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Michael Grant
5
External SAS controller worked reliably.
698531-B21
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HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports Ext SAS Controlle...
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698531-B21
- Description:
- HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports Ext SAS Controller
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698531-B21 Overview
698531-B21-HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports Ext SAS Controller is a high-performance storage controller designed to enhance server storage capabilities with a robust hardware RAID engine and 2GB flash-backed write cache. This PCIe expansion card utilizes a PCIe x8 interface with PCIe 3.0 generation support, integrating the HPE Smart Array P431 controller to deliver 12Gb/s SAS connectivity via its two external SAS ports. It has been engineered for enterprise storage expansion, ensuring reliable data protection and high-speed performance while accommodating a wide range of operating systems including Windows, Linux, VMware ESXi, and FreeBSD.
The controller is purpose-built for server enhancement in data centers and enterprise environments, where efficient storage expansion and data integrity are paramount. Featuring passive cooling and a full-height bracket design, this HPE Smart Array controller is optimized for demanding applications, delivering trusted RAID levels including RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, making it an ideal solution for mission-critical storage expansion needs.
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698531-B21 Specifications
- Product Type
- Expansion Card
- Brand
- Hpe
- Card Type
- Storage Controller
- Interface
- PCIe x8
- PCIe Version
- PCIe 3.0
- Chipset / Controller
- HPE Smart Array P431 Controller
- Port Count
- 2
- RAID Levels Supported
- RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 5 / RAID 6 / RAID 10 / RAID 50 / RAID 60
- Low Profile Bracket
- No
- Full Height Bracket
- Yes
- Cooling
- Passive
- Operating System Compatibility
- Windows / Linux / VMware ESXi / FreeBSD
- Bus Width
- 64-bit
- Power Requirements
- 3.3V
- Use Case
- Storage Expansion
- Product Name
- 698531-B21-HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports Ext SAS Controller
698531-B21 Use Case
Accelerating Enterprise OLTP Databases with HPE Smart Array P431
In a global e-commerce environment processing 10,000+ transactions per minute, IT architects deploy the HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports External SAS Controller to offload RAID management and deliver predictable sub-millisecond write latency. The dedicated flash-backed write cache ensures data integrity during power events, boosting transaction throughput by up to 35% and maintaining consistent performance under peak load for mission-critical online transaction processing.
Enhancing Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Performance and Reliability
A financial services firm consolidates 500 virtual desktops on VMware vSphere and requires high IOPS for concurrent user workloads. Integrating the HPE Smart Array P431 12Gb 2-ports External SAS Controller with 2GB FBWC optimizes RAID 10 arrays across mixed SSD/HDD tiers. The result is a 40% reduction in VM boot times, seamless desktop streaming during peak hours, and enterprise-grade data protection with advanced cache-based write reliability.
Scaling Big Data Analytics Clusters with High-Availability Storage
A healthcare analytics provider runs Hadoop and NoSQL workloads that demand both sequential throughput and random access speed. By connecting multiple SAS-attached SSDs and HDDs to the HPE Smart Array P431 controller, architects achieve linear performance scaling and sub-second query response times. The controller’s dual 12Gb ports and battery-protected write cache deliver uninterrupted data availability, driving a 50% reduction in report generation times and 99.99% SLAs for patient data insights.
Quality Certifications
Reviews & Ratings
A
Adil Hussain
5
Consistent performance in storage expansion.
T
Thomas Kr'ger
4
Easy integration.
R
Ryan Cooper
4
Stable and dependable.
J
Javier Soto
5
No issues encountered.
Questions & Answers
What is the HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports Ext SAS Controller (SKU: 698531-B21)?
The HPE Smart Array P431 is a high-performance RAID controller delivering 12Gb/s external SAS connectivity, 2GB flash-backed write cache (FBWC) and support for multiple RAID levels to optimize storage reliability and throughput.
Which server models are compatible with the HPE P431 12Gb SAS Controller?
The P431 is officially supported on HPE ProLiant Gen9 and Gen10 rack and tower servers, including DL360, DL380, ML350 and their variants when equipped with compatible SAS backplanes.
What RAID levels does the P431 controller support?
The P431 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60, enabling flexible data protection and performance configurations for varied workload requirements.
How does the 2GB FBWC improve data integrity?
The embedded Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) preserves cached data during power loss by writing it to internal flash memory, ensuring no I/O operations are lost and accelerating write performance.
What types of drives can I attach to the P431 controller?
This controller supports 12Gb/s SAS and SATA HDDs and SSDs, as well as select NVMe devices through SAS–NVMe bridging, enabling mixed-drive configurations for tiered storage.
How do I install the HPE Smart Array P431 in my server?
Power off the server, insert the P431 into an available PCIe Gen3 x8 slot, secure it with the retention bracket, reconnect SAS cables to the external ports, then power on and configure in the HPE Intelligent Provisioning utility.
How can I update the firmware on the P431 controller?
Use the HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) or HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) to download and apply the latest firmware, ensuring optimal compatibility and performance.
What performance improvements can I expect with the P431 over previous generations?
Compared to Gen8 controllers, the P431 delivers up to 2× higher throughput per port, lower latency, and enhanced cache algorithms, resulting in faster I/O operations for demanding workloads.
Does the P431 support online RAID array expansion and migration?
Yes, the controller offers Online Capacity Expansion (OCE) and Online RAID Level Migration (ORLM) to add drives or change RAID levels without downtime, ensuring continuous availability.
How do I monitor the health and status of the P431 controller?
Use HPE SSA or Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) to view real-time metrics on cache usage, drive status, battery health and event logs, enabling proactive maintenance and troubleshooting.
What warranty and support options are available for SKU 698531-B21?
HPE provides a limited three-year parts and labor warranty, with optional HPE Foundation Care and Proactive Care support packages for 24×7 coverage and rapid response.
Can the P431 controller handle mixed HDD and SSD configurations?
Yes, the P431 intelligently manages tiered storage by combining SAS/SATA HDDs and SSDs, optimizing I/O performance and capacity for diverse application needs.
What security features are built into the HPE P431 controller?
The P431 includes secure boot, controller firmware integrity checks and optional encryption offload when paired with self-encrypting SAS/SATA drives to safeguard data at rest.
How many external devices can I connect to the P431’s two SAS ports?
Each 12Gb/s SAS port supports up to 128 endpoints via SAS expanders, allowing connection to JBOD enclosures, tape libraries or other external SAS storage arrays.
Is the P431 controller suitable for virtualization environments?
Absolutely. With high IOPS, robust caching and broad RAID support, the P431 excels in VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V and other virtualized infrastructures requiring consistent low-latency storage.
Where can I find detailed technical documentation for the HPE Smart Array P431?
Comprehensive setup guides, user manuals and firmware release notes are available on the HPE Support Center website under part number 698531-B21.