RAID controller HP SmartArray E208i-p SR — PCIe x8, SAS/SATA, 12 Gbit/s, RAID 0/1/5/10

HP SmartArray E208i-p SR is a server-class RAID controller designed for ProLiant systems that require reliable internal storage management. The card provides a PCI Express 3.0 x8 host interface and supports SAS and SATA drives via two internal Mini‑SAS x4 ports, offering up to 12 Gbit/s per SAS link and backward compatibility with 6 Gbit/s SATA. RAID levels 0, 1, 5 and 10 are implemented to balance performance and redundancy for enterprise and virtualized workloads. This model does not include a flash-backed write cache and is intended for systems where controller-managed RAID and direct drive access are required.

Advantages

The controller delivers high-throughput internal connectivity through PCIe x8 and 12 Gbit/s SAS lanes, enabling faster array rebuilds and improved sequential transfer rates compared with older-generation controllers. Support for multiple RAID levels allows flexible configuration for performance, mirroring or parity-based redundancy. Native SAS and SATA support across two Mini‑SAS x4 ports simplifies cabling for internal drive bays in compatible ProLiant servers. The solution is optimized for integration into server chassis that use onboard Mini‑SAS connections and for environments that prefer a simple hardware RAID implementation without battery- or flash-backed cache.

Suitable for

• Enterprise ProLiant servers requiring internal RAID management
• Virtualized hosts where array reliability and rebuild performance are important
• Database or file servers with mixed SAS and SATA drives
• System integrators assembling multi-drive internal storage enclosures

Key specifications

• Host interface: PCI Express 3.0 x8
• Drive interfaces: SAS (12 Gbit/s) and SATA (6 Gbit/s)
• Internal ports: 2 × Mini‑SAS (each carrying 4 SAS lanes)
• Supported RAID levels: 0, 1, 5, 10
• Lane configuration: 8 SAS lanes across the two Mini‑SAS ports
• Cache: no flash-backed write cache included

How to use

Install the SmartArray E208i-p SR into an available PCIe x8 slot in a compatible ProLiant server and connect internal drive backplane or drive trays to the controller’s two Mini‑SAS x4 ports using appropriate internal SAS cables. Configure RAID arrays using the server’s Smart Storage Administrator or the controller’s BIOS configuration utility during system boot. After creating arrays, initialize and verify the logical volumes in the operating system, then deploy volumes for the intended workloads. Monitor array health and rebuild operations through HP management tools and standard operating system monitoring.

Usage recommendations

Use certified SAS or SATA drives and server-compatible internal Mini‑SAS cables. For RAID 5 and RAID 10 configurations, plan for spare capacity and monitor rebuilds closely; without a flash-backed write cache, write performance and resilience during power events depend on drive and system-level protections. Ensure firmware and ProLiant system firmware are up to date for best compatibility and reliability.