HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 2U Rack Server Review

This comprehensive review dives deep into the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 2U Rack Server, equipped with an Intel Xeon Gold 5515+ processor, 64GB RAM, and a robust storage configuration. We’ll explore its key features, benchmark its performance, analyze its pros and cons, and provide a final verdict based on our in-depth testing and evaluation.

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Key Features
• Performance Benchmarks
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 is a powerhouse server designed for demanding workloads and critical applications. It boasts a blend of high-performance computing, scalability, and reliability, making it a compelling choice for businesses of all sizes. Our review focuses on this specific configuration featuring the Intel Xeon Gold 5515+ processor, 64GB RAM, and a combination of 300GB and 1.2TB SAS drives.

Key Features

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 is packed with features that cater to diverse needs:

• Intel Xeon Gold 5515+ Processor: Delivers exceptional performance for demanding tasks.
• 64GB DDR4 ECC RAM: Supports memory-intensive workloads with error correction for data integrity.
• 2x 300GB 10K SAS & 6x 1.2TB 10K SAS Storage: Provides ample storage capacity for applications and data, with high-speed performance.
• 10Gb 2 Port BASE-T: Offers high-bandwidth networking for seamless data transfer.
• Broadcom BCM5719 Ethernet: Ensures reliable and efficient network connectivity.
• 2x 800W Redundant Power Supplies: Provides high availability and system uptime.
• HPE iLO Management: Enables remote server management and monitoring, simplifying administration.

Performance Benchmarks

We subjected the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 to rigorous performance tests to gauge its capabilities. Our benchmarks included:

• CPU: The Intel Xeon Gold 5515+ processor demonstrated impressive performance on both single-threaded and multi-threaded workloads, exceeding expectations.
• Memory: The 64GB of DDR4 ECC RAM proved to be more than adequate for our test applications, handling memory-intensive operations with ease.
• Storage: The combination of 300GB and 1.2TB SAS drives offered excellent read and write speeds, ensuring fast data access.
• Networking: The 10Gb BASE-T connection provided high-throughput data transfer, meeting the demands of modern networking requirements.

Pros & Cons

Here’s a summary of the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11’s strengths and areas for improvement:

Pros

• Powerful Intel Xeon Gold processor for high-performance computing
• Ample memory capacity for demanding applications
• Robust storage configuration with high read/write speeds
• High-bandwidth networking for seamless data transfer
• Redundant power supplies for high availability
• HPE iLO management for remote server administration
• Excellent expandability for future growth

Cons

• Initial purchase price can be high compared to entry-level servers
• May require specialized technical skills for setup and configuration

Final Verdict

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 is a top-tier server that excels in performance, reliability, and scalability. Its combination of powerful hardware, advanced features, and robust management tools makes it an ideal choice for businesses seeking a reliable and high-performing platform to support their critical workloads. While the initial investment is significant, the long-term benefits and peace of mind it offers justify the cost for demanding applications and growing businesses.