HPE ProLiant DL145 Gen11 Upgrade Guide: RAM and Storage

Updated Oct. 7, 2026 · Written from this device's verified specifications

This guide covers memory and storage upgrades for the HPE ProLiant DL145 Gen11, a single-socket EPYC 8004 edge server. The short answer: it takes up to six DDR5 RDIMMs (768 GB total) and either two 2.5-inch or six E3.S hot-plug drives, depending on the configuration you bought. Use HPE-qualified parts throughout.

At a glance

  • 6 DDR5 registered ECC DIMM slots, up to 128 GB each and 768 GB in total
  • Fit 1, 2, 4 or 6 identical DIMMs, never 3 or 5
  • Drive bays are either 2 SFF (SAS, SATA or NVMe U.3) or 6 E3.S NVMe, depending on the SKU
  • An optional NS204i-u boot device holds 2 M.2 NVMe drives (480 GB or 960 GB)
  • Memory speed is listed as 4800 MT/s in older documents and up to 6400 MT/s in the newer one
DDR5 RDIMM slots6 × DDR5 DIMM · up to 768 GB total · 6400 MT/s · registered (RDIMM) · ECC
SFF hot-plug drive bays (2.5")2 × HDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA / SAS / NVMe)
6 × DIMM · DDR5up to 768 GB totalSFF hot-plug drive bays (2.5")2 × HDD / SSD 2.5" (SATA / SAS / NVMe)
Schematic of the upgradeable slots (not to scale). Check the owner's manual for their exact positions.

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

2024202520262027TodayRelease · Sept. 26, 2024
Filled dots: dates published by the manufacturer. Hollow dots: estimates from third-party sources.
MilestoneDateSource
Release
First available to buy.		 Sept. 26, 2024 Estimate Estimate
HPE Japan press release says generally available from this date ("本日より一般提供開始"). Japan only; global availability date not found. HPE announced the model on 2024-09-18.

Dates not listed haven't been published by the manufacturer or a reliable third party.

Memory (RAM): 6 DDR5 RDIMM slots

The DL145 Gen11 has six full-size DDR5 registered DIMM slots, one per memory channel. There are no SO-DIMM slots and no soldered memory. Modules must be HPE Smart Memory DDR5 RDIMMs with ECC. LRDIMMs and persistent memory are not supported. HPE's newer QuickSpecs list 16, 32, 64, 96 and 128 GB modules, which gives a maximum of 768 GB with six 128 GB DIMMs. Advanced ECC and Online Spare mode are supported.

Population rules matter. Fit 1, 2, 4 or 6 DIMMs, never 3 or 5, and every DIMM must share the same part number, capacity and rank. Install DIMMs only after the processor is installed, and populate the slots so the channels stay balanced.

On speed, HPE's documents disagree. Older documents give a maximum of 4800 MT/s. The newer QuickSpecs say 4800 or 6400 MT/s with one DIMM per channel. HPE doesn't say which processors reach 6400, but it probably needs a newer CPU than the EPYC 8004 series, so don't count on it. The user guide lists 16, 32, 64 and 128 GB only (no 96 GB), and its memory timing codes differ from the QuickSpecs. Maximum speed and capacity also depend on your processor model and memory configuration. The QuickSpecs memory table is organised by heat sink type (standard 2U or optimized acoustics), so check which one your server has.

Buying tips

  • Buy a matched set of 2, 4 or 6 identical modules, not a mix.
  • Look for HPE Smart Memory DDR5 RDIMM part numbers and match the existing part number, capacity and rank.
  • Avoid LRDIMMs and persistent memory modules; they are not supported.
  • Don't pay extra for 6400 MT/s modules unless you have confirmed your CPU supports that speed.

Storage: SFF or E3.S bays, plus an optional M.2 boot device

The number and type of drive bays depend on the configuration. Some servers have two 2.5-inch hot-plug bays, and others have six hot-plug E3.S NVMe bays. There are no 3.5-inch bays. In the SFF version, HPE's newer QuickSpecs list SAS HDD (2.4 TB), SATA SSD (7.68 TB) and NVMe U.3 SSD (15.36 TB) options. The older document lists a smaller SATA SSD (3.84 TB per drive). The E3.S version is listed at up to 61.44 TB per drive in the newer document and 15.36 TB in the older one. Treat the newer figures as the current maximums, but check them against your exact configuration.

Some servers also have an optional HPE NS204i-u boot device. It holds two M.2 NVMe drives (2 x 480 GB in the original version, 2 x 960 GB in the v2 versions, including a self-encrypting option). It is hot-plug, accessible from outside the chassis, and doesn't use a PCIe slot.

