For a homelab or non-critical file server, the base RAID 0/1/10 functionality is often adequate. However, for any enterprise workload involving large capacity disks (requiring RAID 6) or high-performance SSDs (requiring Smart Path), the license is not optional—it is a mandatory component of the infrastructure cost.
For a home lab or experimental environment, the risk might be lower. But for any production (business) server: buy a real license.
HP Smart Array Advanced Pack Evaluation License Key · GitHub
Because these servers are no longer the flagship models, many administrators find that the features are either pre-enabled in the latest Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) or accessible via community-archived keys found on technical forums. How to Install Your License Key
In September 2013, HPE made a massive shift that effectively changed the "story" for thousands of data centers. With the release of , they integrated the core SAAP 2.0 features directly into the base firmware for free.
Before applying a license, check your firmware version. On Gen8 servers, HP updated the firmware (version ) to natively support RAID 6 and 60 without requiring a separate license key. You can download the latest firmware directly from the HPE Support Center. How to Install the License Key You can install the key using one of the following methods: HP Smart Storage Administrator (SSA) :