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FBWC kit improved write performance noticeably.
698537-B21
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HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit for P-series SA
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698537-B21
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- HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit for P-series SA
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698537-B21 Overview
698537-B21-HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit for P-series SA is an expansion accessory designed specifically for enhancing the performance and data reliability of HP P-series storage arrays. Built to augment existing RAID controller solutions, this kit delivers 4GB of flash backed write cache that safeguards data during power interruptions and accelerates write operations in demanding server environments.
This FBWC FIO Kit is engineered for use in storage expansion scenarios, where its high-integrity caching capability ensures that critical write data is protected while maintaining optimal system performance. Its plug‐and‐play design and compatibility with select operating systems make it a dependable choice for upgrading legacy storage systems into more robust, high-performance server infrastructures.
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698537-B21 Specifications
- Weight
- N/A
- Height
- N/A
- Depth
- N/A
- Width
- N/A
- PCIe Version
- N/A
- Product Type
- Expansion Card
- Card Type
- Other
- Supported Ports
- N/A
- Max Data Rate
- N/A
- RAID Levels Supported
- N/A
- Capture Resolution
- N/A
- Capture Frame Rate
- N/A
- Use Case
- Storage Expansion
- Port Count
- N/A
- Interface
- N/A
- Cooling
- N/A
- Bus Width
- N/A
- Power Requirements
- N/A
- Chipset / Controller
- N/A
- Low Profile Bracket
- N/A
- Full Height Bracket
- N/A
- Operating System Compatibility
- N/A
- Product Name
- 698537-B21-HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit for P-series SA
698537-B21 Use Case
Enterprise Virtualization Performance Acceleration with 698537-B21 HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit
A global financial services firm upgrades its HP Smart Array P-series controllers with the 698537-B21 HP 4GB Flash-Backed Write Cache (FBWC) FIO Kit to accelerate virtual machine boot and I/O performance. By leveraging the on-board flash module for write caching and protected power-fail safety, the IT team reduces VM boot times by 35%, improves sustained IOPS by 45%, and ensures zero data loss during unexpected power events. This delivers predictable performance for hundreds of mission-critical VMs, drives down latency for high-traffic applications, and increases overall infrastructure uptime.
Mission-Critical Database Transaction Logging Protection
A multinational e-commerce platform integrates the 698537-B21 HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit into its HP P-series Smart Array infrastructure to secure high-volume OLTP database transaction logs. The flash-based write cache provides sub-millisecond write acknowledgment while preserving data integrity during power failures. As a result, the operations team achieves 99.999% database availability, eliminates log corruption risks, and accelerates transaction throughput by 30%, meeting strict SLAs for customer checkout and real-time inventory updates.
Large-Scale VDI Boot-Storm Mitigation and User Experience Enhancement
An educational institution deploying 1,500 virtual desktops addresses boot-storm challenges by installing the 698537-B21 HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit on its Smart Array P-series controllers. The kit’s protected write cache absorbs surges in parallel I/O, cutting aggregate boot times by 50% and reducing storage latency by 40% during peak mornings. IT administrators report smoother logon experiences, lower help-desk tickets for slow performance, and a more consistent desktop service level across student and faculty workloads.
Quality Certifications
To get the detailed certification, please go to the Compliance Center.
