RAID controller HPE SmartArray P408e-p SR Gen10

The HPE SmartArray P408e-p SR Gen10 RAID controller is a server-class storage controller designed for external SAS/SATA enclosures and HPE ProLiant Gen10 systems. It provides 12 Gb/s data transfer rates over eight external SAS lanes and connects via PCI Express x8. The controller supports multiple RAID levels (including 0, 1, 5, 6 and 10), offers 4 GB of Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) for improved write performance and protection, and supports Mixed Mode operation to run RAID and HBA simultaneously. It is compatible with HPE external disk enclosures and integrates with HPE management tools for configuration and monitoring.

Advantages

The HPE SmartArray P408e-p SR Gen10 delivers enterprise-grade throughput with 12 Gb/s SAS connectivity and a PCIe x8 host interface to reduce latency for database, messaging and virtualized workloads. The built-in 4 GB FBWC enhances write performance and data protection, while optional features such as SR Secure Encryption and SmartCache support provide further security and caching acceleration. Mixed Mode capability allows simultaneous RAID and HBA operation, increasing deployment flexibility when connecting externally attached drives.

Suitable for

• Servers requiring external SAS/SATA disk enclosures (e.g., HPE D3610, D3710, D6020)
• Database and logging workloads that benefit from accelerated write performance
• Environments needing advanced RAID levels for redundancy and performance (RAID 0,1,5,6,10)
• Setups that require a mix of RAID and HBA connectivity to external arrays
• Systems managed through HPE Smart Storage Administrator and iLO RESTful interfaces

When it may not be suitable

This controller is intended for external storage connectivity and occupies a PCIe expansion slot; it may not be suitable for systems that only require internal drive connectivity or lack available PCIe slots. Some advanced features such as SR Secure Encryption and SmartCache require separate licensing, and the HPE Smart Storage Battery that supports FBWC may be sold separately, so out-of-the-box functionality can depend on additional purchases.

Key specifications

• Host interface: PCI Express x8
• External lanes: 8 SAS lanes supporting 12 Gb/s
• Supported drive types: SAS and SATA (external enclosures)
• Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 6, 10 and others
• Cache: 4 GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC)
• Mixed Mode: simultaneous RAID and HBA operation
• Compatibility: HPE ProLiant Gen10 servers and supported external enclosures

How to use

Install the P408e-p SR Gen10 into an available PCIe x8 expansion slot in a supported server and route the external SAS cables to a compatible disk enclosure. Use HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) or the UEFI storage configuration tool to create RAID volumes, enable FBWC features, and apply optional licenses for Secure Encryption or SmartCache as required. Monitor drive health and controller status through SSA or iLO; ensure the Smart Storage Battery (if required for FBWC retention) is installed and supported by your server platform.

What to consider before purchase

• Ensure the target server has an available PCIe x8 slot and physical space for the controller.
• Confirm compatibility with the external disk enclosure model you plan to use (for example HPE D3610, D3710, D6020).
• Check whether optional licenses (Secure Encryption, SmartCache) or the Smart Storage Battery are required for your use case and budget.
• Verify that your workload benefits from external SAS connectivity and supported RAID levels.

Usage recommendations

For optimal results, pair the P408e-p SR Gen10 with certified HPE external enclosures and configure FBWC along with the Smart Storage Battery where long-term write cache retention is needed. Use HPE SSA and iLO RESTful interfaces for scripted or automated deployments, and consider optional Secure Encryption and SmartCache licenses when security or SSD caching acceleration is required.