Introduction #

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 server is engineered to deliver the flexibility, performance, and resilience required for modern data centers. With a robust design that supports high scalability, this 2U server excels at handling a wide range of workloads, including AI/ML, big data analytics, virtualization, and cloud computing. Its ability to support diverse configurations makes it an ideal choice for enterprises looking to future-proof their infrastructure.

Key Functions #

1. High-Performance Compute #

• Processor: Powered by 4th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, with configurations supporting up to 60 cores per CPU. These processors provide enhanced multi-core performance for handling demanding workloads such as AI, database management, and enterprise applications.
• Memory: Up to 12TB of DDR5 memory across 32 DIMM slots, supporting memory speeds of up to 4800 MT/s. This ensures high memory bandwidth, making the DL380 Gen11 suitable for memory-intensive tasks like virtualization and large-scale data processing.
• Accelerator Support: Integrated support for GPUs and FPGAs, allowing for enhanced performance in AI/ML workloads, high-performance computing (HPC), and data analytics.

2. Flexible Storage Options #

• Storage Capacity: Supports up to 20 NVMe, SAS, or SATA drives, providing extensive storage flexibility. This enables the configuration of ultra-fast NVMe storage for performance-critical applications or large-capacity SAS/SATA drives for bulk data storage.
• Smart Array Controllers: Features HPE Smart Array S100i and P-class controllers for improved data protection, faster rebuild times, and greater storage performance.

3. Scalable Expansion and Connectivity #

• Expansion Slots: Up to 8 PCIe 5.0 slots for additional storage, accelerators, and networking cards. PCIe Gen5 delivers twice the bandwidth of Gen4, ensuring high-speed data transfer and support for advanced I/O configurations.
• Networking: Optional support for 10GbE, 25GbE, and 100GbE adapters, ensuring compatibility with high-speed network infrastructures. RDMA support (Remote Direct Memory Access) reduces latency and improves data throughput for mission-critical applications.

4. Power and Cooling Efficiency #

• Power Supply: Configurable with 800W, 1600W, and 2400W Platinum/Titanium-rated power supplies. These power options help optimize energy efficiency while maintaining high performance, reducing total operational costs.
• Cooling: Features both air-cooled and liquid-cooled solutions, providing enhanced thermal management for maintaining optimal performance even under heavy workloads.

5. Security and Management #

• HPE iLO 6: Integrated HPE iLO 6 provides advanced server management features, enabling remote monitoring, management, and troubleshooting. The AI-driven insights help optimize workloads and prevent issues before they impact performance.
• Silicon Root of Trust: Built-in Silicon Root of Trust technology secures the server at the firmware level, protecting against unauthorized access and firmware attacks. This ensures that your system maintains integrity from the moment it boots.

Configurations #

Processor Options #

• Supports up to 2x Intel® Xeon® Scalable Gen4 processors.
• Core options range from 16 cores to 60 cores per CPU, providing the flexibility to scale based on workload requirements.

Memory Options #

• Up to 32 DIMM slots.
• Maximum memory capacity of 12TB with DDR5 at 4800 MT/s, allowing for large memory pools required for virtual machines and data-heavy workloads.

Storage Options #

• Supports a maximum of 20 x SAS/SATA/NVMe drives, offering versatile storage configurations.
• Smart Array Controllers enable advanced RAID configurations, optimizing storage performance and reliability.

Expansion Options #

• Up to 8 PCIe 5.0 slots, supporting a variety of configurations for networking, storage, and accelerator cards.

Networking #

• Options for 10/25/100 GbE adapters.
• RDMA support for low-latency, high-performance networking, crucial for workloads such as financial applications and distributed databases.

Dimensions and Weight #

• Form Factor: 2U rack server.
• Dimensions:
• Height: 8.73 cm (3.44 in)
• Width: 44.55 cm (17.54 in)
• Depth: 73.03 cm (28.75 in)
• Weight:
• Minimum configuration: 18.25 kg (40.23 lbs)
• Maximum configuration: 28.85 kg (63.62 lbs)

Use Cases #

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning #

• The DL380 Gen11’s support for GPUs and FPGAs, along with high-memory capacity and fast NVMe storage, makes it well-suited for AI/ML tasks, such as model training and inference. Its powerful compute capabilities and expansion options allow for faster processing of AI workloads.

2. Virtualization #

• With up to 12TB of memory, this server is optimized for virtualization environments. It supports dense virtual machine deployments, making it an ideal choice for enterprises looking to maximize server resources.

3. Big Data and Analytics #

• The server’s high storage capacity and fast PCIe 5.0 expansion slots make it perfect for big data analytics. It allows for fast access to large datasets, providing the speed necessary for data processing and decision-making.

4. Cloud and Hybrid IT #

• Whether used for private cloud infrastructure or hybrid IT environments, the DL380 Gen11 offers the scalability and performance needed to support dynamic, multi-cloud workloads. Its networking capabilities and flexible storage configurations make it adaptable for different cloud architectures.

5. Enterprise Applications #

• For traditional enterprise applications such as databases, ERP, and CRM systems, the DL380 Gen11’s reliability and performance ensure continuous operation and scalability. The server’s advanced storage controllers and RAID configurations provide data protection for business-critical applications.

Summary #

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 is a highly flexible and scalable server built for enterprises requiring powerful compute, extensive memory, and flexible storage solutions. Its robust architecture, high-performance processors, and advanced security features make it an ideal choice for organizations looking to handle complex workloads like AI/ML, big data analytics, and cloud computing.