HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen12 Upgrade Guide: RAM and Storage

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Memory: DDR5 RDIMM, up to 8 TB

The ML350 Gen12 has 32 DIMM slots: 16 per processor, arranged as 8 channels per processor with 2 DIMMs per channel. If only one CPU is installed, just 16 slots are usable, which halves the maximum capacity.

The server uses HPE DDR5 Smart Memory registered DIMMs (RDIMM) with ECC, in full-size DIMM format. HPE lists modules of 32 GB (P69727-B21), 64 GB (P69728-B21), 96 GB (P69729-B21), 128 GB (P69730-B21) and 256 GB (quad-rank x4 3DS RDIMM), all DDR5-6400. HPE's user guide part-number key also lists a 16 GB size. The largest total is 8 TB, from 32 x 256 GB.

Speed depends on how you fill the slots. 6400 MT/s needs one DIMM per channel. With two per channel, which is how you reach 8 TB, memory runs at 5200 MT/s. HPE also says actual speed depends on memory type, configuration and processor model. Unbuffered or non-ECC modules are not listed, so don't plan on using them. HPE's documents don't say whether third-party RDIMMs work or how they affect support.

Consejos de compra

• Buy HPE Smart Memory RDIMMs and match the part numbers HPE lists.
• If speed matters more than capacity, fill one DIMM per channel with larger modules rather than two per channel.
• Check how many CPUs your server has before buying: one CPU means only 16 usable slots.
• Read HPE's memory population rules (linked from the QuickSpecs) before deciding which slots to fill.
• Don't buy desktop, laptop or non-ECC memory; it isn't listed for this server.

Storage: LFF and SFF hot-plug bays

Bay type and count depend on the chassis and backplane in your model, so check which you have before buying. The options are up to 12 large-form-factor (LFF, 3.5 inch) SAS or SATA bays, or up to 24 small-form-factor (SFF, 2.5 inch) SAS, SATA or NVMe bays. A storage controller is needed for the drive bays.

In the LFF bays, hard drives are listed up to 26 TB each. SSDs in these bays are listed only up to 960 GB. An older revision of HPE's QuickSpecs lists 24 TB as the largest LFF hard drive, so the newer 26 TB figure appears to be a later addition. Check the latest QuickSpecs revision.

In the SFF bays, SAS hard drives are listed up to 2.4 TB. SSDs are listed up to 7.68 TB for SATA and 15.36 TB for SAS and NVMe. NVMe drives are listed at PCIe Gen5 x2 per drive, with up to 24 NVMe drives. The optional tertiary riser uses CPU 2 MCIO connectors, which may reduce the NVMe connections available, so check the configuration guide if you plan to use both.

HPE also lists 12 EDSFF NVMe bays and a 2 x 960 GB M.2 NVMe RAID1 boot option (NS204i-u) on some configurations. Drive lengths and thickness limits for these aren't given, so confirm what your model supports in the QuickSpecs. The maximums above are per drive type, not combinations in one build.

Consejos de compra

• Identify your bay type (3.5 inch or 2.5 inch) and backplane first; drives from the wrong form factor won't fit.
• Don't buy a large SSD for 3.5 inch bays: only up to 960 GB SSDs are listed there.
• For NVMe, confirm your backplane and riser layout supports it before buying drives.
• Make sure a compatible storage controller is installed for SAS and SATA drives.
• Stick to HPE-listed drives; HPE's documents don't say whether third-party drives are supported.

Cómo ampliar

Antes de empezar

• Check the exact model and configuration in the HPE QuickSpecs: bay type, bay count and CPU count all vary.
• Confirm how many processors are installed; this decides how many memory slots you can use.
• Back up important data and note your current RAID setup before touching drives.
• Update the server firmware and BIOS first if HPE's documentation for your part recommends it.
• Have the owner's manual or user guide to hand for the exact disassembly steps.
• The CPU slot isn't covered here: HPE lists the ML350 Gen12 as a 2-socket server with Intel Xeon 6700/6500 P-series processors, but check the QuickSpecs for supported models before considering a processor change.

