Yes, I can confirm that you can install a consumer class SSD in your old lab server, even though manufacturer says you can’t.

To be more specific, I installed a Kingston A400 and a Crucial MX300 SSD’s in Dell R610 with PERC H700, and also in a HP DL 360 G7 with the integrated P410i RAID controller. Since the HP controler is the same for Gen 6 servers, I assume it will work for that generation too.

The Kingston A400 SSD’s are probably the least expensive drives you can find in stores today, and, while not on the Pro side, they work well.

I didn’t, however, create any RAID with them. I wouldn’t even try. Also, with HP’s, the SATA drives work in 3GB mode, so faster drives don’t make sense. But, even at 350 MBps limit, they are just as fast as a RAID with 3 or 4 SAS drives. And, for a home lab, that is enough.

On thing I noticed: when you want to install Windows on HP Proliant Gen 7, the SSD has to be set as first boot device in BIOS. Otherwise, you get an error saying Windows cannot create partition on the disk.

Have fun!