RAID Controller HPE SmartArray 869079-B21

The HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 Controller (RAID Controller HPE SmartArray 869079-B21) is an internal, type-A modular storage controller that provides 12 Gb/s SAS connectivity and PCIe 3.0 host interface for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. Designed to connect up to eight internal SAS/SATA lanes, it supports RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and 10 as well as Mixed Mode operation (RAID and HBA simultaneously). The controller occupies a dedicated storage slot rather than a standard PCIe expansion slot and supports optional data-at-rest encryption for attached drives.

Advantages

This controller delivers enterprise-class reliability and 12 Gb/s SAS performance in a cost-effective form factor, enabling basic RAID and software-defined storage deployments without the need for a PCIe expansion slot. Mixed Mode increases flexibility by allowing simultaneous RAID and HBA operation, reducing hardware costs. Built-in support for HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption (optional license) protects data-at-rest, and integration with HPE management tools simplifies configuration and monitoring.

Suitable for

• Entry to mid-level HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers requiring internal RAID capabilities
• Software-defined storage (SDS) solutions needing cost-effective SAS connectivity
• Environments that need mixed RAID and HBA functionality on a single controller
• Deployments that require drive-level encryption for data-at-rest compliance

Key specifications

• Manufacturer model: HPE Smart Array E208i-a SR Gen10 (MPN 869079-B21)
• Interface: PCI Express x8 (PCIe 3.0 host interface)
• SAS speed: 12 Gb/s
• Supported drive types: Internal SAS and SATA drives (8 internal lanes)
• RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 10
• Form factor: Type-A modular controller occupying dedicated storage slot
• Features: Mixed Mode (RAID + HBA), optional HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption
• EAN: 4549821037827

How to use

Install the controller into the dedicated storage slot on a compatible HPE ProLiant Gen10 server following HPE installation instructions. Connect internal SAS or SATA drives to the controller’s eight internal lanes. Use the UEFI storage configuration tool or HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) to create and configure RAID volumes, manage controller features, and monitor drive health. For scripting and remote configuration, use iLO with the RESTful interface to automate array setup and management.

Recommendations

Use HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption with the appropriate license when regulatory compliance or protection of data-at-rest is required. Regularly monitor drive wear indicators through HPE SmartSSD Wear Gauge and maintain up-to-date firmware via HPE management tools to ensure reliability.