|
<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation: Detailed Checklist > Licensing > License Server > Hp Smart Array - P420i License Key New |
Activates advanced drive erasure algorithms and video streaming optimization modes. The Evolution of HPE Smart Array Licensing
Because the ProLiant Gen8 server line is older, finding and activating licenses differs from newer Gen10/Gen11 GenEdge licensing ecosystems.
Using SSA/CLI:
| Feature | Requires License? | Notes | |--------|------------------|-------| | Basic RAID (0,1,5,6,10,50,60) | ❌ No | Free and built-in | | HPE SSA (GUI/CLI config tool) | ❌ No | Free download from HPE | | | ✅ Yes | Unlocks: RAID 6, 60, Online Spare, etc. But P420i already supports RAID 6/60 natively — so SAAP is irrelevant here. | | SSD Caching / CacheCade | ✅ Yes | Requires separate license key (not for P420i typically). | | Mixed drive types (SAS+SATA) in one array | ❌ No | P420i supports mixing without license. | hp smart array p420i license key new
Out of the box, the P420i typically functions adequately for basic storage needs. However, without a license key, advanced functionalities are disabled. The primary reason for seeking a license is to unlock:
Convert an existing RAID 5 array to a RAID 6 array seamlessly while the operating system is running.
still requires a specific license for activation and a minimum of 1GB or 2GB Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC). www.bitcon.be How to Install a License Key | | Mixed drive types (SAS+SATA) in one
If your server is already in production, you can inject the key live using the HPE Smart Storage Administrator Command Line Interface ( ssacli ).
Click . The interface will instantly confirm if the key is valid and list the newly unlocked features (e.g., RAID 6). Method 2: Via the Option ROM Configuration for Array (ORCA)
As these controllers are over a decade old, HPE has made many advanced legacy features accessible via universal/public keys or firmware updates on older systems to assist home-lab enthusiasts and businesses maintaining legacy infrastructure. How to Install and Activate the P420i License Key without a license key
The HP Smart Array P420i is a robust controller often crippled by factory-default settings that disable advanced caching features (specifically using SSDs to accelerate HDD arrays). Users frequently struggle with:
Includes RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, and 50. Standard online operations like array expansion and RAID level migration are available if a Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC) module is installed.
Allows you to expand array sizes online seamlessly.
Allows you to expand your existing storage pool size online without taking down your server.