How do I configure an HPE DL380 Gen11 server?

The HPE DL380 configuration steps should include hardware selection, network settings, storage configuration, system management, power cooling, and initialization and security settings. The following is a step-by-step guide to configure the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen11 server, combining hardware selection, network settings, system management and other functions.

1. Hardware Configuration

Processor Selection

• Supports the fourth generation (Sapphire Rapids) and fifth generation (Emerald Rapids) Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors, with a maximum of 64 cores per processor and a maximum TDP of 385W.
• Select the suffix model according to the workload (such as H type for database analysis and N type for network edge computing).
• Note: Processors with TDP >150W require a high-performance heat sink (such as P48818-B21).

Memory Configuration

• Supports up to 8TB DDR5 RDIMM memory, 32 DIMM slots (16 per processor), and a maximum speed of 5600 MT/s.
• Supports advanced memory protection features such as mirroring, combined channel, and HPE Fast Fault Tolerant Memory (ADDDC).

Storage configuration

Drive support:

• Front: 24x SFF or 12x LFF hard drives.
• Mid/rear expansion: supports 8x SFF or 6x NVMe rear drives.
• Optional NVMe U.2/U.3, EDSFF, or M.2 SSDs.

Storage controller: Optional HPE Smart Array series (such as MR408i-o), supporting RAID 0/1/10/5 and NVMe pass-through.

Expansion slot and GPU support

• Up to 8 PCIe Gen5 slots and 2 OCP 3.0 slots.
• Supports 8 single-width or 3 double-width GPUs for AI and graphics-intensive tasks.

2. Network configuration

NIC selection and aggregation

• Optional OCP 3.0 NIC or PCIe adapter (such as Broadcom P210tep 10Gb), support 10/25/100/200Gb network.

Port aggregation example (taking Windows Server as an example):

• Create a NIC team in the operating system, select LACP mode and dynamic load balancing.
• The switch needs to configure a dynamic aggregation interface and add the corresponding port to the aggregation group.

iLO management network

• Use the dedicated iLO service port (rear) for out-of-band management, support remote monitoring, firmware updates, and troubleshooting.

3. System management and initialization

iLO 6 configuration

• Complete system initialization, BIOS settings, and firmware updates through the iLO 6 management interface. Support RESTful API and mobile management.
• Enable security features: Silicon Root of Trust, firmware consistency detection, and memory encryption.

Operating system deployment

• Use Intelligent Provisioning tools to quickly install operating systems (such as Windows Server or Linux).
• Optional hot-swappable M.2 boot devices (such as NS204i-u) support RAID 1 redundancy.

4. Power and cooling

• Power supply options: 800W/1000W/1600W redundant power supplies, support Titanium level energy efficiency (96%).
• Cooling requirements: Processors with TDP >205W require a high-performance fan kit3, Operating temperature range: 5°C–45°C.

5. Security and maintenance

• Physical security: Standard TPM 2.0, optional bezel lock and intrusion detection kit.
• Firmware updates: Regularly upgrade firmware through HPE SUM tool or iLO 6 to ensure vulnerability fixes and performance optimization.