SR SmartCache (caching), SR Secure Encryption (data-at-rest encryption)

How to use

Install the controller into an available PCI Express x8 slot on a compatible HPE ProLiant Gen10 server and connect internal 12 Gb/s SAS drives. Use the UEFI storage configuration tool or HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) to create and configure RAID volumes, enable Mixed Mode if both RAID and HBA operation are required, and apply optional licenses such as SR SmartCache or SR Secure Encryption as needed. Firmware and driver updates should be applied according to HPE guidance to ensure compatibility and performance.

Recommendations

For write-intensive database workloads, enable the 2 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache and consider pairing the controller with enterprise-grade SSDs and the SR SmartCache license to reduce latency. For regulated environments, enable SR Secure Encryption and follow HPE guidance for FIPS compliance and key management. Monitor drive health using HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge and maintain current firmware and drivers via HPE support channels.