Issues using HPE Smart Array E208e-p Storage Controller in non-HPE server

[a_g1]

Hello folks! First off let me mention that I am aware that HPE "supported servers" for this product says that only ProLiant server line is supported, but that wasn't always the case prior to Gen11. 

For the past year I've been using this PCI card in a Supermicro server and it's worked just fine. I recall installing the drivers and pretty much plug-n-play, though it's possible there was more work involved. Anyways that server died, and since I've moved this PCI card into a new Supermicro (SYS-5019C-M) running Windows Server Standard 2019 to continue its work. This PCI card connects to a HPE Ultrium 8 Tape Drive installed in a HPE MSL3040 StoreEver Tape Library.

Now I need to iterate that I do not use this PCI card for RAID functionality, that is handled by my processors built-in Intel VROC. Literally all I need from this PCI card is SAS connectivity back to the tape drives.

Anyways I popped this card in, and installed the HPE StoreEver Tape Drivers for Microsoft Windows followed up with a reboot. Nothing. No adapters displaying in Control Panel (I thought QRC2 would display) and nothing in Device Management. So I then installed the HPE LTO Ultrium-8 Drive driver and now under Device Management > Tape Drives I do see an entry. When launching my backup software (Veeam BRS) I also see that it can detect the drive, but not the actual Tape Library and available slots/media pool.

I've gone through so many drivers and reboots over the weekend (2 hour sleep crew woot!) trying to get this to work and I am at a loss. This card wasn't inexpensive so replacing it with another isn't really an option. Has anyone had any luck solving this issue?

I did originally purchase a ProLiant Gen10 server when I purchased this card, but that has been commissioned to another purpose so the Supermicro is my only option.

[AmRa · Accepted solution]

Hello, 

As you are already aware that the controller and the tape drive, even if they are compatible with each other, if the server is a non-HPE one, the setup might or might not work. 

Since there is no testing done on 3rd party servers with the HPE components from our end, we would not be able to comment further on the same for why the setup is not working as expected. 

We understand that you have already tried installing the supported Tape drivers and the issue remains.

You could try updating the controller firmware and driver, tape drive firmware to the latest versions and check if the setup works. 

Unfortunately, we would not be able to assist you further on the same.