Description
The HPE DL385p Gen8 is a 2U, two-socket server that features an abundance of management tools, extensive configuration flexibility, and hassle-free serviceability. This system supports DDR3 DIMMs and offers 50% more memory capacity than that of the previous generation server. New FlexibleLOM technologies allows for easy network connectivity upgrades and HPE has also developed a new tray carrier design, the SmartCarrier, that makes it easy to determine hard drive status.
Performance
A maximum of two AMD Opteron 6200 or AMD Opteron 6300 series processors can be installed on HPE’s DL385p Gen8 rack server. Opteron 6300 series processors offer a 37% gain in performance over AMD 6200 series processors.
Memory
The HPE DL385p Gen8 supports up to 24 HPE DDR3 SmartMemory modules. Unbuffered (UDIMM), registered (RDIMM), and load-reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules are supported, but mixing different types is not supported. Outfitted with 32GB DDR3 LRDIMM modules in all 24 slots adds up to an impressive 768GB of memory. With HPE SmartMemory, users can expect a 16.6% performance increase over non-vetted memory modules.
Storage
HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 provides enhanced configuration flexibility with chassis configurations of 8 SFF, 16 SFF, 25 SFF, 8 LFF, or 12 LFF drives. Administrators can choose from SAS, SATA, HDD, or SSD hot plug drives. Both the 8 SFF and 8 LFF configurations can support an optional optical drive, but the 16 SFF, 25 SFF, and 12 LFF models do not. An additional Smart Array Controller is required to support the 16 SFF configuration.
Expansion
HPE’s ProLiant DL385p Gen8 server supports up to six PCIe 2.0 expansion slots, all of which are full height. A single processor can support three expansion slots, but a second processor must be installed to support the remaining three slots.
Management
HPE provides a lifecycle approach to managing the ProLiant Gen8 servers with the release of a new iLO Management Engine, iLO4. The Gen8 series provides built in server health monitoring and alerting capability with HPE’s Agentless Management without the need for an installed OS. SmartStart CDs and Smart Update Firmware DVDs are no longer necessary and have been replaced by HPE’s Intelligent Provisioning dramatically simplifying server deployment and configuration. HPE’s Systems Insight Display (SID) is optional with the 8 SFF and 16 SFF configurations and an optional pop-out SID is supported on the 8 LFF model.
Summary
HPE’s ProLiant DL385p Gen8 server is built to extend server life with their “always-on” Active Health System. It’s also easy to upgrade and service with the addition of tool-less, quick access features. The introduction of HPE’s SmartDrive carriers added LED status lights making hard drive status easier to interpret. HPE’s 3D array of 28 in-chassis thermal sensors provide a 3D view of the server temperature and provide a more precise approach to cooling. The use of flat-cabling provides ample airflow throughout the system, further reducing the cooling cost and adds to the stress-free serviceability of the DL380p Gen8 rack server.