HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8 (G8) Server

Description

Part of HPE's Project Voyager, the HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8 server is a two processor, space-conscious platform perfect for general purpose applications, dynamic computing workloads, virtualization, and cloud solutions. This server offers better performance and more internal storage than the previous generation. It also features new drive carriers, faster array controllers, and faster, lower voltage memory. HPE's Management Engine with embedded Intelligent Provisioning offers a simplified and time-efficient server startup. The Always-On Active Health System increases stability and reduces downtime through continuous monitoring. HPE's SmartSocket Guides introduced with the Gen8 series are designed to reduce downtime by making processor installation hassle-free.

Performance

Intel's C600 chipset supports a maximum of two processors, either Intel's E5-2600 family processors, or Intel's E5-2600 v2 family processors offering a 35% increase in performance. Single processor configurations include six fans, whereas two processor configurations include eight with fan redundancy built in. inside the chassis, the layout is clean and well-engineered, with easy access to components for upgrade or replacement. Multiple thermal sensors throughout the chassis ensure ample airflow to keep the components cool. HPE's 3D array of temperature sensors also help reduce power consumption and unnecessary fan noise by automatically adjusting fan speed. Users can customize the amount of cooling needed through the BIOS or override all automatic cooling options to force max airflow.

Memory

Each processor supports four memory channels with three DIMM slots of DDR3 memory, for 12 memory slots total per processor. With a two processor configuration the system will support 24 memory modules. Unbuffered (UDIMM), registered (RDIMM), and load-reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules give administrators options for performance and budget. DIMM modules can range from 4GB to 32GB for a maximum of 768GB using 24 x 32GB LRDIMM modules. Using that same LRDIMM memory configuration, HPE's ProLiant DL360p Gen8 server can reach memory speeds up to 1866MHz, but this capability is dependent on the processor model installed. HPE's ProLiant Gen8 series introduced SmartMemory increasing memory performance by 16.6% from previous generations. Mixing different types of memory modules is not supported.

Storage

Storage capacity has been improved from the Gen7 model. HPE's new ProLiant DL360p Gen8 server supports 4 LFF, 8 SFF, or 10 SFF SAS, SATA, or SSD hot plug drive bays. Both the 4 LFF and 8 SFF configurations can support an optical drive, but the 10 SFF model cannot. SFF versions are not upgradeable to LFF chassis configurations, or vice versa. A maximum internal storage capacity of 32TB is supported on the 4 LFF chassis configuration. HPE's Smart Array P420i RAID controller can support up to 2GB of Flash Backed Write Cache (FBWC). This array can support RAID 0, 1, 10, 5, 50, 6, and 60. HPE introduced their SmartDrive carriers in their Gen8 servers, adding LED status lights to give the user plenty of visual signals to hard drive status.

Expansion

The compact 1U server supports up to two PCIe 3.0 expansion slots, including one low-profile slot. A single processor configuration can support both expansion slots. Another upgrade from ProLiant Gen7 series, is HPE's tool-less, quick access features for stress-free expansion. A dedicated FlexibleLOM slot preserves your PCIe slots and offers network connection speeds of 1 Gigabit, 10 Gigabit Ethernet, or QDR/FDR InfiniBand networking options.

Management

The servers lifecycle is supported through a multitude of embedded management solutions with HPE's iLO 4.0 Management Engine. Management tools are more efficient than previous generations making server coordination incredibly easy. The use of a single iLO version on all ProLiant Gen8 servers further simplifies coordination and management. Features like HPE's Agentless Management provide built in server health monitoring and alerting capability without OS agents. HPE's Intelligent Provisioning allows users to configure a server without any separate media—no more SmartStart CDs needed. Plenty of upgrade options are available, like HPE's Insight Control which saves time and money by allowing IT infrastructure optimization through a single management console. HPE's Matrix Operating Environment, offers automated provisioning, optimization, and recovery capabilities for HPE's CloudSystem Matrix.

Summary

The HPE ProLiant DL360p Gen8 server supports up to two Intel Xeon E5-2600 v2 series processors, DDR3 memory, and a maximum memory of 786GB when using the 32GB LRDIMMs. ProLiant Gen8 servers were the first to use HPE's ProLiant 3D Sea of Sensors, which literally provides a 3D view of the server's temperature, so that the fans can direct cooling where it is needed most. The HPE DL360p Gen8 was also the first to introduce HPE's SmartMemory, which uses up to 20% less power at the same memory bandwidth, reducing your cooling costs even further. The large amount of built-in management tools provided with HPE's iLO Management Engine are easier to find and access and with flat cabling, tool-less access to components, and “easy to install” rail kit options, the DL360p Gen8 makes server set up, upgrades, and serviceability hassle-free.