This comprehensive guide covers how HPE Smart Cache works, how to acquire and install license keys, and how to optimize your storage performance. What is HPE Smart Cache?
(accelerates both reads and writes by caching data and writing to the disk later). RAID Support:
How Smart Cache Works Smart Cache operates transparently at the storage controller or host-controller level. Key behaviors include:
Frequently accessed data is automatically moved to the SSD cache. Cold Data: Rarely accessed data remains on the HDDs. Hpe Smart Cache License Key
| Technology | Purpose | License Required | Key Differentiator | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Cache HDD "hot" data to SSDs for acceleration | Yes (optional) | Targeted acceleration in mixed HDD/SSD environments | | HPE SSD Smart Path | High-speed I/O path between controller and SSD | No (standard feature) | Optimizes performance when SSDs are primary storage | | HPE Secure Encryption | Encrypt data-at-rest on controller-attached storage | Yes (optional) | Compliance and data protection for sensitive data | | Standard FBWC | Basic controller cache for write buffering | No | Improves general write performance, no selective "hot" data caching |
Requires a paid license per server, which some users find expensive relative to just buying more SSDs. Unified Management: Managed through the standard HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) Performance Variance:
HPE Smart Cache is built into the firmware of supported HPE Smart Array controllers, but it is locked by default. To activate the feature, you must purchase and apply an entitlement license key. Licensing Structure HPE licenses Smart Cache on a basis. This comprehensive guide covers how HPE Smart Cache
Reboot your server and press during POST to enter Smart Start or System Utilities , then launch HPE Smart Storage Administrator . Alternatively, open the HPE SSA GUI within your operating system.
Purchase the license to receive an entitlement certificate. This certificate must be redeemed online at the HPE My License Portal to get your unique 25-character activation key.
Used to purchase a license for one server. It includes a physical license entitlement certificate, EULA, and license key installation card. RAID Support: How Smart Cache Works Smart Cache
Multiple licenses redeemable with a single activation key, delivered via email. Pre-installed: The license is included and pre-activated on the HPE Smart Array P816i-a SR Gen10 Gen10 Plus or later controller models. Hewlett Packard Enterprise How to Retrieve and Activate
HPE Smart Cache License Key for [Server Serial #]. Entitlement: [PO # or Entitlement ID]. Need: Activate Smart Cache on HPE ProLiant [model] running [OS]. Please provide: License key in 5×5 alphanumeric format and activation instructions for iLO/SSA. Compliance: Key will be used only on licensed hardware per HPE terms.
Are you looking to on an older Gen8/Gen9 server, or do you need help redeeming a certificate you already purchased?
