HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Server

The HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Server is a 1U rack-mount server designed for enterprise workloads that demand high performance, scalability, and security. Built for modern data centers, the DL360 Gen11 leverages Intel Xeon Scalable processors, advanced memory support, and high-speed networking to provide an optimized solution for cloud computing, virtualization, and AI-driven applications. This compact yet powerful server is an ideal choice for businesses looking for a reliable and energy-efficient infrastructure.

HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Server

The HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 is part of the HP Gen11 Server lineup, featuring cutting-edge technology and improved compute density. It is built to support hybrid cloud environments, enabling enterprises to scale their workloads efficiently. This server is engineered for performance, security, and automation, making it suitable for AI workloads, machine learning, virtualization, and data analytics.

Key Features of HPE DL360 Gen11 Server

• Intel Xeon Scalable Processors (4th Gen) for high compute power.
• PCIe Gen5 support for faster expansion capabilities.
• DDR5 Memory Support for enhanced speed and efficiency.
• High-speed networking with multiple I/O options.
• Advanced security features with HPE iLO6 & Silicon Root of Trust.
• Energy-efficient design for reduced power consumption.

HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Specifications

DL360 Gen11 Supported Processors (CPU)

The DL360 Gen11 supports 4th Generation Intel Xeon Scalable Processors, offering exceptional performance for compute-intensive applications. Supported CPUs include:

• Intel Xeon Platinum 8400 Series (Advanced AI, HPC, and cloud computing).
• Intel Xeon Gold 6400/5400 Series (Optimized for virtualization and enterprise workloads).
• Intel Xeon Silver 4400 Series (Entry-level performance with efficiency).
• Intel Xeon Bronze 3400 Series (Basic workloads and cost-effective solutions).

Each CPU provides high core counts, improved cache memory, and better power efficiency, ensuring optimized performance for enterprise applications.

Memory (RAM) Support in DL360 Gen11

The HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 supports DDR5 RDIMM and LRDIMM modules, significantly improving bandwidth and reducing latency. Key memory specifications:

• Maximum Capacity: 8TB (using 256GB DDR5 modules).
• Memory Slots: 32 DIMM slots.
• Memory Speeds: Supports DDR5-4800 MT/s for fast data processing.
• ECC and RAS Support: Advanced error correction and reliability features.

The high-density memory configuration makes the DL360 G11 ideal for data-intensive workloads, virtualization, and high-performance computing (HPC).

Storage (HDD/SSD) Support in DL360 Gen11

The DL360 Gen11 is designed to accommodate various storage configurations, allowing businesses to choose between high-capacity HDDs or ultra-fast SSDs. Supported storage options include:

Supported Hard Drives:

• HPE SAS/SATA HDDs (LFF & SFF)
  • 2.5″ (SFF) up to 10TB per drive
  • 3.5″ (LFF) up to 20TB per drive
• HPE NVMe SSDs
  • High-speed PCIe Gen4 NVMe drives
  • Up to 7.68TB per drive
• HPE SATA SSDs
  • Available in various capacities for optimized performance.

The server supports up to 12 NVMe drives, ensuring high IOPS performance for database applications, AI workloads, and high-speed computing.

Supported Graphics Cards (GPU) in DL360 Gen11

For businesses requiring AI processing, GPU acceleration, or enhanced graphics capabilities, the DL360 Gen11 supports a range of GPUs:

• NVIDIA A10 Tensor Core GPU – Ideal for AI inference and deep learning.
• NVIDIA A100 PCIe GPU – High-performance computing and AI training.
• AMD Instinct MI100 – AI workloads and scientific computing.
• NVIDIA T4 GPU – Best suited for virtualization and cloud workloads.

The server’s PCIe Gen5 slots ensure high bandwidth for GPU workloads, making it ideal for AI, machine learning, and data analytics.

Networking and Expansion in DL360 Gen11

The HPE DL360 Gen11 is built with high-speed networking options, ensuring seamless data transfer and low-latency connectivity.

• Onboard Network: Dual 1GbE, 10GbE, or 25GbE adapters.
• Expansion Slots: Supports PCIe Gen5 for future scalability.
• Optional SmartNICs: HPE FlexFabric 10/25/50GbE adapters.

HPE iLO6 and Security Features

Security is a top priority in modern data centers, and DL360 Gen11 offers enterprise-grade protection:

• HPE iLO6 (Integrated Lights-Out 6) for remote server management.
• Silicon Root of Trust to prevent firmware attacks.
• Secure Boot & TPM 2.0 for enhanced security.
• Runtime firmware verification for protection against unauthorized modifications.

These features ensure the DL360 Gen11 is protected from cybersecurity threats, making it a secure enterprise solution.

Use Cases of HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11

The DL360 Gen11 is designed for a wide range of applications, including:

1. Cloud Computing & Virtualization

   • Supports VMware, Hyper-V, and KVM.
   • Ideal for virtualized workloads and cloud applications.

