HPE P56970-B21 ProLiant DL380 Gen10 2U Rack Server - BTO Model with No CPU, No RAM, HPE Smart Array S100i SR Software, HPE 1GB 4-Port Ethernet 331i Adapter, No PSU

HPE P56970-B21 ProLiant DL380 Gen10 2U Rack Server

The HPE P56970-B21 ProLiant DL380 Gen10 2U Rack Server is a high-performance, customizable rack server designed for enterprise environments. Known for its superior reliability and scalability, this server is part of HPE’s renowned ProLiant DL380 series, which is widely utilized in data centers, cloud environments, and high-demand applications. This specific model comes as a Build-to-Order (BTO) configuration, allowing customers to select the components that best fit their needs. It is important to note that the HPE P56970-B21 does not include a CPU, RAM, or PSU, which offers customers the flexibility to tailor the server to their specific requirements.

Key Features of the HPE P56970-B21 ProLiant DL380 Gen10

• Enterprise-level scalability for diverse workloads
• Enhanced security features with HPE Silicon Root of Trust
• Highly efficient and customizable with a range of compatible components
• Advanced I/O options for high-speed networking and storage
• 2U rackmount form factor designed for efficient space usage in data centers

Understanding the HPE 2U Rack Server Form Factor

The 2U form factor of the ProLiant DL380 Gen10 server provides an optimal balance between high-density computing and efficient space utilization. A 2U server is 3.5 inches tall, offering double the height of a 1U server while maintaining a similar depth and width. This allows the server to accommodate more hardware components, such as additional storage devices, memory, and expansion cards, while still fitting into standard 19-inch server racks.

Why Choose a 2U Server?

The HPE P56970-B21 ProLiant DL380 Gen10 is ideal for users who require more expansion options than a 1U rack server but still need a compact and efficient solution for their server rack. This form factor is often preferred for high-performance applications such as virtualization, database management, and running enterprise-level workloads where scalability is essential. Additionally, 2U servers provide better cooling capabilities due to their larger internal space compared to smaller form factors.

Detailed Look at the Components of the HPE P56970-B21

No CPU - Flexibility in Processor Selection

The HPE P56970-B21 comes without a CPU, allowing users to choose the most appropriate processor based on their specific needs. HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 servers support a wide range of Intel Xeon Scalable processors, which can be selected based on performance, cores, and power consumption requirements. The ability to select the processor allows for customization depending on whether you need higher clock speeds for intensive single-threaded workloads or more cores for multi-threaded performance.

Compatible Processors for the ProLiant DL380 Gen10

The ProLiant DL380 Gen10 supports a broad selection of Intel Xeon Scalable processors from the Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum families. Each family offers varying levels of performance, making it suitable for different use cases, from entry-level to high-end enterprise workloads. The system supports up to two processors, providing the scalability necessary for larger applications and improving overall system performance in multi-threaded tasks.

No RAM - Choose the Right Memory Configuration

Another key feature of the HPE P56970-B21 is that it does not include any pre-installed RAM, giving users the flexibility to configure the server’s memory based on their workload requirements. The server supports a wide range of HPE’s DDR4 SmartMemory modules, providing both high-speed memory and increased bandwidth for demanding applications. The maximum memory supported is up to 3TB of RAM with the correct memory configuration and processors, ensuring that the server can handle large datasets, virtualized environments, and memory-intensive workloads.

Memory Types and Configuration Options

HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 servers use advanced memory technologies like HPE Persistent Memory, which can improve performance by providing faster access to critical data. Additionally, the server supports a variety of memory configurations, including memory mirroring and advanced ECC (Error Correction Code) features, ensuring system stability and reducing the risk of data corruption.

No PSU – Power Supply Customization

The absence of a power supply unit (PSU) in the HPE P56970-B21 gives users the flexibility to select the PSU that best matches their power requirements. Depending on the processor, memory, and additional components chosen, the server’s power needs will vary. HPE provides a wide range of redundant power supply options that ensure maximum uptime and reliability. For environments that require 24/7 availability, choosing a redundant PSU configuration is recommended to provide automatic failover in the event of a power supply failure.

Redundant Power Supply Options

HPE’s redundant PSU options include models designed for 500W to 1600W configurations, ensuring that users can tailor the server’s power needs to their specific workloads. The 2U ProLiant DL380 Gen10 can support up to two power supplies, which can be hot-swapped to ensure continuous operation in mission-critical applications. Energy-efficient power supplies help reduce operational costs by minimizing power consumption and ensuring high system availability.

Networking and Expansion Capabilities

HPE Smart Array S100i SR Software for Storage Management

The HPE Smart Array S100i SR Software is a software-based RAID solution that is included in the HPE P56970-B21 ProLiant DL380 Gen10 server. It provides basic RAID functionality for managing storage devices without requiring an additional hardware RAID controller. This software is an excellent choice for small to medium-sized businesses that need an affordable, entry-level storage solution. It supports RAID levels 0, 1, and 10, ensuring data protection and performance optimization in basic storage configurations.

Storage Solutions for ProLiant DL380 Gen10

HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 servers offer versatile storage options, including support for hot-plug SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives. The server supports up to 12 SFF or 8 LFF drive bays, making it suitable for applications that require large storage capacity. Additionally, the Smart Array S100i SR Software is compatible with various HPE storage solutions, allowing for the integration of additional storage devices and providing flexibility in managing data throughput and redundancy.

HPE 1GB 4-Port Ethernet 331i Adapter

The HPE 1GB 4-Port Ethernet 331i Adapter provides network connectivity for the ProLiant DL380 Gen10 server. This network adapter offers four 1Gb Ethernet ports, making it an excellent choice for environments that require high-speed network connectivity and efficient data transfer. The inclusion of this Ethernet adapter ensures that the server can support a range of networked applications, including web hosting, virtualized environments, and cloud services, all while maintaining optimal network throughput.

Network Scalability with ProLiant DL380 Gen10

The server’s network interface card (NIC) can be expanded with additional adapters to increase network bandwidth and ensure greater scalability for data transfer. In environments with high traffic or large-scale data operations, users can integrate 10Gb or higher Ethernet adapters, or even fibre channel cards, to achieve faster communication and more robust network performance.

Security Features of the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10

HPE Silicon Root of Trust

One of the standout features of the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 is its built-in security mechanisms, such as the HPE Silicon Root of Trust. This advanced feature integrates hardware-based security at the silicon level, ensuring that the server’s firmware and hardware are protected against unauthorized modifications. With this security feature, businesses can confidently deploy the ProLiant DL380 Gen10 in high-security environments, knowing that they are protected from firmware attacks and other security vulnerabilities.

Comprehensive Security with HPE iLO

The HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) management platform is another critical security feature. It allows administrators to remotely manage and monitor the server’s health, performance, and security status, even if the server is powered off. iLO provides secure remote access to the server’s BIOS, firmware, and other critical systems, enabling IT teams to troubleshoot and resolve issues quickly, reducing the risk of security breaches.