726654-B21 HPE Intel Xeon E5-2630v3 2.4GHz 8-Core Processor.

Compatibility

The HPE 726654-B21 is offered as a factory-validated processor option for the ML350 Gen9. HPE validates firmware, power profiles, and system firmware (iLO and BIOS) with this CPU to ensure stable operation in enterprise environments. For system integrators and IT buyers, native compatibility reduces deployment time and minimizes unexpected incompatibility issues during firmware updates or high-load operations.

Platform requirements

• HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen9 chassis and supported system BIOS/iLO versions.
• Appropriate heatsink and thermal solution rated for 85 W TDP as specified by HPE.
• Compatible memory (DDR4 RDIMM / LRDIMM) and voltage regulator modules (VRMs) on the Gen9 motherboard.
• Firmware updates: verify iLO/BIOS and system ROM are up-to-date to ensure microcode support for the v3 family.

Firmware and microcode: practical note

Before placing the processor into production, update server firmware (System ROM / iLO) to versions that list support for Intel Xeon E5 v3 processors. This mitigates issues with power management, C-states, and Turbo behavior, and ensures accurate sensor reporting.

Performance profile — what to expect

The E5-2630 v3 is targeted at mainstream server workloads where sustained multi-threaded performance is more valuable than peak single-thread clocks. The 8-core / 16-thread configuration, together with 20 MB L3 cache, provides competitive throughput for virtualization, database query loads, application servers, and mid-tier web services.

Virtualization and consolidation

With Hyper-Threading and robust cache, the processor enables efficient virtual machine density in the ML350 Gen9. Typical use cases include:

• Small-to-medium virtualization hosts (VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, KVM).
• Container hosts where CPU scheduling favors many concurrent light-weight tasks.
• Mixed workload consolidation where balancing CPU, memory, and I/O matters more than single-thread peak clocks.

Application workloads

• Database processing: good for OLTP or read-heavy OLAP when matched with fast storage and tuned memory configurations.
• Web and application tiers: supports multi-threaded application servers and microservice clusters.
• Batch and analytics: suitable for smaller batch jobs or parallelized ETL work — larger analytics clusters may prefer higher-core SKUs.

Performance tuning tips

• Enable Turbo Boost for latency-sensitive loads and disable aggressive power capping when running sustained heavy workloads.
• Use current BIOS microcode levels to ensure accurate CPU power and frequency management.
• Balance CPU and memory: choose RDIMM or LRDIMM configurations supported by HPE to maximize DDR4 bandwidth.

Power, thermals and efficiency

At an 85 W TDP, the E5-2630 v3 sits in a sweet spot: lower thermal envelope than higher-tier 120–165 W SKUs, but with enough performance for many enterprise scenarios. Less TDP can reduce cooling costs and enable denser rack consolidation when combined with HPE’s thermal management features.

Cooling and heatsink guidance

• Use HPE-specified heatsink and retention hardware for ML350 Gen9 — aftermarket coolers are not recommended for production servers.
• Ensure adequate chassis airflow by following HPE layout: front-to-back airflow and properly seated drive bays.
• Monitor CPU inlet/outlet temperatures via iLO sensor readings to detect sustained thermal throttling early.

Power management profiles

HPE iLO provides dynamic power management settings — choose from maximum performance, balanced, or power-saver modes depending on workload. For virtualized hosts, a balanced profile typically yields the best compromise between latency and energy consumption.

Memory and I/O considerations

The ML350 Gen9 platform paired with the E5-2630 v3 supports DDR4 memory with ECC — a crucial feature for server reliability. Memory channel utilization and DIMM population rules greatly influence real-world throughput; choose RDIMM/LRDIMM density and speed per HPE compatibility matrices.

Recommended memory configurations

• Populate memory channels evenly for maximum memory bandwidth and lowest latency.
• Prefer ECC RDIMMs for mission-critical workloads; LRDIMMs if very high capacity per socket is required.
• Follow the server quickspecs for maximum supported memory speed per population (e.g., 2133 MT/s or 1866 MT/s depending on DIMM type).