HPE's documents don't give the M.2 module length, the PCIe generation of the drive bays or the maximum SFF drive thickness. Check the HPE OS Boot Device QuickSpecs and the user guide before buying anything outside HPE's listed options. Empty bays should hold blanks, which are needed for proper cooling.

Buying tips

  • Check whether your server has 2 SFF or 6 E3.S bays before shopping; the drives are not interchangeable.
  • Buy HPE-qualified drives and keep blanks in any empty bays.
  • For the boot device, stick to the 480 GB or 960 GB NS204i-u options HPE lists rather than generic M.2 drives.
  • Confirm the NS204i-u is fitted to your SKU before planning on it.

Cheapest compatible right now

See all compatible parts and prices →

How to upgrade

Before you start

  • Find your exact SKU and check its drive backplane (2 SFF or 6 E3.S) and whether it has the NS204i-u boot device.
  • Back up your data and note your current BIOS and firmware versions.
  • Download the HPE user guide and QuickSpecs for your configuration.
  • Buy HPE-qualified parts. This is a server platform, not a consumer one.
  • Have an anti-static wrist strap and a clean work area ready.

Steps

  1. Back up and plan
    Back up important data and settings, and confirm the new part is on HPE's supported list for your configuration.
  2. Power off and unplug
    Shut the server down properly, then remove all power cords. Hot-plug drives and the NS204i-u can be swapped while running, but follow the owner's manual for that procedure.
  3. Ground yourself
    Wear an anti-static strap or touch bare metal on the chassis before handling modules or drives.
  4. Open the case
    Remove the access panel as shown in HPE's user guide. Follow the manual for exact disassembly, as it can differ between configurations.
  5. Install the part
    For memory, fit 1, 2, 4 or 6 identical DIMMs. For drives, fit them in the bays and leave blanks in any empty ones. Make sure the processor is already installed before adding DIMMs.
  6. Close up and reconnect
    Refit the access panel, reconnect power and switch on.
  7. Check that it is recognised
    Check the BIOS or HPE management tools to confirm the new memory or drives are detected at the capacity and speed you expect. Update the firmware if the part isn't seen.

Good to know

  • HPE's older and newer documents disagree on maximum memory speed (4800 vs 6400 MT/s), SATA SSD size (3.84 vs 7.68 TB) and E3.S drive size (15.36 vs 61.44 TB). Check your exact configuration.
  • The 6400 MT/s figure probably needs newer CPUs, but HPE's documents don't say so explicitly.
  • The user guide lists no 96 GB module, while the QuickSpecs do.
  • HPE's documents don't give the M.2 length, the PCIe generation of the drive bays or the SFF drive thickness limit.
  • Bay layout, boot device and PCIe slot count vary by SKU and region (HPE's UK page says North America gets 4 PCIe slots and the rest of the world gets 1 PCIe slot plus an OCP slot).
  • CPU upgrades are not covered here because HPE's documents don't list supported replacement processors. Check the QuickSpecs and ask HPE before buying one.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HPE ProLiant DL145 Gen11 take?

Up to 768 GB, using six 128 GB DDR5 RDIMMs. There are six DIMM slots and no soldered memory.

Can I fit 3 or 5 DIMMs?

No. HPE says to populate 1, 2, 4 or 6 DIMMs, all with the same part number, capacity and rank.

Does the DL145 Gen11 support 6400 MT/s memory?

HPE's newer QuickSpecs say 4800 or 6400 MT/s with one DIMM per channel, while older documents give 4800 MT/s. The 6400 figure probably needs a newer CPU, which HPE doesn't name. Don't assume an EPYC 8004 server will reach it.

Does it support LRDIMMs or Optane-style persistent memory?

No. LRDIMMs and persistent memory are not supported. Use HPE Smart Memory DDR5 RDIMMs.

What drives does the DL145 Gen11 take?

Depending on the configuration, either 2 hot-plug 2.5-inch bays (SAS, SATA or NVMe U.3) or 6 hot-plug E3.S NVMe bays. There are no 3.5-inch bays. An optional NS204i-u boot device adds two M.2 NVMe drives.

Can I upgrade the CPU?

This is a single-socket EPYC 8004-series server. HPE's documents here don't list which replacement processors are supported, so check HPE's QuickSpecs and your SKU before buying one. Memory speed and capacity also depend on the CPU model.

Official documents and references

This guide was written with AI assistance from the compatibility data PartsPrices verified against the manufacturer's documents. Always check your exact model and the owner's manual before buying or opening your computer.