HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Server

Thrilling Precision in a Compact Frame: HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11

In the sleek 1U chassis of the HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 lies a potent fusion of density, flexibility, and performance-centric design. Small in rack height yet vast in capability, this server empowers businesses to harness modern workloads without compromise. It’s not merely a server—it’s a finely-tuned instrument of compute power.

Imagine a system that quietly occupies minimal space, yet thrives under massive workloads, surging when required and conserving energy when idle. That’s the HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11. Its compact form belies the expansive possibilities tucked within.

The balance is remarkable: dual-socket support, next-generation DDR5 memory, PCIe Gen5 expansion, strong security, and remote management—all within a single rack unit. For organisations that demand both density and versatility, the DL360 Gen11 is a compelling choice.

Key Features of HPE DL360 Gen11 Server

Dual-socket architecture in a 1U form factor delivers high compute density without wasting rack space.
Support for 4th and 5th Generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable Processors provides up to 64 cores per configuration, ensuring raw, scalable power for every workload.
Massive DDR5 memory support, with up to 8 TB of total capacity, accelerates high-performance computing and virtualization.
PCIe Gen5 and OCP mezzanine support enable lightning-fast I/O, preparing the server for the future of connectivity.
Flexible storage architecture accommodates SFF, LFF, NVMe, and Tri-Mode SAS/SATA/U.3 drives for seamless scalability.
Advanced HPE Silicon Root of Trust security, offering firmware integrity, memory encryption, and secure boot.
HPE Integrated Lights-Out 6 (iLO6) for remote management, diagnostics, and lifecycle automation.
Optimized for diverse workloads, including virtualization, hybrid cloud, database management, and high-performance analytics.

This server merges raw power with elegant engineering. It stands in that sweet spot where smart design drives real business impact.

HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 Specifications

Supported Processors (CPU):

The DL360 Gen11 supports 4th and 5th Generation Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, offering up to 64 cores per CPU. Dual-socket configurations enable massive scalability and flexibility. With Intel’s latest architecture and power envelopes up to 385 W, it can tackle dense compute workloads with ease. The Intel C741 chipset supports cutting-edge performance tuning and enhanced I/O throughput.

Memory (RAM) Support:

Memory is one of this server’s strongest features. Supporting DDR5 SmartMemory with up to 16 DIMMs per CPU, it delivers up to 8 TB of total capacity. Speeds reach up to 4800 MT/s, reducing latency and improving bandwidth across memory-intensive tasks. For virtualization, in-memory databases, or analytics, this configuration ensures sustained throughput even under heavy demand.

Storage (HDD/SSD) Support:

The DL360 Gen11’s storage flexibility is exceptional. It offers up to eight front-accessible SFF drive bays and optional Universal Media Bay configurations. Its Tri-Mode SAS/SATA/U.3 NVMe backplanes allow you to mix and match drive types effortlessly—ideal for balancing performance and cost.

Supported Hard Drives:

Compatible with SAS HDDs/SSDs, SATA HDDs/SSDs, and NVMe U.3 SSDs, this system ensures complete freedom in storage design. Hot-plug support makes upgrades and maintenance fast and non-disruptive, while high-speed NVMe ensures optimal IOPS for latency-sensitive workloads.

Supported Graphics Cards (GPU)

Though compact, the DL360 Gen11 can host up to two single-wide GPUs, enabling acceleration for AI inference, machine learning, or graphical workloads. GPU support transforms this slim 1U chassis into a capable hybrid compute node, suitable for both visual workloads and compute-intensive tasks.

Networking and Expansion

Networking and I/O are future-ready with PCIe Gen5 architecture. Two x16 PCIe slots and dual OCP mezzanine slots allow high-speed networking cards, NVMe expansion, or storage controllers. Network interfaces support 1 GbE up to 100 GbE depending on configuration, ensuring flexible connectivity for everything from branch deployments to data-center clusters.
This modular approach means it adapts gracefully to new technologies, protecting your investment as standards evolve.