I/O expansion and storage connectivity

The ML350 Gen9 chassis offers multiple PCIe slots and HPE Smart Array controllers. When using the E5-2630 v3, ensure that I/O lane allocation and riser cards are configured to meet throughput requirements for NVMe, SAS, or HBA connections. Many deployments pair this processor with dual-port NVMe or SAS controllers for balanced storage performance.

Reliability, availability, serviceability (RAS)

Server-grade CPUs like the E5-2630 v3 together with HPE ProLiant servers include features aimed at enterprise RAS: ECC memory support, enhanced machine check architecture (MCA), and firmware-driven health checks. Using manufacturer-approved parts such as the 726654-B21 preserves warranty coverage and simplifies RMA processes.

Enterprise features

• ECC memory and error-correcting capabilities to reduce data corruption risk.
• Intel AES-NI for accelerated cryptographic operations — helpful for encrypted storage or TLS offloading workloads.
• Platform health monitoring via HPE iLO and integrated sensors.

Serviceability notes

When servicing or upgrading CPUs, follow HPE static procedures and torque specifications. Record firmware versions and any configuration changes for future troubleshooting. For dual-socket configurations, ensure matched processor families and firmware support to avoid NUMA or unexpected scheduler behavior.

Deployment scenarios and recommended use-cases

The HPE 726654-B21 is frequently chosen for these deployment patterns:

• Branch and remote offices: cost-efficient compute for local application hosting and file services.
• Small-to-medium business (SMB) data centers: general-purpose server roles like AD, DNS, file services, print, and internal web apps.
• Virtualized edge hosts: running a handful of VMs or containers with predictable resource demands.
• Test and development environments: balances cost and performance for CI/CD runners and developer sandboxes.

Installation, handling, and best practices

Proper handling and installation extend component life and reduce early failures. The following practical steps help ensure a clean installation of the HPE 726654-B21 processor into ML350 Gen9 systems.

Step-by-step checklist

1. Power off the server and disconnect all external power sources.
2. Ground yourself to prevent ESD damage; use an ESD wrist strap when available.
3. Remove the existing heatsink or CPU cover per HPE instructions.
4. Verify socket type (LGA 2011-v3) and pin integrity prior to seating the CPU.
5. Apply the HPE-recommended thermal interface material (TIM) and affix the heatsink using the specified torque sequence.
6. Re-flash or update BIOS/iLO if recommended by HPE for this CPU family.
7. Run a post-installation health check via iLO and stress the system under controlled conditions to validate stability.

Maintenance, monitoring and lifecycle management

Regular maintenance ensures predictable performance. Use HPE OneView or iLO to collect telemetry, schedule firmware updates, and track component health. Store spare CPUs in anti-static bags at recommended humidity and temperature ranges.

Monitoring checklist

• Track maximum core temperatures and TjMax thresholds.
• Monitor iLO logs for corrected and uncorrected memory errors.
• Use SNMP/REST APIs to integrate server health into central monitoring solutions.

Alternatives and upgrade paths

If you need greater core density or newer instruction sets, consider higher-tier E5 v3 SKUs (e.g., 10–12 core variants) or migrating to later Intel Xeon generations (v4/v5) or equivalent AMD EPYC platforms if your infrastructure roadmap includes a platform change. When upgrading within the ML350 Gen9 family, confirm server firmware and power delivery can support the alternative SKU.

Security and firmware considerations

Like all Intel server CPUs, keeping firmware and firmware-attached microcode current is key for both performance and security. Review HPE advisories for microcode updates, and apply security patches for vulnerabilities that may affect speculative execution or side-channel mitigations. Where applicable, balance microcode mitigations with performance needs.

Operational security best-practices

• Subscribe to HPE security bulletins and deploy critical firmware updates during maintenance windows.
• Use HPE iLO secure access features (two-factor authentication, TLS) to protect remote management channels.
• Document baseline performance before and after microcode updates to detect regressions early.