2. AI and Machine Learning

   • GPU support enables AI inference and deep learning.
   • Optimized memory bandwidth for AI-driven applications.

3. Enterprise Database Management

   • Supports SQL Server, Oracle, and SAP HANA.
   • High-speed storage ensures fast data retrieval.

4. High-Performance Computing (HPC)

   • PCIe Gen5 expansion for compute-intensive tasks.
   • Scalable architecture for research and engineering workloads.

How to Configure HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 for Maximum Performance?

Configuring your HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 server for maximum performance involves several steps that optimize hardware settings, software configurations, and networking to ensure you’re getting the best performance. Here’s a guide to help you:

1. Firmware & BIOS Updates

• Update Firmware: Ensure that the server’s firmware is up-to-date. HPE regularly releases firmware updates to improve system stability and performance.
• Update BIOS: Check for the latest BIOS version and update if necessary. This will improve compatibility and performance.

How to update:

• Use the HPE Intelligent Provisioning or HPE Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) to update firmware and BIOS.

2. Memory Configuration

• Populate All DIMM Slots: Ensure you populate the memory slots evenly to take advantage of Dual Channel Mode, which boosts memory performance.
• Use the Right RAM: Opt for high-quality, registered ECC memory (Error-Correcting Code) for reliability and performance.
• Enable Memory Performance Mode in the BIOS if your workload demands higher memory throughput.

3. Processor Configuration

• Enable Hyper-Threading: Enable Intel Hyper-Threading Technology (if your CPUs support it) to improve multi-threaded workloads.
• Enable CPU Performance Mode: In the BIOS settings, enable the Intel Performance Mode to ensure the processor runs at higher frequencies when under load.
• Processor Power Management: Set the processor power management to Maximum Performance in BIOS to disable power-saving features like C-states.

4. Storage Configuration

• RAID Configuration: Use an HPE Smart Array Controller and configure a RAID array that suits your needs (RAID 0 for performance, RAID 1 for redundancy, or RAID 10 for a balance of both).
• Optimize Storage with NVMe: If your server supports NVMe SSDs, use them for faster storage access.
• Disable Write Caching on storage controllers if data integrity is more important than performance. Otherwise, enable it for faster write speeds.

5. Networking Configuration

• Use 10GbE or Higher NICs: Make sure to use 10GbE or higher network interfaces for faster network throughput. Enable features like Flow Control and Jumbo Frames (MTU size of 9000 bytes) if your network supports them.
• Enable Network Teaming: If you have multiple NICs, configure network teaming in the server’s BIOS or operating system to increase network bandwidth and provide fault tolerance.

6. Power and Cooling Settings

• Power Supply Redundancy: Ensure you have redundant power supplies to ensure continuous uptime without impacting performance.
• Optimal Cooling: Make sure the server has optimal airflow by maintaining proper cable management and avoiding overheating. In the BIOS, check that the fan speed settings are set for maximum cooling.

7. Virtualization and Operating System Configuration

• Enable Virtualization in BIOS: If running virtual machines, enable Intel VT-x and Intel VT-d in the BIOS to improve performance for virtualization workloads.
• OS Optimization: Install the latest drivers for all hardware, especially for storage controllers, network cards, and graphics. Ensure that the OS is properly tuned for performance (e.g., disabling unnecessary services, adjusting power settings, etc.).

8. Use HPE Tools for Monitoring and Optimization

• HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO): Use iLO for remote management and monitoring, and configure performance thresholds for temperature, power, and fan speeds.
• HPE OneView: Consider using HPE OneView for centralized monitoring and management of your server infrastructure, allowing you to optimize configurations across multiple servers.
• HPE Smart Memory: HPE Smart Memory automatically adjusts memory performance based on the number of modules and the type of workload.

9. Security and Firmware Optimization

• Enable Secure Boot: To prevent unauthorized booting, enable Secure Boot in the BIOS.
• TPM: If needed for encryption, enable TPM (Trusted Platform Module) for hardware-based security.

10. Performance Tuning Based on Workload

• Database and Application Servers: If using the server for databases or application workloads, ensure that SQL Server or other application servers are configured to use as many CPU cores as possible, and configure the storage subsystem for maximum throughput.
• Scientific Computing and AI Workloads: Enable Intel AVX-512 in the BIOS for performance improvements with workloads like scientific computations or AI model training.
• Web and File Servers: Adjust your web and file server software to take full advantage of available memory and CPU resources.

Comparison: HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 vs DL380 Gen11

Technical Specifications HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11

Conclusion

The HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Server is a powerful and efficient solution for enterprise workloads, AI, cloud computing, and virtualization. With advanced security, scalability, and high-performance computing capabilities, the DL360 G11 is a future-proof investment for modern businesses.