HPE Broadcom MegaRAID MR216i-p SAS Controller

The HPE Broadcom MegaRAID MR216i-p SAS Controller is engineered to deliver enterprise-grade storage performance for HPE Gen10 Plus servers. Built on Broadcom MegaRAID technology, this PCIe-based hardware RAID controller accelerates data access, enhances reliability, and simplifies storage management for growing workloads. Whether you’re running databases, virtualization, or high-traffic applications, the MR216i-p is designed to maximize throughput, minimize latency, and provide resilient protection across large SAS/SATA drive configurations. With its robust feature set, second-generation Tri-Mode Series support, and seamless integration with HPE’s MegaRAID ecosystem, you gain a scalable storage solution that grows with your business while keeping management straightforward and efficient.

• Performance-driven design: Experience impressive throughput with up to 13,700 Mbps of bandwidth, along with up to 3,000,000 random read IOPS and up to 240,000 RAID5 random write IOPS. These specs translate into faster data access, quicker rebuilds after drive failures, and better response times for demanding workloads such as OLTP databases, analytics, and virtualized environments.
• Optimized for HPE Gen10 Plus: As part of the HPE MegaRAID family, the MR216i-p is optimized for Gen10 Plus servers, ensuring smooth compatibility with your existing backplane, drive trays, and management workflows. This alignment reduces integration risk and streamlines deployment in enterprise data centers.
• 2nd generation Tri-Mode Series support: The MR216i-p incorporates 2nd Generation Tri-Mode Series capabilities, offering flexible compatibility across SAS, SATA, and mixed-drive environments. This adaptability helps you tailor configurations to your performance, capacity, and resilience needs while maintaining a straightforward management path.
• Hardware RAID for reliability: The MR216i-p uses a hardware-accelerated RAID engine to offload RAID calculations from the host CPU, delivering consistent performance under load and improving overall server efficiency. Hardware RAID also provides advanced data protection features that help guard against drive failures and data degradation in active storage arrays.
• Unified management and monitoring: With MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM) compatibility, you can configure logical drives, monitor health, view performance metrics, and manage firmware updates from a centralized console. This integrated management approach reduces administrative overhead and supports proactive maintenance.

Technical Details of HPE Broadcom MegaRAID MR216i-p SAS Controller

• Performance: Up to 13,700 Mbps bandwidth; up to 3,000,000 random read IOPS; up to 240,000 RAID5 random write IOPS, enabling rapid data access and efficient array operations for mixed workloads.
• Controller family: Broadcom MR216i-p MegaRAID SAS controller; part of the HPE MegaRAID storage controller family, designed for Gen10 Plus platforms and optimized for high-throughput backplanes and large drive configurations. It supports the 2nd Generation Tri-Mode Series for flexible deployment.
• Compatibility: Designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers and compatible with SAS/SATA drive configurations in hardware RAID arrangements, with integration into the MegaRAID management ecosystem for streamlined administration.
• Management: MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM) compatibility enables configuration, monitoring, and firmware updates from a centralized interface, helping IT teams keep storage healthy and performant.
• Reliability and features: Hardware-accelerated RAID with data protection features, scalable caching options, and integration with enterprise storage backplanes to support large arrays and reliable data protection strategies.

how to install HPE Broadcom MegaRAID MR216i-p SAS Controller

Follow these steps to install and configure the MR216i-p in an HPE Gen10 Plus server or a compatible system:

Step 1: Power down the server, unplug the power cords, and ground yourself to prevent static discharge.

Step 2: Remove the server cover and locate an appropriate PCIe expansion slot that matches the card’s interface requirements.

Step 3: Align the MR216i-p with the PCIe slot and firmly seat the card until the bracket is flush and the connector is fully engaged.

Step 4: Connect SAS or SATA cables from the server backplane or JBOD enclosures to the MR216i-p ports, ensuring secure, properly routed cables to prevent interference or accidental disconnections.

Step 5: Reassemble the server chassis, reconnect power, and power on. During POST, enter the MegaRAID BIOS/Setup utility to configure physical drives and create initial RAID volumes.

Step 6: Install MegaRAID Storage Manager (MSM) on your management workstation or server console to monitor health, performance, and drive status, and to configure logical drives, cache settings, and rebuild options.

Step 7: Create one or more logical drives, select the desired RAID levels (including RAID5 for appropriate configurations), and allocate cache policies aligned with your workload. Apply any available firmware and driver updates to optimize stability and security.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the HPE Broadcom MegaRAID MR216i-p SAS Controller?
• A: It is a hardware RAID controller in the MegaRAID family designed for HPE Gen10 Plus servers, delivering high bandwidth, high IOPS, and robust data protection for SAS/SATA storage arrays.
• Q: What performance can I expect?
• A: The MR216i-p delivers up to 13,700 Mbps bandwidth, up to 3,000,000 random read IOPS, and up to 240,000 RAID5 random write IOPS, enabling fast data access and efficient rebuilds in large arrays.
• Q: Is this controller compatible with my HPE Gen10 Plus server?
• A: Yes. It is designed for Gen10 Plus systems and integrates with the MegaRAID management ecosystem for straightforward configuration and monitoring.
• Q: How do I install and configure the MR216i-p?
• A: Install the card in a PCIe slot, connect SAS/SATA cables to the backplane, boot into the MegaRAID BIOS to initialize drives, and install MegaRAID Storage Manager to manage the RAID volumes.
• Q: What RAID levels are supported?
• A: The MegaRAID family supports common RAID levels such as RAID 0, 1, 5, 6, 10, 50, and 60, depending on the driver and firmware, with hardware-accelerated RAID operations for performance and reliability.