Description
HPE announced several new features with their ProLiant DL380e Gen8 servers, like a mobile app for remote management powered by iLO 4.0. Also new from previous generations this new server features more thermal sensors throughout the chassis to create a “3D sea of sensors” to reduce cooling costs. HPE also made their power supplies more efficient. Although the efficiency value is still at 94% like older generations.
Performance
Intel’s C600 Series chipset supports a maximum of two Intel E5-2400 or Intel E5-2400 v2 processors controlling up to twelve DDR3 memory modules. V2 processors provide a 35% performance increase at the same or lower power levels than previous generation Xeon processors. HPE’s 8th generation servers also introduced HPE’s CPU Smart Socket Guide, giving a more precise approach to processor installation reducing handling time and potential damage to the processor.
Memory
In a two-processor configuration, the HPE DL380e Gen8 server can support up to twelve DDR3 memory modules for a maximum of 384GB of memory. Unbuffered (UDIMM), registered (RDIMM), and load-reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules are all supported, but mixing different type of memory modules is not supported. Using HPE’s SmartMemory will provide a 16.6% increase in throughput and consume 20% less power when compared to third-party memory. Memory resiliency was also increased by 35% in HPE’s ProLiant Gen8 servers with HPE’s Advanced Memory Error Detection Technology.
Storage
HPE’s ProLiant DL380e Gen8 server can support 8 SFF, 8 LFF, 12 LFF, or 25 SFF hot plug drive bays. Both the 8 SFF and 8 LFF configurations can support an optional optical media bay. With the 12 LFF configuration, each storage device has its own private connection through a point-to-point backplane. Using the 12 LFF configuration, this server can support a maximum internal storage capacity of 56TB. HPE’s new SmartDrives communicate drive activity in a more precise manner to reduce the chance of human error and potential data loss that results when a drive is pulled prematurely.
Expansion
There are up to four PCIe expansion slots with a single processor, or six PCIe slots with the addition of a secondary riser. Although the majority of the expansion slots support PCIe 3.0, the fourth expansion slot supports PCIe Gen2.
Management
Management of the system is enhanced with HPE’s iLO 4.0 Management Engine, a remote server management chip embedded on the system board. Management tools are laid out in a more efficient manner and can be easily accessed on a single screen with HPE’s ProLiant Gen8 servers. In addition to the standard management tools included on HPE’s Management Engine, users have the option to upgrade to more comprehensive management tools with an Advanced license key which unlocks the full set of remote administration functionality. Matrix Operating Environment, another advanced management tool offered by HPE, reduces the cost of common data center tasks by up to 40% through its integrated command center.
Summary
HPE’s ProLiant DL380e Gen8 is not your average entry level server. Featuring integrated management tools, dynamic computing ability, and enhanced configuration flexibility, this platform is the perfect solution for datacenters and SMBs alike. HPE’s Dynamic Workload Acceleration provides smarter data protection, real-time workload-aware analysis, and faster solid state performance than previous generations. Intel’s E5-2400 processor product family automatically regulates power consumption delivering higher performance and power efficiency. HPE’s Smart Storage offers a 50% increase in video streaming application performance and HPE’s 3D array of sensors allows for more efficient cooling. Upgrades and serviceability has become hassle-free in HPE’s ProLiant Gen8 servers with the addition of tool-less access to components and new “Snap and Go” rail kits.