Fully supported on Smart Array P440, P440ar, P441, P840, and P841 controllers.
ssacli ctrl slot=0 set licensekey=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX
HPE SmartCache is a licensed feature. While the software logic is embedded within the firmware of HPE Smart Array P-Series controllers (such as the P420, P440, or P408i), it remains locked until a valid entitlement is applied [1]. Types of Licenses
You can activate the license key using multiple management interfaces depending on your operating environment. Method 1: Using HPE Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) GUI
You must re-enter the original SmartCache license key into the new controller using the HPE SSA tool. Keep your original electronic license fulfillment emails or physical entitlement certificates filed safely away for hardware maintenance scenarios. hpe smartcache license key
The controller writes data to both the cache pool (SSDs) and the base storage (HDDs) at the same time. This ensures total data consistency and protects against power loss. However, write speeds are limited to the speed of the slowest drive (the HDD). This mode is ideal for environments focused entirely on accelerating read requests.
: Speeds up databases (SQL Server, Oracle) and analytics applications.
: Reduces response times by serving hot data from fast SSD tiers instead of slower HDDs.
: Unlocks the caching algorithms built into the Smart Array firmware. Fully supported on Smart Array P440, P440ar, P441,
controller slot=0 add licensekey=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX Hardware Compatibility
SmartCache compatibility depends heavily on the generation of the HPE ProLiant Server and its integrated or stand-alone Smart Array controller.
+-----------------------------------------------------------+ | Operating System | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ │ ▼ +-----------------------------------------------------------+ | HPE Smart Array Controller | | +-----------------------------------------------------+ | | | HPE SmartCache Logic | | | +-----------------------------------------------------+ | +-----------------------------------------------------------+ │ │ (Cache Hit / Read) (Cache Miss / Write) ▼ ▼ +-----------------------+ +-----------------------+ | SSD Cache Pool | | HDD Capacity Pool | | (High-Speed Flash NVMe) | (Bulk Storage Volume) | +-----------------------+ +-----------------------+
Integrates directly with existing HPE Smart Array controllers without modifying applications. Types of Licenses You can activate the license
Need further assistance? HPE GreenLake support or your authorized reseller can verify your license entitlement using the Server Product Number (PN) and Serial Number (SN). Always run the latest controller firmware before attempting activation.
: Allowing the server to write to the fast SSD first and update the slower HDD later (available on Gen9 and Gen10).
HPE SmartCache is a caching feature in HPE Smart Array controllers that uses SSDs to cache frequently accessed data and improve I/O performance for hosted virtual machines and databases. Enabling SmartCache beyond the controller’s built‑in capabilities requires a license key tied to the controller/host.
HPE SmartCache is a proprietary storage acceleration technology designed for HPE ProLiant Gen8, Gen9, and Gen10 servers [1]. It pools SSDs together to act as a high-speed cache for slower, high-capacity Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) [1]. Key Benefits
To unlock this technology on your HPE ProLiant Gen8, Gen9, or Gen10 servers, you need a valid HPE SmartCache license key. This comprehensive guide covers how HPE SmartCache works, license acquisition, installation steps, and troubleshooting tips. What is HPE SmartCache?