P78279-B21: HPE NS204i-u V2 NVMe Hot Plug Boot Optimized Storage Device
Also listed as: P78279-001 · made by Marvell
The HPE NS204i-u V2 is an updated, second-generation dedicated hardware RAID1 NVMe boot storage device engineered for HPE ProLiant Gen11 and Gen12 servers. Featuring dual 480GB M.2 enterprise NVMe drives housed in rear-accessible hot-plug sleeves, it provides a transparent mirror volume dedicated entirely to the operating system or hypervisor, preserving all front storage bays for workload data. Second-hand buyers should confirm both M.2 drive sleeves lock properly and verify hardware mirror status in iLO.
Specifications
| Part number | P78279-B21 |
|---|---|
| Brand | HPE |
| Made by | Marvell |
| Type | Boot devices |
| Other numbers | P78279-001 |
| Status | current |
| Capacity (GB) | 960 |
| Interface | PCIe 3.0 x2 / NVMe hardware RAID1 |
| Form factor | Dedicated rear universal boot bay module |
| Speed | 2x 480GB M.2 NVMe SSDs in hardware RAID1 |
| Generation fit | Gen11 / Gen12 ProLiant servers |
About the P78279-B21
P78279-B21 is the second-generation (V2) revision of HPE's dedicated NS204i-u boot-optimized storage solution for ProLiant Gen11 and Gen12 servers. It houses two 480GB enterprise M.2 NVMe SSDs in external rear-facing drive bays, configured in an automated, OS-transparent hardware RAID1 mirror. The V2 revision incorporates refined thermal heat dissipation profiles, updated Marvell RAID controller firmware, and tighter integration with HPE iLO 6 SPDM security root of trust, replacing the initial P48183-B21 SKU as the default boot option.
Compatibility
This device requires the dedicated universal rear boot bay found on HPE ProLiant Gen11 and Gen12 servers, including the DL360 Gen11, DL380 Gen11, DL385 Gen11, DL325 Gen11, and DL560 Gen11. It connects directly to motherboard PCIe boot ports and is completely separate from front drive cages and SAS/SATA/NVMe RAID controllers. It does not fit ProLiant Gen10 servers or Gen10 Plus chassis that lack the specialized universal rear slot. The option kit is P78279-B21, while spare service parts carry number P78279-001.
How to identify a genuine unit
A genuine P78279-B21 is identified by the HPE product label showing option part number P78279-B21, spare number P78279-001, and a V2 hardware revision indicator on the metal frame. Inside the system management interface (iLO 6), it is listed under Storage as the HPE NS204i-u V2 Boot Controller, showing both 480GB M.2 NVMe drives in healthy mirrored synchronization. Uncertified third-party M.2 drives inserted into the sleeves will be flagged by iLO and will not support seamless firmware updates.
Buying used
When evaluating second-hand V2 boot devices, ensure both 480GB M.2 NVMe drive sleds are included and that their individual release latches lock securely into the rear chassis frame. Verify through iLO that the RAID1 virtual disk is initialized, that rebuild capabilities are functional, and check SSD life remaining on both underlying M.2 cards. Units with bent connector guide pins or stripped retention screws should be rejected.
Reference prices (last 12 months, updated 2026-10-27)
New: USD 2,750 (1 sighting, Oct 2026)
All sightings
| Seller | Condition | Price | Note | Seen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| serversupply.com | new | USD 2,750 | new in box | 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 Gen11
- HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11
- HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11
- HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen11
- HPE ProLiant DL560 Gen11
Equivalent part numbers
- HPE P48183-B21 HPE NS204i-u Gen11 NVMe Hot Plug Boot Optimized Storage Device Original Gen11 NS204i-u V1 predecessor
FAQ
What is new in the NS204i-u V2 compared to the original version?
The V2 revision features an updated hardware controller ASIC for enhanced reliability, improved thermal dissipation, and direct compatibility with newer Gen11 and Gen12 server backplanes.
Can standard commercial M.2 SSDs be swapped into the sleeves?
No. HPE firmware enforces verified vendor drive signatures; non-HPE M.2 SSDs will flag thermal and compliance warnings in iLO.
Buying or selling P78279-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 NS204i-u Boot Optimized Storage Device QuickSpecs, checked 2026-10-27