HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 Upgrade Guide: RAM, Storage and CPU

Lifecycle and support

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RAM: DDR5 RDIMMs, up to 1.5 TB

The ML110 Gen11 has 16 DIMM slots for a single processor, arranged as 8 channels with 2 DIMMs per channel. It uses full-size DDR5 registered ECC memory (RDIMM), not laptop-style SO-DIMMs. HPE says to use HPE DDR5 Smart Memory RDIMMs only. The largest module in the current QuickSpecs is 96 GB.

Your total ceiling depends on the Xeon fitted. A 5th Gen Xeon supports up to 1.5 TB (16 x 96 GB, DDR5-5600). A 4th Gen Xeon tops out at 1 TB (16 x 64 GB, DDR5-4800). One manual copy lists 1024 GB as the maximum, which matches the 4th Gen figure and looks like an older or generic listing. HPE's current QuickSpecs and store page give 1.5 TB.

Watch the details. The Xeon 4510, 4509Y and 3508U do not support 96 GB DIMMs, and the lower ceiling for those CPUs isn't stated. With 2 DIMMs per channel (all 16 slots filled), memory runs at 4400 MT/s, below the modules' rated 4800 or 5600 MT/s. Speeds with fewer DIMMs aren't given. The number of DIMMs per processor must be 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 16. HPE's population-order table appears in an older copy of the specs; check your owner's manual for which slots to fill first.

Buying tips

• Check which Xeon is installed before buying; it sets the maximum module size, total capacity and speed.
• Buy HPE DDR5 Smart Memory RDIMMs, not desktop or unbuffered memory.
• Plan for 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 16 modules in total.
• If speed matters more than capacity, remember a full 16-slot setup drops to 4400 MT/s.

Storage: front bays, M.2 slots and the boot device

Front hot-plug bays depend on your model: 8 large-form-factor (3.5 inch) bays, or 8 or 16 small-form-factor (2.5 inch) bays. The embedded controller handles SATA RAID only (up to 4+4 LFF or 8 SFF drives, plus 2 M.2 SATA drives), so SAS drives need an add-in controller. 16-bay SFF setups most likely need one too, though that is our reading rather than an HPE statement. The drive-thickness limits (7 mm or 15 mm) aren't stated.

Capacity limits vary by document. The current QuickSpecs list 24 TB LFF HDDs; older copies list 20 TB. For SFF, the largest listed drives are 15.36 TB SAS SSD, 7.68 TB SATA SSD and 2.4 TB SAS HDD. Older and current tables also disagree on LFF SAS SSD size, and the current figure may be a qualified-drive list rather than a hard limit. Check the drive list for your exact configuration.

There are also two onboard M.2 slots. They take NVMe or SATA SSDs in 2280 and 22110 lengths, but mixing SSD types isn't supported. Listed onboard capacity is 2 x 480 GB or 2 x 1.92 TB. VROC NVMe RAID 1 on these slots is not supported with the Xeon 4510, 4509Y or 3508U, or with M.2 NVMe 2280 V2 and SED drives. The PCIe generation of the M.2 slots isn't stated.

The optional NS204i-u boot device (2 x 480 GB NVMe M.2 in RAID 1) uses the embedded storage controller port. If your server has it, no LFF or SFF front bays are supported.

Buying tips

• Check whether your server has LFF or SFF bays before buying drives.
• Choose SATA drives for the embedded controller; for SAS, plan on an add-in controller.
• Use two matching M.2 SSDs and don't mix NVMe with SATA.
• Confirm the drive against HPE's current QuickSpecs, since older spec copies show different capacity limits.
• If your server has the NS204i-u boot device, front-bay drives won't work.

How to upgrade

Before you start

• Find your exact configuration: Xeon model, bay type (LFF or SFF), controller, and whether an NS204i-u boot device is fitted.
• Open HPE's current QuickSpecs and your owner's manual; spec copies online disagree on some capacities.
• Back up your data and note your RAID setup before opening the server.
• Update the BIOS and firmware if HPE's documentation for your part asks for it.
• Have an anti-static wrist strap and a clean work surface ready.