HPE iLO6 and Security Features

The integrated iLO6 platform delivers enterprise-grade remote management, allowing administrators to deploy, monitor, and troubleshoot servers from anywhere. Firmware updates, performance analytics, and intelligent automation can be executed remotely, ensuring uptime and efficiency.
Security is foundational to the DL360 Gen11’s DNA. HPE’s Silicon Root of Trust safeguards the boot process at the hardware level. Combined with secure boot, memory encryption, firmware verification, and TPM 2.0 support, it creates a fortified defense against intrusion and tampering. For industries that handle sensitive data, this architecture is indispensable.
Use Cases of HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11
The DL360 Gen11’s strength lies in its adaptability.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI): Perfect for hosting dense virtual environments with GPU acceleration.
Hybrid Cloud Computing: Seamlessly integrates with HPE GreenLake or private cloud environments.
Electronic Design Automation (EDA) and CAD: Handles compute-intensive simulations and renderings effortlessly.
In-Memory Databases: With up to 8 TB of DDR5 RAM, it excels in high-speed data analytics and caching workloads.
Edge Deployments: Compact 1U design fits in space-restricted sites while maintaining enterprise-class capability.
High-Performance Clusters: Ideal for compute nodes in distributed workloads, supporting HPC or AI training.

How to Configure HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 for Maximum Performance

Firmware and BIOS Updates:

Always begin by updating BIOS, firmware, and iLO software. HPE’s Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP) ensures compatibility, stability, and performance enhancements.

Memory Configuration:

Populate DIMMs symmetrically across both CPUs to maintain optimal bandwidth. Use matching DDR5 modules for uniform performance and activate performance profiles in BIOS to unlock maximum frequency.

Processor Configuration:

Choose CPUs based on workload type—high core count for parallel processing, high clock speed for latency-sensitive operations. Enable Turbo Boost and tune NUMA settings for locality-based optimization.

Storage Configuration:

Use NVMe drives for high IOPS workloads and SAS/SATA drives for capacity. Utilize the Tri-Mode backplane to mix drive types and configure RAID for redundancy. Monitor storage latency and adjust queue depths for optimal responsiveness.

Networking Configuration:

Select NICs that fit your bandwidth needs—10 GbE for mid-tier workloads, 25 GbE or 100 GbE for data-intensive tasks. Enable SR-IOV and offload features to reduce CPU overhead.

Power and Cooling Settings:

Install high-efficiency Titanium power supplies and configure redundant modes for resilience. Maintain airflow through the 1U chassis and monitor thermal thresholds via iLO6 sensors.

Virtualization and Operating Systems:

Use the latest hypervisor versions that support Gen11 hardware. Align virtual machine allocations with physical NUMA domains, and enable hardware acceleration features for virtualized workloads.

HPE Monitoring Tools:

Deploy HPE OneView for lifecycle management and HPE InfoSight for predictive analytics. These tools help fine-tune server settings and prevent potential failures before they occur.

Security and Firmware Optimization:

Activate Silicon Root of Trust, enable Secure Boot, and disable unnecessary interfaces. Regularly update firmware to defend against vulnerabilities and use encryption where sensitive data is processed.

Performance Tuning by Workload:

Compute-bound tasks: prioritize CPUs with higher core counts.
Memory-bound workloads: maximize DIMM population and speed.
I/O-intensive environments: use NVMe storage and high-bandwidth NICs.
GPU-based workloads: ensure cooling profiles match GPU TDP and driver updates are maintained.

Each layer of optimization compounds to elevate performance, stability, and efficiency.

Comparison: HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11 vs DL380 Gen11

The DL360 Gen11 and DL380 Gen11 are siblings with distinct strengths.

Form Factor: The DL360 Gen11’s 1U design focuses on density, while the DL380 Gen11’s 2U chassis offers more internal space for storage and expansion.
Expansion: The DL380 supports more drive bays and GPUs, but the DL360 delivers better space efficiency.
Thermal Management: The DL380 has greater airflow capacity and supports higher TDP processors.
Ideal Use: Choose the DL360 for compute-dense environments; opt for the DL380 for storage-rich deployments or high-GPU nodes.

Both models share HPE’s Gen11 innovations—PCIe Gen5, DDR5, and iLO6—but their chassis and scalability cater to different workloads.

Technical Specifications of HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen11

Form Factor: 1U rackmount
Processors: Dual 4th/5th Gen Intel® Xeon® Scalable CPUs (up to 64 cores each)
Chipset: Intel C741 series
Memory: DDR5 SmartMemory up to 8 TB (16 DIMMs per CPU)
Storage: Up to 8 SFF front bays, Tri-Mode SAS/SATA/U.3 NVMe support
Expansion: PCIe Gen5 slots (2 × x16), 2 OCP mezzanine slots
Networking: Modular NIC support (1 GbE to 100 GbE)
Remote Management: HPE iLO6 embedded controller
Security: Silicon Root of Trust, TPM 2.0, Secure Boot, memory encryption
Power: Redundant Titanium Flex Slot PSUs
Cooling: Smart fan modules for thermal efficiency
Chassis Dimensions: Approx. 75 cm depth, 43 cm width