HPE MR216i-o Gen11 x16 Lanes OCP Storage Controller

Overview

The HPE P47789-B21 is a Gen11 storage controller designed to fit into an OCP NIC 3.0 bay, delivering a full x16 PCIe Gen4.0 interface for high bandwidth performance. It supports multiple storage protocols including 6G SATA, 12G SAS, and 16G NVMe, making it suitable for a variety of storage devices from cost-effective capacity drives to low-latency flash tiers. This controller is ideal for servers handling demanding workloads such as databases, virtualization hosts, and analytics nodes that require rapid input/output response during peak activity.

Key features

• Provides hardware RAID 0, 1, and 10 support to optimize data protection and performance without burdening the CPU.
• Compatible with a broad range of storage devices, including SATA, SAS, and NVMe drives, allowing flexible storage configurations.
• Secure encrypted drive support ensures data remains protected at rest, enhancing security for sensitive environments.
• Management options include MRSA, StorCLI, UEFI, and Redfish, offering versatile control through command line, browser, or firmware interfaces.
• OCP NIC 3.0 form factor designed specifically for Gen11 servers, ensuring seamless integration and future-proofing.
• Backed by an HPE three-year parts warranty, providing reliability and peace of mind for continuous 24/7 operations.

Key specs

• Interface: PCIe Gen4.0 with x16 lanes
• Supported storage protocols: 6G SATA, 12G SAS, 16G NVMe
• RAID levels supported: 0, 1, 10 (hardware-based)
• Form factor: OCP NIC 3.0
• Warranty: Three-year HPE parts warranty

Connectivity and compatibility

This controller fits into an OCP NIC 3.0 bay on Gen11 servers, providing a direct PCIe Gen4.0 x16 connection that maximizes throughput for connected storage devices. It supports a wide range of drives, including SATA for budget-friendly capacity, SAS for enterprise-grade hard disks and SSDs, and NVMe for high-speed flash storage. This versatility makes it compatible with many server configurations and storage tiers.

Performance and reliability

By offloading RAID processing to dedicated hardware, the controller reduces CPU load, allowing critical applications to run without interruption. Its support for encrypted drives adds a layer of security, protecting data integrity and confidentiality. The robust design and HPE’s three-year warranty ensure dependable operation in demanding data center environments.

Ideal uses and environments

This storage controller is well suited for enterprise servers that require high throughput and flexible storage options. It works effectively in environments with fluctuating I/O demands such as database servers, virtualization platforms, and analytics workloads. Infrastructure teams managing 24/7 operations will appreciate the controller’s reliability and comprehensive management tools.