HPE Smart Array P816i-a SR

Brand: HPE | Category: Accessories & Components

SKU: 804338-B21 | Part #: 804338-B21 | MPN: 804338-B21

Contact for Pricing — Request a Quote

HPE's Smart Array P816i-a SR (part number 804338-B21) is validated exclusively for HPE ProLiant Gen10 DL and ML series servers, making it the direct choice for storage infrastructure teams already committed to the ProLiant ecosystem. The controller integrates seamlessly with HPE iLO management firmware and HPE Smart Storage Administrator, meaning your existing administrative workflows remain intact when you add or upgrade storage capacity. Support spans Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and VMware vSphere—a breadth that reflects how widely this adapter is deployed across data centres running mixed workload types. Whether your infrastructure team is consolidating SAN-attached storage, building local disk arrays for database servers, or expanding compute nodes in an AI lab environment, this modular PCIe 3.0 x8 interface card handles the connectivity without requiring firmware or driver gymnastics.

The P816i-a SR operates as a 16-port internal SAS controller, delivering 12Gb/s throughput per lane and supporting both SAS and SATA drives through its four Mini-SAS HD connectors (SFF-8643 standard). With expander support, a single HPE Smart Array P816i-a SR can manage up to 32 physical drives, allowing storage architects to build substantial capacity tiers within a single server form factor—critical when you need local NVMe staging or high-spindle-count disk arrays without external enclosure complexity. The 4 GB of onboard DDR4 cache with Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) protection ensures write operations do not stall during power events, a non-negotiable feature in production environments where unplanned downtime cascades across applications. HPE has tuned the cache architecture specifically for ProLiant Gen10 hardware, meaning cache coherency and failover behavior are validated end-to-end.

RAID flexibility is extensive: the controller supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, allowing your storage team to architect protection schemes that match application criticality and performance requirements. A transactional database running on RAID 1+0 shares the same physical adapter as a warm-standby archive sitting on RAID 6—no separate controllers needed, no switching between vendors. The HPE Smart Array P816i-a SR also respects modern compliance requirements, holding RoHS certification and adhering to SAS 3.0 specifications, which matters when your procurement team audits vendor bills of materials against environmental or regulatory frameworks. System administrators responsible for Gen10 server lifecycle management will find the part number 804338-B21 consistently available across HPE's distribution channel, simplifying spare parts inventory and reducing procurement lead times.

Deployment scenarios for this adapter span hyperscale consolidation, where a single ProLiant server consolidates multiple workload tiers, to AI infrastructure builds that require fast, protected local storage adjacent to compute. Storage architects designing tiered architectures appreciate the controller's ability to mix SAS and SATA media on the same bus, letting you use cost-effective SATA for sequential workloads while reserving faster SAS for random-access database operations. Network and infrastructure engineering teams integrating HPE ProLiant servers into broader data centre fabrics find the modular form factor—a PCIe adapter rather than a soldered component—allows retrofits and upgrades without motherboard replacement. The controller's integration with HPE iLO means remote diagnostics and firmware updates are possible without console access, a operational convenience that reduces site visits and accelerates Mean Time To Resolution during storage events.

Omnixon Global stocks the HPE Smart Array P816i-a SR and related ProLiant storage accessories from our Dubai operation, serving data centres, cloud integrators, and enterprise IT teams across the GCC region and into Asia-Pacific and Europe. Our inventory reflects real market demand—we understand that a Gen10 server refresh or storage expansion cannot wait for international lead times. Contact our enterprise sales team to discuss your storage controller requirements, validate configuration options, or arrange technical consultation with our HPE-certified specialists. Submit your Request for Quote through our website or reach out directly; we handle bulk orders, multi-site deployments, and expedited logistics for time-sensitive projects.

Storage Controller Specifications & Interface Details

• PCIe 3.0 x8 host interface supporting 16 internal SAS/SATA ports via four Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8643) connectors
• 12Gb/s SAS and 6Gb/s SATA drive support with capacity to manage up to 32 drives when used with SAS expanders
• 4 GB DDR4 cache with Flash-Backed Write Cache protection—write operations safeguarded during power loss or system fault
• RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60 support, enabling mixed protection strategies across local storage pools
• Native integration with HPE iLO firmware and HPE Smart Storage Administrator for unified ProLiant server management
• Validated for HPE ProLiant Gen10 DL and ML series servers; Windows Server, RHEL, SLES, and VMware vSphere operating systems
• SAS 3.0 compliant and RoHS certified; part number 804338-B21 for consistent sourcing and spares management