HP ProLiant DL360 G4p compatibility with external SAS enclosure

Question

I have a ProLiant DL360 G4p and a StorageWorks MSA60. The SmartArray controller currently in the DL360 is a SmartArray 6400. I would like to upgrade it to a controller with external mini SAS so I can connect the DL360 and MSA60.

Q1: Is this possible?

Q2: Which card is compatible/recommended? Or is there an adapter to take Ultra320 SCSI to miniSAS

This is a valid question. The OP is trying to navigate a confusing set of proprietary server hardware requirements. It's old gear, though, so it is best to step up to more modern equipment. — ewwhite, Jan 31 '13 at 00:53
@Hennes Yes, because some add-in cards are only compatible with certain other hardware. Especially when the HP compatibility matrix pdf on HP website is a broken link. ewwhite, I appreciate the info. Thank you — h3rrmiller, Jan 31 '13 at 01:06
@h3rrmiller I did not think of compatibility problems. Without those the first question looked (but was not) silly. I am glad someone answered it though. — Hennes, Jan 31 '13 at 01:26

score 3 · Accepted Answer · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:14

This can be accomplished by using a controller compatible with external SAS and the ProLiant DL380 G4p. However, the default riser for that model of server is PCI-X only, severely limiting your options. The Smart Array P600 is the only PCI-X controller available with an external SAS connection that would work for your situation. The PCIe riser option (#354589-B21) would give you the ability to use something like a Smart Array P800 controller...

The Smart Array P600 controller would give you a single CX4 SAS connector. You'd need a CX4 -> SFF-8088 cable to connect to the MSA60 enclosure.

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But honestly, this is not worth it.

The G4p ProLiants were a temporary bridge between the legacy SCSI and the new SAS world in 2004. The equipment is too old and too limited to invest any effort in trying to piece a solution together. While it will work, the DL360 is constrained on RAM, so it would not make a good storage server. The P600 is first-generation SAS, so it runs at 3Gbps. SATA drives in the MSA60 would be limited to 1.5Gbps.

Also see: HP ProLiant DL380 G4 SATA support?

So would it be better to just grab a G5 off ebay? – h3rrmiller Jan 31 '13 at 00:36 — h3rrmiller, Jan 31 '13 at 00:36
Yes. And better performance, too. G6 is a better bet. – ewwhite Jan 31 '13 at 00:40 — ewwhite, Jan 31 '13 at 00:40

HP ProLiant DL360 G4p compatibility with external SAS enclosure

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