Steps

1. Back up your data
   Back up anything important, and note your RAID or storage controller configuration before changing drives or controllers.
2. Power off and unplug
   Shut the server down from the operating system, then switch it off and unplug all power cables. Disconnect any network and other cables.
3. Ground yourself
   Use an anti-static wrist strap or touch bare metal on the chassis before handling parts. Hold memory modules and drives by their edges.
4. Open the case
   Follow the owner's manual for removing the tower's side access panel and any air baffles or drive cages in your way. The manual shows exact disassembly for your model.
5. Install the part
   For memory, follow the DIMM population order in the manual and install matching modules in the permitted counts. For drives, use the proper bay or M.2 slot. For a processor, follow HPE's instructions for your exact CPU option.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit any baffles and the access panel, reconnect cables, and plug the server back in.
7. Check that the server sees the part
   Power on and enter the BIOS or system utilities to confirm the new memory, drive or CPU is detected. For drives, check the controller and RAID setup. If something isn't recognised, power off, unplug, and re-check the seating and compatibility.

Good to know

• Spec documents disagree on some limits: 1 TB versus 1.5 TB RAM, and 20 TB versus 24 TB LFF drives. Treat HPE's current QuickSpecs as the authority.
• The memory ceiling for servers with a Xeon 4510, 4509Y or 3508U isn't stated anywhere we found.
• Memory speeds with fewer than 16 DIMMs aren't given, only 4400 MT/s at 2 DIMMs per channel.
• Drive-thickness limits and the PCIe generation of the M.2 slots aren't stated.
• Whether a 16-bay SFF model needs an add-in controller is our inference, so check your model's configuration with HPE.
• We can't list which CPUs are supported as upgrades or how to swap one, so check HPE's QuickSpecs and the owner's manual.
• Models vary in bay type, controller and boot-device options, so check your exact configuration before buying.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM can the HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 take?

Up to 1.5 TB (16 x 96 GB DDR5-5600 RDIMMs) with a 5th Gen Xeon, or 1 TB (16 x 64 GB DDR5-4800) with a 4th Gen Xeon. The Xeon 4510, 4509Y and 3508U don't support 96 GB DIMMs, and the lower limit for those isn't stated. Some manual copies list only 1024 GB, but HPE's current QuickSpecs give 1.5 TB.

What type of memory does the ML110 Gen11 use?

HPE DDR5 Smart Memory registered ECC DIMMs (RDIMMs), full size. HPE says to use its Smart Memory RDIMMs only. Desktop or laptop modules aren't suitable.

Does the ML110 Gen11 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes, through its two onboard M.2 slots, which accept NVMe or SATA SSDs in 2280 and 22110 lengths. Don't mix SSD types. VROC NVMe RAID 1 isn't supported with the Xeon 4510, 4509Y or 3508U.

Can I use SAS drives in the ML110 Gen11?

The bays are SATA/SAS capable, but the embedded controller handles SATA RAID only. For SAS drives you need an add-in controller.

What is the largest hard drive the ML110 Gen11 supports?

HPE's current QuickSpecs list 24 TB LFF SAS/SATA HDDs for the 3.5 inch bays. Older copies of the specs list 20 TB. Check the current QuickSpecs for your exact configuration.

Why is my memory running slower than rated?

Filling both DIMMs on each channel (all 16 slots) runs memory at 4400 MT/s, lower than the DIMMs' rated 4800 or 5600 MT/s. Actual speed also depends on the processor and configuration.

Official documents and references

• HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 QuickSpecs
  Current memory, storage and controller specifications
• HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 QuickSpecs (HPE document library)
  HPE's reference copy of the specs
• PDF HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 user guide (PDF)
  Memory speeds and M.2 slot details
• HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 on HPE Store
  Bay options, expansion slots and model overview
• PDF ML110 Gen11 specifications (older copy, PDF)
  DIMM population order table; some capacities differ from current specs
• HPE ProLiant ML110 Gen11 specifications, 4510 / MR408i-o / 8SFF model
  Example of a model variant with a different controller and bay setup