HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus Upgrade Guide: RAM and Storage

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported. Support is planned until 2029 (estimate).

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

Memory (RAM)

The DL380 Gen10 Plus has 32 full-size DIMM slots for DDR4 HPE Smart Memory: 16 per processor, arranged as 8 channels with 2 DIMMs per channel. It uses registered ECC memory (RDIMM) or load-reduced memory (LRDIMM), depending on the model. There are no SO-DIMM slots, and desktop-style unbuffered or non-ECC modules are not listed as supported.

The top speed is 3200 MT/s (DDR4-3200), but HPE notes that the maximum memory speed is limited by the processor you have. RDIMMs top out at 64 GB per module, which gives 2 TB across 32 slots. Reaching the 8 TB maximum needs 256 GB LRDIMMs in all 32 slots.

A single-CPU server can use only that CPU's 16 slots. Install DIMMs in even quantities, because an odd number leaves memory unbalanced and can hurt performance. HPE's user guide also lists 128 GB modules, which are LRDIMM-class parts. Check HPE's memory population guide for exact slot rules before you buy.

Buying tips

• Buy HPE Smart Memory (or modules explicitly listed as compatible); third-party memory may not be validated by HPE.
• Match the module type to your server: don't mix up RDIMM and LRDIMM, and check which type your model uses.
• Buy DIMMs in pairs or other even quantities.
• Check your CPU's memory speed rating, since faster DIMMs will not run faster than the processor allows.
• With one CPU installed, don't plan on using more than 16 slots.

Storage (drive bays, NVMe and M.2)

Drive bays depend on the SKU. Front bays come as 8 or 12 large-form-factor (3.5") SAS/SATA bays, or 8, 10, 16, 18 or 24 small-form-factor (2.5") SAS/SATA bays. Optional extras include a mid-tray (4 LFF or 8 SFF) and rear cages (up to 3 LFF or up to 6 SFF). Both HDDs and SSDs fit these bays, but the backplane and controller in your build decide what you can add.

NVMe SSDs need an NVMe-capable backplane and cabling. HPE's data sheet says up to 20 SFF NVMe drives, while the QuickSpecs capacity figures imply up to 34 with extra cages and risers. Treat 20 as the safe number unless your build includes those extras. HPE also notes that NVMe through Express Bay may limit the maximum drive capacity.

Some builds have two M.2 SATA SSD slots on the primary riser. The M.2 lengths (2280 or 22110) aren't confirmed, so check the user guide before buying. Booting from NVMe needs a separate HPE option. All PCIe slots are Gen4, but some x16-sized slots are only x8 electrically, so an x16 card there may perform below its best.

Buying tips

• Look up your exact SKU and backplane first, since 8, 12 and 24-bay builds differ.
• Match the drive size (3.5" or 2.5") and interface (SAS, SATA or NVMe) to your bays.
• Don't buy NVMe drives unless your server already has an NVMe-capable backplane and cabling.
• Check the M.2 length in the user guide before buying an M.2 SATA SSD.
• Third-party drives may not be validated by HPE, so check compatibility and firmware support.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Find your exact SKU and confirm the drive bays, backplane and controller in your build.
• Check the user guide for DIMM population rules and any M.2 length limits.
• Update the BIOS and firmware if HPE recommends it for the part you are adding.
• Back up your data and note any RAID configuration before touching drives.
• Have the owner's manual or user guide open for exact disassembly instructions.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Make a full backup and record your RAID and BIOS settings, especially before changing drives.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the server down properly, then disconnect all power cables and any other cables that are in the way.
3. Ground yourself
   Use an anti-static wrist strap or touch bare metal on the chassis before handling parts, and hold components by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Slide the server out of the rack if needed and remove the access panel as described in the owner's manual. Don't force anything.
5. Install the part
   For memory, fit DIMMs in even quantities following HPE's population rules. For drives, use the correct bay or cage and the matching drive carrier. For M.2, use the primary riser slot. Follow the user guide for exact steps.
6. Close and reconnect
   Replace the access panel, return the server to the rack if needed, and reconnect the cables.
7. Check that the system sees the part
   Power on and confirm in the BIOS or firmware menus that the new memory or drive is detected. Check for any warnings, and rebuild or configure RAID if required.

Good to know

• Drive bays, cages and controllers vary by SKU, so confirm your exact build before planning upgrades.
• Third-party memory and drives may not be validated by HPE.
• HPE's QuickSpecs list 64 GB as the largest RDIMM, while the user guide's capacity examples go up to 256 GB. The 256 GB parts are LRDIMMs, so check HPE's memory guide before buying.
• The NVMe drive count is 20 in HPE's data sheet but implied as higher in the QuickSpecs. The larger figure likely needs extra cages and risers.
• M.2 lengths, whether the M.2 slots support NVMe, NVMe PCIe generation and drive thickness limits aren't confirmed here. Check the user guide.
• This guide doesn't cover CPU upgrades. Memory speed depends on the processor, so check HPE's QuickSpecs for supported processors before planning one.
• HPE has ended sales of this server. The QuickSpecs are marked retired and the end-of-life notice linked above has the dates.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus take?

It has 32 DIMM slots. With 64 GB RDIMMs the maximum is 2 TB, and with 256 GB LRDIMMs it is 8 TB. A single-CPU build can use only 16 of the slots.

What type of memory does the DL380 Gen10 Plus use?

It uses DDR4 HPE Smart Memory, either registered (RDIMM) or load-reduced (LRDIMM) depending on the model. It is ECC memory, and the maximum speed is 3200 MT/s, limited by the processor.

Can I use regular desktop or laptop memory in it?

No. It takes full-size registered or load-reduced ECC DIMMs. Unbuffered and non-ECC modules aren't listed, and there are no SO-DIMM slots.

Does the DL380 Gen10 Plus support NVMe SSDs?

Yes, on builds with an NVMe-capable backplane and cabling. HPE's data sheet says up to 20 SFF NVMe drives. NVMe through Express Bay may limit the maximum drive capacity.

Does it have M.2 slots?

Some configurations have two M.2 SATA SSD slots on the primary riser. M.2 lengths aren't confirmed, and NVMe boot needs a separate HPE option.

How many drives can it hold?

It depends on the build. Front bays are 8 or 12 LFF, or 8, 10, 16, 18 or 24 SFF, and optional mid-tray and rear cages add more. Confirm your SKU and backplane.

Official documents and references

• HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus QuickSpecs
  Memory, storage and PCIe specs
• HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus QuickSpecs (PDF)
  Downloadable spec document
• PDF HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus data sheet
  Drive bay options and M.2 slots
• PDF HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus user guide
  Install steps and memory part-number decoder
• PDF DL380 Gen10 Plus server guide (Hitachi-hosted PDF)
  Memory ranks, widths and hardware details
• HPE end-of-life process dates notice
  Lifecycle dates for the DL380 Gen10 Plus