HP H240 Smart Host Bus Adapter Low Profile PCIe3 x8 - Reliable 12 Gb/s

Our review of the HP H240 Smart Host Bus Adapter sums it up simply: this is a cost-effective, no-frills controller for servers that need direct, high-speed access to internal drives. It is aimed at administrators who want a dependable 12 Gb/s SAS connection in a low profile PCIe3 x8 card without paying for advanced caching features. The H240 excels as a straightforward HBA with optional simple RAID capabilities, so the biggest reason to buy is its balance of performance and affordability for internal drive connectivity.

Key Features

• 12 Gb/s SAS performance: Provides fast sequential and random access to internal drives, improving data throughput for typical server workloads.
• Low profile PCIe3 x8 form factor: Fits a wide range of rack and tower servers while leaving full-height cards available for other expansions.
• Dual operation modes: Can run as a simple HBA for direct drive access or in simple RAID mode for RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 5 protection.
• Eight internal physical links: Allows connection to multiple internal drives or backplanes without external cabling complexity.
• Optional HP Secure Encryption support: Offers an encryption option when needed to protect data at rest without adding a separate appliance.
• Package quantity one: Ships as a single controller card suitable for one server upgrade or replacement.

Who It's For

The H240 is best for IT professionals and small to medium business server administrators who need a reliable internal connectivity upgrade or replacement at a modest cost. It suits environments where raw SAS throughput and straightforward RAID options are sufficient and advanced caching or battery-backed acceleration is not required.

Those who should look elsewhere include users who require Smart Array class acceleration, support for cache modules, or advanced enterprise features like large write-back caching and tiered storage integration. If you need hardware acceleration or high-end RAID features, a fuller-featured Smart Array controller is a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Reliable 12 Gb/s SAS connectivity that improves internal drive throughput.
• Flexible operation as either an HBA or simple RAID controller for common setups.
• Low profile PCIe3 x8 design fits many compact server chassis.
• Support for RAID 0, 1, and 5 covers typical redundancy needs without complexity.

Cons

• Does not support cache modules or offer acceleration like higher-end Smart Array controllers.
• Simple RAID mode may lack advanced enterprise features some datacenters expect.

Specifications

Model Number	726907-B21
Product Type	Computer Add On
Interface	PCIe3 x8 low profile
SAS Speed	12 Gb/s
Internal Links	Eight physical links
RAID Modes	HBA mode or simple RAID (0, 1, 5)
Country Of Origin	China

Our Verdict

The HP H240 Smart Host Bus Adapter is a sensible, value-oriented choice for servers that need dependable 12 Gb/s internal SAS connectivity and basic RAID options. It is good value for administrators who prioritize straightforward performance and compatibility over advanced caching or acceleration features.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the H240 be used as a simple RAID controller?
Yes. It can operate in simple RAID mode supporting RAID 0, RAID 1, and RAID 5 as an alternative to HBA mode.

Does this controller support cache modules or acceleration?
No. The H240 does not offer acceleration or support cache modules like higher-end Smart Array controllers.

What form factor and interface does the card use?
The card is a low profile PCIe3 x8 plug-in card suitable for many rack and tower servers.