RAID controller HPE SmartArray P816i-a SR Gen10

The HPE SmartArray P816i-a SR Gen10 RAID controller delivers enterprise-class storage performance without occupying a PCIe expansion slot. Supporting 12 Gb/s SAS and PCIe 3.0, the controller provides sixteen internal SAS lanes for connection to SAS or SATA drives, mixed-mode operation for RAID and HBA simultaneously, and hardware encryption for data-at-rest. With 4 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) and compatibility with HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers, this type-a modular controller installs in a dedicated storage slot to maximize performance and capacity while maintaining reliability and security.

Advantages

The SmartArray P816i-a SR Gen10 combines high throughput (12 Gb/s) with sixteen internal SAS lanes and PCIe x8 host connectivity to support dense drive configurations and high I/O workloads. Mixed Mode operation allows the controller to manage RAID arrays while presenting direct HBA access where needed. Built-in encryption protects data-at-rest on any attached drive, and 4 GB FBWC improves write performance and data protection. The controller is designed for Gen10 ProLiant servers and works with the HPE Smart Storage Battery for persistent cache protection.

Suitable for

• Enterprise servers requiring high-density internal storage (HPE ProLiant DL360/DL380 Gen10)
• Applications needing mixed RAID and HBA access for flexible storage management
• Workloads with high I/O demands that benefit from 12 Gb/s SAS throughput
• Environments that require data-at-rest encryption and persistent write cache

Key specifications

• Interface: PCI Express x8 (host)
• SAS speed: 12 Gb/s
• Internal SAS lanes: 16
• Compatible drive types: SAS and SATA
• Cache: 4 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC)
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 (plus mixed mode HBA support)
• Form factor: type-a modular controller occupying a dedicated storage slot
• MPN: 804338-B21

How to use

Install the P816i-a SR Gen10 into the server’s dedicated storage controller slot according to the server hardware guide. Connect internal SAS or SATA drives to the controller using compatible backplanes or cables. Configure RAID arrays or HBA mode through the server’s Smart Array management utility or the system BIOS/UEFI interface. Enable encryption and verify FBWC status in the management tools to ensure cache protection and data-at-rest security. Install the HPE-supported firmware and drivers appropriate for your ProLiant Gen10 server.

Recommendations

Use the controller with HPE ProLiant Gen10 platforms and pair it with the HPE Smart Storage Battery for persistent cache protection. Maintain up-to-date firmware and drivers, size RAID levels to match performance and redundancy needs, and monitor cache and encryption status regularly through HPE management tools.