{"product_id":"hp-smart-array-p222-512-fbwc-6gb-sas-controller-reliable-raid","title":"HP Smart Array P222\/512 FBWC 6Gb SAS Controller - Reliable RAID","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of the HP Smart Array P222\/512 FBWC controller, the bottom line is simple: this is a practical, entry-level RAID controller for ProLiant Gen8 servers and similar systems that need dependable, hardware-assisted RAID and improved uptime. The reviewer found it best suited to IT teams wanting established HP Smart Array compatibility and a straightforward upgrade path; the controller's flash back write cache and advanced firmware options are the single biggest reasons to buy for anyone prioritizing data protection and online RAID flexibility.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFour internal and four external SAS ports:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers flexible connectivity for mixed internal drives and external arrays, simplifying expansion without replacing the controller.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e6 Gb\/s SAS throughput:\u003c\/strong\u003e Delivers second generation storage performance appropriate for entry-level server workloads and transactional systems.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFlash Back Write Cache (FBWC):\u003c\/strong\u003e Protects cached write data on power loss and reduces risk of data corruption during unexpected outages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAdvanced Pack 2.0 firmware:\u003c\/strong\u003e Adds features like RAID 1 ADM and enhanced data protection tools to make online management and migrations safer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOnline RAID level migration and global spare:\u003c\/strong\u003e Enables changing RAID levels and using a global spare drive without lengthy downtime, improving server availability.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe P222 is aimed at small to medium IT shops and system administrators who run HP ProLiant Gen8 rack or tower servers and need a reliable, hardware RAID solution that integrates with existing Smart Array ecosystems. It suits environments where modest performance, ease of management, and firmware-level data protection features matter more than top-tier throughput.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is less appropriate for users who require the highest-end database or virtualization performance from modern NVMe arrays, or those who need many more ports without external expanders; in those cases newer controllers or platform-native solutions should be considered.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eProven compatibility with other HP Smart Array controllers makes future upgrades smoother.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFBWC and Advanced Pack 2.0 firmware provide tangible data protection and online RAID tools.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMultiple internal and external SAS ports allow flexible expansion and mixed storage topologies.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eAs an entry-level, Gen8-era controller it is not optimized for the highest modern storage throughput needs.\u003c\/li\u003e\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eController Model\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHP Smart Array P222\/512 FBWC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterface\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePCIe 3.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSAS Speed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6 Gb\/s\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePorts\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFour internal and four external SAS ports\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCache\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e512 MB with Flash Back Write Cache\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFirmware\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHP Smart Array Advanced Pack 2.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntended Servers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelect HP ProLiant Gen8 rack and tower servers\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe HP Smart Array P222\/512 FBWC is a sensible buy for administrators seeking reliable RAID management and strong data protection features in a Gen8-era controller. It offers good value for environments that need stable, supported firmware features and mixed internal\/external SAS connectivity, though customers seeking bleeding-edge throughput should look to newer controllers.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWill this controller work in ProLiant Gen8 servers?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, it is designed for select HP ProLiant Gen8 rack and tower servers and provides firmware features tailored to that platform.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes the controller protect data on power loss?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the Flash Back Write Cache preserves cached writes during power events to reduce risk of data loss.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I expand storage externally with this card?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the card includes four external SAS ports for connecting external arrays or expanders.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"HP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48237072351451,"sku":"B007LBJGY2","price":39.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/617FIaLhB4L._AC_SL1200.jpg?v=1770754901","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/hp-smart-array-p222-512-fbwc-6gb-sas-controller-reliable-raid","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}