Product Comparison Table 
| 698537-B21 |  698531-B21 |  AJ762B |  804428-B21 |  H6G87A | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Expansion Card | Expansion Card | Expansion Card | ||
| Card Type | Other | Storage Controller | RAID Controller | ||
| Interface | N/A | PCIe x8 | PCIe x8 | ||
| PCIe Version | N/A | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 3.0 | ||
| Chipset / Controller | N/A | HPE Smart Array P431 Controller | HPE Smart Array P416ie-m SR | ||
| Supported Ports | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| Port Count | N/A | 2 | N/A | ||
| Max Data Rate | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| RAID Levels Supported | N/A | RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 5 / RAID 6 / RAID 10 / RAID 50 / RAID 60 | RAID 0 / RAID 1 / RAID 5 / RAID 6 / RAID 10 / RAID 50 / RAID 60 / JBOD | ||
| Capture Resolution | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| Capture Frame Rate | N/A | N/A | N/A | ||
| Low Profile Bracket | N/A | No | Yes | ||
| Full Height Bracket | N/A | Yes | No | ||
| Cooling | N/A | Passive | Passive | ||
| Operating System Compatibility | N/A | Windows / Linux / VMware ESXi / FreeBSD | Windows / Linux / VMware ESXi | ||
| Bus Width | N/A | 64-bit | 64-bit | ||
| Power Requirements | N/A | 3.3V | 3.3V | ||
| Use Case | Storage Expansion | Storage Expansion | Storage Expansion | ||
| Product Name | 698537-B21-HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit for P-series SA | 698531-B21-HPE Smart Array P431/2GB FBWC 12Gb 2-ports Ext SAS Controller | 804428-B21-HPE Smart Array P416ie-m SR Gen10 Ctrlr | ||
| Height | N/A | N/A | 0.62 inches | ||
| Width | N/A | N/A | 4.33 inches | ||
| Depth | N/A | N/A | 3.10 inches | ||
| Weight | N/A | N/A | 0.66 lbs |
Reviews & Ratings
L
Lorenzo Bianchi
4
Cache worked reliably with Smart Array.
K
Kevin Doyle
4
OEM component installed easily.
O
Oskar Lind
4
Stable under IO load.
B
Bruno Pacheco
5
Good performance boost.
Questions & Answers
What is the HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit (SKU: 698537-B21) for P-series Smart Array?
The HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit (698537-B21) is a flash-based battery backup module designed to enhance data protection and write caching on P-series Smart Array controllers.
Which HP Smart Array controllers support the 4GB FBWC FIO Kit?
The FBWC FIO Kit is compatible with HP P200, P400, P800 and later P-series Smart Array controllers that support flash-backed write cache.
How does the FBWC FIO Kit improve server performance?
By providing 4GB of flash-backed write cache, the FBWC FIO Kit accelerates write operations, reduces latency and maintains data integrity during power failures.
What are the key technical specifications of the 698537-B21 kit?
Key specifications include 4GB flash memory, FIO interface, plug-in form factor for P-series Smart Array controllers and automatic flash refresh for data protection.
How do I install the HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit in my server?
Power down the server, open the chassis, locate the Smart Array controller slot, seat the FBWC FIO Kit module until it clicks, and then close the chassis and power on.
Can I upgrade an existing Smart Array battery backup to the FBWC FIO Kit?
Yes, the 4GB FBWC FIO Kit replaces legacy battery modules on supported P-series controllers without firmware updates when using the latest Smart Array firmware.
What warranty coverage does the HP 698537-B21 offer?
HP backs the 4GB FBWC FIO Kit with a standard three-year limited warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship.
Does the kit include a traditional battery backup unit (BBU)?
No, the FBWC FIO Kit uses flash memory and a supercapacitor-based backup instead of a conventional battery for long-term reliability.
What maintenance is required for the FBWC FIO Kit?
No routine maintenance is required; the module performs automatic flash health checks and refresh cycles to ensure continuous data protection.
How long does the flash-backed cache persist after power loss?
The supercapacitor in the FBWC FIO Kit maintains cached data for up to 72 hours, allowing ample time for safe power restoration.
Which RAID levels are supported with the HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit?
When paired with a supported P-series Smart Array controller, the kit supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50 and 60 configurations.
How can I monitor the status of the FBWC FIO Kit?
Use the HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) or Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) interface to view FBWC FIO Kit health, cache usage and backup status.
Is the FBWC FIO Kit hot-swappable?
No, the module must be installed or replaced with the server powered off to ensure proper seating and data integrity.
What is the difference between FBWC and a Battery Backup Unit (BBU)?
FBWC uses flash memory with supercapacitor backup for faster write cache recovery and longer lifespan, while BBUs rely on replaceable batteries.
How does flash memory in the FBWC FIO Kit enhance data security?
Flash memory ensures cached data is non-volatile, preserving write operations during power failures and reducing risk of data corruption.
Can I use the HP 4GB FBWC FIO Kit in non-HP servers?
The kit is officially certified only for HP ProLiant servers with P-series Smart Array controllers; compatibility with other platforms is not supported.
Where can I purchase the HP 698537-B21 FBWC FIO Kit?
You can buy the 4GB FBWC FIO Kit from authorized HP resellers, the official HP Store or certified online retailers.