HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Server 2U SFF Rail Kit 662535-001

Form Factor: 2U

The HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Server is designed with a 2U form factor, providing users with a compact yet powerful solution for their data center needs. The term "2U" refers to the height of the server chassis, which is measured in rack units (U). In this case, the server occupies two rack units, making it an ideal choice for organizations that have limited space in their data centers.

Benefits of 2U Form Factor

1. Space Efficiency: The 2U form factor allows for efficient use of rack space, enabling organizations to maximize the number of servers they can deploy within a limited footprint. This is particularly important for data centers where space is at a premium.

2. Scalability: Despite its compact size, the DL385p Gen8 Server offers excellent scalability options. The 2U form factor provides sufficient room to accommodate multiple expansion slots and drive bays, allowing users to easily scale up their storage and processing capabilities as their business grows.

3. Versatility: The 2U form factor is versatile and compatible with standard rack cabinets, making it easy to integrate the DL385p Gen8 Server into existing data center infrastructures. It can be seamlessly installed alongside other servers and networking equipment without the need for additional modifications.

Improved Airflow and Cooling

The 2U form factor also plays a crucial role in maintaining optimal thermal conditions within the server chassis. The larger height allows for better airflow through the system, ensuring efficient cooling of critical components such as processors, memory modules, and storage drives. Proper cooling is essential for preventing overheating and ensuring reliable performance.

HPE's engineering expertise ensures that the DL385p Gen8 Server is designed with strategically placed fans and ventilation channels to maximize airflow and minimize hotspots. The 2U form factor contributes to this efficient cooling design, resulting in improved reliability and longevity of the server.

Easy Maintenance and Serviceability

The 2U form factor also simplifies maintenance and serviceability of the DL385p Gen8 Server. The increased height provides ample space for technicians to access internal components without the need to remove the entire server from the rack. This saves valuable time during troubleshooting, upgrades, or component replacements, reducing downtime and minimizing disruption to business operations.

Furthermore, the 2U form factor allows for easy cable management. With more vertical space available, cables can be neatly routed and organized, reducing clutter and improving airflow within the server chassis. This not only enhances the overall aesthetics but also facilitates easier identification and replacement of cables when necessary.

Drive Bays: SFF

The HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Server features Small Form Factor (SFF) drive bays, providing users with a compact and efficient storage solution. SFF drives are characterized by their smaller physical size compared to their larger counterparts, Large Form Factor (LFF) drives.

Benefits of SFF Drive Bays

1. Increased Storage Density: SFF drive bays allow for a higher number of drives to be installed within the server chassis compared to LFF drive bays. This increased storage density is especially beneficial for organizations that require large amounts of storage capacity in a limited physical space.

2. Faster Data Access: The smaller physical size of SFF drives results in reduced seek times and lower latency compared to LFF drives. This translates into faster data access and improved overall system performance, making the DL385p Gen8 Server an excellent choice for applications that demand high I/O operations and low response times.

Flexibility and Expandability

The DL385p Gen8 Server's SFF drive bays offer flexibility and expandability options to meet varying storage requirements. The server supports a wide range of SAS, SATA, and SSD drives, allowing users to choose the most suitable drive type and capacity for their specific needs.

Furthermore, the SFF drive bays can be easily expanded using additional drive cages or external storage enclosures. This enables users to seamlessly increase their storage capacity as their data grows or to implement different storage tiers for improved data management and performance optimization.

Hot-Swappable Drives

One of the key advantages of SFF drive bays is their hot-swappable nature. This means that drives can be inserted or removed while the server is running, without any impact on system operation. Hot-swappable drives save valuable time during maintenance operations and reduce downtime in case of drive failures or upgrades.

The DL385p Gen8 Server's SFF drive bays are equipped with hot-plug functionality, allowing for easy replacement or addition of drives without interrupting critical business processes. This enhances system availability and ensures continuous data access for users.

Rail Kit Part Number: 662535-001

The HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Server comes with a dedicated rail kit designed to simplify installation and management. The rail kit part number for this server model is 662535-001.

Benefits of Rail Kit Part Number 662535-001

1. Easy Installation: The rail kit is specifically designed to ensure straightforward installation of the DL385p Gen8 Server into standard rack cabinets. The included mounting brackets, screws, and other necessary hardware simplify the process, saving time and effort in setting up the server.

2. Secure and Stable Mounting: The rail kit provides a secure and stable mounting solution for the server within the rack cabinet. It prevents any accidental movement or vibration that could potentially lead to damage or performance issues. The robust construction and precise engineering of the rail kit ensure that the server remains securely in place at all times.

Improved Accessibility

The 662535-001 rail kit also enhances accessibility to the DL385p Gen8 Server for maintenance and service purposes. The sliding mechanism allows users to effortlessly extend the server out of the rack, providing convenient access to internal components without having to remove the entire server from its mounting position.

This feature is particularly valuable in densely populated rack environments where space constraints may limit physical access to servers. With the rail kit, technicians can easily reach components for troubleshooting, upgrades, or repairs, minimizing downtime and ensuring prompt resolution of any issues.

Enhanced Cable Management

In addition to simplifying server installation and accessibility, the 662535-001 rail kit also contributes to improved cable management within the rack cabinet. The rail kit includes cable management brackets and hooks that help keep cables organized and prevent tangling.

Proper cable management not only improves airflow within the rack but also facilitates easier identification and replacement of cables when necessary. This reduces the risk of accidental disconnections or damage to cables during maintenance activities, ensuring uninterrupted connectivity and data flow.