HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 Upgrade Guide: RAM and Drives

Lifecycle and support

A current model: sold new and supported.

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

Memory (RAM): DDR5 RDIMMs only

The DL380 Gen11 uses full-size HPE DDR5 Smart Memory registered ECC DIMMs (RDIMMs), not laptop-style SO-DIMMs. Modules come in 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 GB sizes. Memory is not soldered, so everything can be changed or added in the DIMM slots.

There are 32 slots in total, but they assume two processors: each CPU has 8 channels and 16 slots (2 DIMMs per channel). A single-CPU server therefore has only 16 usable slots. The 24SFF chassis is also limited to 16 DIMMs, which halves its maximum. The 32-DIMM maximum of 8 TB (32 x 256 GB) applies only to 8SFF or 16SFF drive configurations.

The 4800 MT/s figure is the rating printed on the modules. The speed you actually get depends on your processor and how many DIMMs sit on each channel, and HPE's documents don't give per-configuration figures. Newer 5th Gen CPU models may differ from the 4800 MT/s label, but that isn't confirmed. HPE publishes separate Gen11 population rules and optimal-performance guidelines, so check them before deciding where to place new modules.

Buying tips

• Buy HPE-listed DDR5 Smart Memory RDIMMs only; other DIMM types aren't listed for this server.
• Match modules within a channel where you can, and check HPE's population rules before mixing sizes.
• HPE's -B21 memory part numbers are for stand-alone orders; the -F21 versions are for memory configured into a new server.
• Read the DIMM label: it shows capacity, rank (1R to 8R), DRAM width (x4 or x8) and PC5 for DDR5 RDIMM.
• Don't buy Intel Optane Persistent Memory on the strength of the data sheet. It appears to be left over from earlier generations and isn't confirmed for this model.

Storage: bays depend on your chassis

Your drive options are set by the chassis you own. Front bays are 8 or 12 large-form-factor (3.5 inch) SAS/SATA, or 8, 16 or 24 small-form-factor (2.5 inch) SAS/SATA. Optional cages add more: up to 12+4+4 LFF bays, or 2 or 6 extra rear SFF bays. Up to 20 SFF NVMe bays are optional, depending on the cage layout. Check the exact cage layout of your SKU before ordering drives.

For larger arrays you need an add-in storage controller. The built-in controller offers software SATA RAID for up to 14 bays only. HPE lists the SR932i-p, MR216i-o/-p, MR416i-o/-p and MR408i-o controllers. SAS support tops out at 30 drives (16+8+6) with all seven cages selected, or 36 (24+8+4) if one 2SFF primary/secondary cage is left out.

NVMe has a few open questions. HPE says Express Bay support can limit the maximum drive capacity depending on the model, and doesn't state the PCIe generation for the drive bays. HPE's documents also disagree on EDSFF NVMe: the QuickSpecs list 36 drives, while HPE's store page says 20. This may reflect different configurations, but HPE doesn't explain it. HPE's documents don't cover M.2 boot devices or drive thickness limits (7 mm vs 15 mm), so check the QuickSpecs storage section or ask HPE before buying those.

Buying tips

• Count your existing bays and cages first; a bigger drive only helps if the bay type (LFF, SFF, NVMe) matches.
• Choose SAS or SATA drives for the standard bays and NVMe only where you have NVMe cages.
• Plan an add-in controller if you want RAID across more than 14 bays.
• Confirm your SKU's cage layout and any NVMe capacity limit before ordering high-capacity NVMe drives.
• If you're adding NVMe adapters in expansion slots, note that the default tertiary riser's slot 8 is PCIe 4.0, and PCIe 5.0 x8 only with HPE's optional enablement kit (P53632-B21).

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Find your chassis type (8/16/24 SFF or LFF) and whether you have one or two processors; both change what you can install.
• Back up your data and note your RAID configuration.
• Check the owner's manual and HPE's QuickSpecs for the exact parts supported on your SKU.
• Have a grounding strap and a clean workspace ready.

Steps

1. Back up and plan
   Back up important data and record your current BIOS, firmware and RAID settings. Consider updating firmware first if HPE recommends it for the part you are adding.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the server down properly, then disconnect all power cords and cables. Slide or remove the server according to the owner's manual.
3. Ground yourself
   Wear an anti-static strap or touch bare metal on the chassis before handling DIMMs, drives or other parts. Hold parts by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Open the server by following the disassembly steps in the owner's manual. HPE's documents don't describe a single tool-free sequence here, so use the manual for exact steps.
5. Install the part
   For memory, fit RDIMMs in the slots HPE's population rules call for. For drives, use a bay that matches the drive type and, where needed, the right cage and controller. Seat everything firmly.
6. Close and reconnect
   Refit covers and risers, reconnect cables and power, and boot the server.
7. Check that it is detected
   Open the BIOS or system utilities and confirm the new memory capacity or drive appears. For RAID arrays, configure or rebuild them through your storage controller's tools.

Good to know

• Drive bay counts and the maximum DIMM count depend on your chassis variant, so check your own configuration.
• HPE's documents disagree on EDSFF NVMe (36 drives in the QuickSpecs, 20 on the store page) and on CPU generation and core count (data sheet vs store page).
• M.2 boot devices, drive thickness limits and memory card slots are not covered in HPE's documents we found.
• The PCIe generation of the NVMe drive bays isn't stated.
• Real memory speed depends on the CPU and DIMMs per channel; HPE doesn't give exact figures.
• CPU upgrade compatibility and procedures are not detailed here; check HPE's QuickSpecs and owner's manual.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 take?

Up to 8 TB: 32 DDR5 RDIMM slots filled with 256 GB modules. That needs two processors and an 8SFF or 16SFF chassis. A single-CPU server has 16 slots, and the 24SFF chassis is also limited to 16 DIMMs.

Does the DL380 Gen11 support non-ECC or consumer DDR5?

No. Only HPE DDR5 Smart Memory registered ECC RDIMMs are listed.

How fast will my memory run?

The modules are rated 4800 MT/s, but the real speed depends on your processor and how many DIMMs are on each channel. HPE's documents don't give exact figures.

Can I add NVMe drives to the DL380 Gen11?

Only if your server has the optional NVMe cages. Up to 20 SFF NVMe bays are listed, and capacity limits can apply depending on the model. Confirm your SKU's cage layout first.

Can I upgrade the CPU?

HPE's documents describe 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors with 16 to 60 cores; its store page mentions 4th and 5th Gen with up to 64 cores. Compatibility details and the install procedure aren't covered here, so check HPE's QuickSpecs and the owner's manual first. Note that the full 32 DIMM slots need two processors.

How many drives can I use with the built-in RAID?

The embedded software SATA RAID covers up to 14 bays only. Larger arrays need an add-in storage controller.

Official documents and references

• PDF HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 QuickSpecs (PDF)
  Memory, drive bay and controller limits
• HPE DL380 Gen11 QuickSpecs and memory population page
  HPE's Gen11 population rules and guidelines
• HPE DL380 Gen11 QuickSpecs (HPE assets copy)
  Maximum memory and PCIe riser details
• PDF HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 data sheet
  Memory sizes, drive bays and supported controllers
• PDF HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 user guide
  Disassembly and DIMM label details
• PDF HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 user manual (PDF copy)
  DIMM label decoder
• HPE Store: ProLiant DL380 Gen11
  Current configurations and CPU options