So, if you want to set up a standard RAID array, you likely do not need a license key. Only if you intend to use the HP SmartCache feature will you need to obtain a license.
You will find GitHub repositories and YouTube videos showing how to modify the P420i firmware to ignore the license check. These usually involve:
ssacli ctrl slot=0 add licensekey=XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX-XXXXX Use code with caution.
If your organization previously bought licenses but never registered them, you can redeem your Entitlement Order Number via the HPE software portal to generate a new key file. hp smart array p420i license key new
Boot the server and press to enter Intelligent Provisioning, or launch HP SSA from your operating system. Select the Smart Array P420i from the controller menu. Click on Actions or Tools in the left sidebar. Select Manage License Keys .
For a homelab enthusiast running ESXi or Proxmox, or a business requiring data redundancy, the controller is effectively handicapped without this license.
Activates advanced drive erasure algorithms and video streaming optimization modes. The Evolution of HPE Smart Array Licensing So, if you want to set up a
Using SSA/CLI:
If you're looking to upgrade your HP Smart Array P420i or obtain a new license key, there are several options available:
This article cuts through the confusion. We will explain exactly what the P420i license is, which features require it, how to obtain a legitimate new key, and the modern alternatives that exist in 2025. Select the Smart Array P420i from the controller menu
If you have a new license entitlement certificate, you must redeem it online to get the activation key, then install it using the following steps: HP Array Configuration Utility (ACU) HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) Select the P420i controller from the menu. "Manage License Keys" section under Available Tasks. "Add License Key" and enter your unique key number. Google Groups for your P420i or checking your current RAID configuration HP Smart Array Advanced Pack
While basic RAID levels are available by default, the license key activates advanced configurations:
HP Smart Array P420i Licensing and Feature Report HP Smart Array P420i is an embedded 6Gb/s SAS RAID controller primarily found in HP ProLiant Gen8
Therefore, if your server is running a recent firmware version (v4.66 or later), you likely do not need to purchase a new license key. Updating the controller's firmware via the HP Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) may automatically enable the full feature set, potentially saving you time and money.