RAID controller HPE SmartArray E208i-a SR Gen10

The HPE SmartArray E208i-a SR Gen10 is a modular RAID controller for internal-attached SAS and SATA drives that installs in a dedicated storage slot without occupying a PCIe expansion slot. It supports 12 Gb/s SAS and PCIe 3.0, provides eight internal SAS lanes, and implements RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and 10. The controller supports Mixed Mode (RAID and HBA concurrently) and optional HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption for data-at-rest protection.

Advantages

This controller delivers enterprise-class reliability and 12 Gb/s SAS connectivity in a cost-effective form factor designed for HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers. Mixed Mode operation increases deployment flexibility by allowing RAID volumes and HBA passthrough on the same controller. Support for HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption and SmartSSD Wear Gauge helps protect data integrity and meet compliance requirements. Management is simplified via the UEFI storage configuration tool, iLO RESTful scripting, and HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA).

Suitable for

• Small to medium enterprise servers requiring internal SAS/SATA RAID
• Software-defined storage (SDS) deployments needing a low-cost RAID solution
• Environments that require data-at-rest encryption and compliance controls
• Systems where saving PCIe expansion slots is important

Key specifications

• Interface: 12 Gb/s SAS, PCIe 3.0
• RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 10
• Internal lanes: 8 SAS lanes (supports SAS and SATA drives)
• Mixed Mode: RAID and HBA simultaneously
• Form factor: Type-a modular controller for dedicated storage slot
• Management: UEFI storage configuration tool, iLO RESTful scripting, HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA)
• Security: Optional HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption (license required)
• MPN: 804326-B21; EAN: 0889296142584

How to use

Install the HPE SmartArray E208i-a SR Gen10 into the server’s dedicated storage slot and connect internal SAS or SATA drives to the controller’s internal lanes. Use the UEFI storage configuration tool during boot or the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) to create and configure RAID volumes. For scripted or remote configuration, use iLO’s RESTful interface to automate array setup. If encryption is required, purchase and enable the HPE Smart Array SR Secure Encryption license and follow the SSA prompts to activate encryption on attached drives.

Recommendations

Use this controller when you need cost-effective, enterprise-class internal RAID connectivity without occupying a PCIe expansion slot; enable Mixed Mode for deployments that require both RAID and HBA access, and enable SR Secure Encryption where regulatory compliance or data-at-rest protection is necessary.