This guide is based on publicly available HPE documentation as of 2025. Always verify hardware and license compatibility with HPE before purchasing.
A: No – HPE no longer offers trial licenses for SmartCache. Purchase is required. hp smartcache license key
A: Yes – the cache persists and is automatically rebuilt if the SSD fails. This guide is based on publicly available HPE
# Create a cache from a physical drive ssacli controller slot=0 smartcache enable drive 1I:2:3 ssacli controller slot=0 logicaldrive 1 smartcache assign Show status ssacli controller slot=0 smartcache show 7. Important Restrictions & Warnings | Restriction | Details | |--------------|---------| | One cache per controller | One SSD acts as cache for all assigned logical drives. | | Cache SSD not usable for data | The entire SSD (or partition) is reserved. | | No RAID on cache drive | Must be a single physical drive (RAID 0 status internally). | | Power loss protection | Write-cache requires FBWC (Flash Backed Write Cache) – otherwise data loss risk. | | No mixing | Cache SSD and data HDDs must be on the same controller. | | Non-transferable | License is tied to controller serial – cannot move to another server. | 8. Common License Installation Issues & Fixes | Problem | Likely Cause | Solution | |---------|--------------|----------| | "Invalid License Key" | Typo or wrong controller serial | Re-check email; use hyphens exactly as given. | | License installs but SmartCache still disabled | Controller firmware too old | Update controller firmware via SPP. | | "License already installed" | Previously activated | Run ssacli controller slot=0 license show to confirm. | | Key not accepted in iLO | iLO firmware mismatch | Use SSA offline method instead. | 9. Frequently Asked Questions Q: Can I use an HPE SmartCache license on a non-HPE SSD? A: Yes – the license is controller-based. However, HPE recommends HPE SSDs for reliability. Purchase is required
A: No – the license is locked to the controller. Moving the SSD won't work.