804398-B21: HPE Smart Array E208e-p SR Gen10 12G SAS External Controller
Also listed as: 836267-001, 804400-001, E208e-p SR Gen10 · made by Microchip
The HPE Smart Array E208e-p SR Gen10 (804398-B21) is a cost-effective 12Gb/s SAS external storage controller for ProLiant Gen10 servers. Featuring two external Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) ports across eight physical SAS lanes, it operates in HBA mode (pass-through) or supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 for external drive enclosures and tape automation without requiring a cache battery. It is designed to connect external JBOD enclosures such as HPE D3000/D6000, external tape drives, and SAS host ports on MSA storage arrays. Used buyers should verify connector physical integrity and check iLO detection.
Specifications
| Part number | 804398-B21 |
|---|---|
| Brand | HPE |
| Made by | Microchip |
| Type | HBAs |
| Other numbers | 836267-001, 804400-001, E208e-p SR Gen10 |
| Status | current |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x8 |
| Form factor | Low profile PCIe controller with full-height and low-profile brackets |
| Ports | 2x external Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors (8 SAS lanes total) |
| Speed | 12Gb/s SAS and 6Gb/s SATA per lane |
| Generation fit | HPE ProLiant Gen10 and Gen10 Plus servers |
About the 804398-B21
804398-B21 (Smart Array E208e-p SR Gen10) is HPE's 12Gb/s external SAS host bus adapter and basic RAID controller for ProLiant Gen10 servers. Driven by Microchip PM8222 SmartIOC silicon over PCIe 3.0 x8, it provides eight external SAS lanes across two Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) ports for direct-attached storage (DAS), tape libraries, and shared SAS SAN arrays.
Compatibility
Compatible with HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10, DL380 Gen10 Plus, DL360 Gen10, DL580 Gen10, and ML350 Gen10 servers. Installs into any standard PCIe 3.0 or 4.0 x8 or x16 slot. Directly cables to HPE MSA 2060 SAS arrays, D3600/D3700 disk enclosures, and StoreEver LTO tape drives.
How to identify a genuine unit
The low-profile card features two external SFF-8644 Mini-SAS HD ports on the rear bracket with a passive heatsink covering the Smart Array ASIC. HPE barcode labels display option part number 804398-B21, spare part number 836267-001, and assembly 804400-001. Configured via HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA).
Buying used
Inspect both external Mini-SAS HD connectors for bent pins or damaged plastic guide rails. Ensure the card includes the proper bracket height for your server chassis. Verify that HPE Smart Storage Administrator detects the card properly and that SAS links establish full 12Gb/s speeds.
Reference prices (last 12 months, updated 2026-10-27)
Used: USD 145 (1 sighting, Oct 2026)
All sightings
| Seller | Condition | Price | Note | Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| serversupply.com | used | USD 145 | Tested external SAS controller with standard bracket | 2026-10-27 |
Prices seen on public listings on the dates shown, before tax and shipping. Not an offer.
Fits these models
- HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10
- HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus
- HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10
- HPE ProLiant DL580 Gen10
- HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen10
Works together
How the HPE 804398-B21 connects to servers, storage and the network: 1 way, with the hardware on each path.
Direct-attached SAS
12Gb SAS uses Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors; older 6Gb gear uses Mini-SAS (SFF-8088). Adapter cables exist, but the link runs at the slower speed.
Storage
HPE MSA 2060 2U rack
Dell PowerEdge MX5016s blade
Dell PowerVault ME5012 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME5024 2U rack
Dell PowerVault ME5084 5U rack
Lenovo ThinkSystem DE2000H 2U rack
Plan and size it
- Draw this setup in the topology planner mrplanb.com
- Add up rack power and space rack-density.com
- LTO tape prices and archive advisor tapebackup.org
- Enterprise backup Ledger: backup software scored mrplanb.com
- LTO tape for backup mrplanb.com
- HPE SPOCK (HPE storage compatibility) hpe.com
Check compatibility with HPE
Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that HPE has tested with the HPE 804398-B21.
- Compatibility HPE SPOCK (storage, SAN and host compatibility)
- Part lookup HPE PartSurfer (spare and option part numbers)
- Support HPE Support Center
Equivalent part numbers
- Lenovo
7Y37A01090 ThinkSystem 430-8e SAS/SATA 12Gb HBA ThinkSystem 430-8e SAS/SATA 12Gb HBA
FAQ
Does the E208e-p controller require a battery backup unit?
No, the E208e-p is an entry Smart Array controller that operates without a cache battery or write cache module.
What connector type is used on the E208e-p?
It features two external Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors supporting up to 8 SAS physical links.
Buying or selling 804398-B21?
New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.
Sources
- HPE Smart Array E208e-p SR Gen10 Controller QuickSpecs, checked 2026-10-27