Technologies for the ProLiant ML570 G3 and ProLiant DL580 G3 Servers Technology Brief

Smart Array 6i controller
The ProLiant DL580 G3 includes the embedded Smart Array 6i controller. This integrated Smart Array
controller is the first to support the Ultra320 SCSI interface which provides data transfer rates of up to
320 MB/s per channel. Because of the use of a common low-voltage differential signaling protocol,
the Smart Array 6i supports Ultra2, Ultra3, and Ultra320 SCSI drives. Certain models of the ProLiant
DL580 G3 ship standard with the 128 MB battery-backed write cache enabler (BBWC).
The Smart Array 6i controller is the next generation of the integrated Smart Array 5i Plus controller,
using the faster PCI bus technology (64-bit, 133 MHz) and using twice the amount of memory in the
BBWC.
The Smart Array 6i controller provides true hardware RAID protection, offering a cost-effective
alternative to customers using software RAID or that do not use RAID at all. The Smart Array 6i
controller supports RAID levels 0, 1, 0+1, and 5. Furthermore, HP designs the family of Smart Array
controllers to be easy to use and easy to upgrade as business needs increase. If administrators need
to expand their storage capabilities beyond the limits of the internal storage drives, they can upgrade
simply from the 6i to an Ultra3 or Ultra320 Smart Array Controller. Refer to the best practice paper,
“
Enhancing performance of HP ProLiant servers containing Smart Array 6i controllers,” for information
about optimizing performance.
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For additional information about the Smart Array 6i controller, see the HP website.
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Mechanical design for serviceability
The ProLiant ML570 G3 and DL580 G3 servers follow the well-established tradition of excellent
mechanical design in ProLiant servers. The designs improve thermal efficiencies, improve the ability to
withstand mechanical shocks, and provide easy-to-service components. Also, because these servers
were completely redesigned, HP was able to design many parts in common between the two servers
to simplify spare parts requirements.
Common components
Both servers share the same processor heatsink design, hot-plug redundant fans, hot plug redundant
power supply design, universal rail design, and the same cable management arms. Using the same
parts allows the customer to keep fewer spare parts in stock and greatly simplifies ordering and
storage of replacement parts.
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Available on the HP website at http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00366606/c00366606.pdf
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See the ProLiant storage array controller webpage at
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/proliantstorage/arraycontrollers/index.html
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