Pasos

1. Back up and plan
   Back up your data, record your RAID and BIOS settings, and check that the new part is on HPE's supported list for your configuration.
2. Shut down and unplug
   Shut the server down properly, then disconnect all power cords and cables. Hot-plug drive bays are designed for swapping drives, but follow the owner's manual for your setup.
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
   Open the tower following the instructions in the owner's manual. Don't force any panels, and use the manual for exact release and removal steps.
5. Install the part
   For memory, fit RDIMMs in the slots recommended by HPE's memory population rules. For drives, use the correct bay type and carrier. Check that cables and risers are seated.
6. Close up and reconnect
   Refit the covers, reconnect the cables and power cords, and switch the server on.
7. Check that it's recognised
   Check the BIOS or the server's management tools to confirm the new memory capacity or drive appears. Set up RAID or storage volumes as needed, and install any firmware updates HPE recommends.

Es bueno saberlo

• Bay type, bay count and memory configuration vary by model; confirm yours in the QuickSpecs before ordering.
• HPE's QuickSpecs revisions disagree on the largest 3.5 inch hard drive (24 TB in an older copy, 26 TB in the newer one). Check the latest revision.
• The 183.6 TB total HPE gives for EDSFF NVMe doesn't match 12 x 15.36 TB (184.32 TB). This is likely a rounding or typing issue, so treat it as approximate.
• HPE's documents don't say whether third-party memory or drives are supported or how they affect warranty or support.
• Processor upgrade options aren't covered here; check the QuickSpecs for supported processors.
• Exact disassembly and installation steps aren't covered here; follow HPE's owner's manual.

Preguntas frecuentes

How much RAM can the HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen12 take?

Up to 8 TB, using 32 x 256 GB DDR5 RDIMMs. That needs both processors installed. With one CPU, only 16 slots work, so the maximum is half that.

What type of memory does the ML350 Gen12 use?

HPE DDR5 Smart Memory registered DIMMs (RDIMM) with ECC, in full-size DIMM format. Unbuffered and non-ECC modules aren't listed.

Why does my memory run slower with more DIMMs?

6400 MT/s needs one DIMM per channel. With two DIMMs per channel, such as at the 8 TB maximum, the speed drops to 5200 MT/s. The processor model also affects speed.

What drives does the ML350 Gen12 support?

Hot-plug 3.5 inch SAS or SATA bays, and 2.5 inch SAS, SATA or NVMe bays, depending on chassis and backplane. HPE also lists EDSFF NVMe bays and an M.2 NVMe boot option on some configurations. A storage controller is needed for the drive bays.

Does the ML350 Gen12 support NVMe SSDs?

Yes, on configurations with NVMe-capable 2.5 inch bays, listed at PCIe Gen5 x2 per drive with up to 24 drives. The optional tertiary riser may reduce the NVMe connections available, so check your configuration.

What's the biggest drive I can fit?

In 3.5 inch bays, hard drives are listed up to 26 TB, though an older HPE document says 24 TB. In 2.5 inch bays, SAS and NVMe SSDs are listed up to 15.36 TB. SSDs in 3.5 inch bays are listed only up to 960 GB.

Documentos y referencias oficiales

• HPE ProLiant Compute ML350 Gen12 QuickSpecs
  Memory, drive and riser options and maximums
• HPE QuickSpecs (document revision history)
  Latest revision and revision history
• HPE ProLiant Compute ML350 Gen12 product page
  Official overview and processor family
• HPE Store: ProLiant Compute ML350 Gen12
  Memory and NVMe summary
• PDF HPE ML350 Gen12 user guide (PDF)
  Memory part-number key
• PDF HPE ML350 Gen12 QuickSpecs, earlier copy (PDF)
  Older revision with 24 TB LFF maximum
• ServNet UK ML350 Gen12 datasheet
  Single-CPU slot count and memory speeds