Hardware Specifications

Detailed hardware specifications and configuration options for HP ProLiant DL360 Gen9

System Overview

The HP ProLiant DL360 Gen9 is a dual-socket 1U rack server designed for data center and enterprise deployments, also popular in home lab environments due to its performance and manageability.

Generation: Gen9 (2014-2017 product cycle)
Form Factor: 1U rack-mountable (19-inch standard rack)
Dimensions: 43.46 x 67.31 x 4.29 cm (17.1 x 26.5 x 1.69 in)

Processor Support

Supported CPU Families

The DL360 Gen9 supports Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 and v4 series processors:

  • E5-2600 v3 (Haswell-EP): Released Q3 2014

    • Process: 22nm
    • Cores: 4-18 per socket
    • TDP: 55W-145W
    • Max Memory Speed: DDR4-2133

  • E5-2600 v4 (Broadwell-EP): Released Q1 2016

    • Process: 14nm
    • Cores: 4-22 per socket
    • TDP: 55W-145W
    • Max Memory Speed: DDR4-2400

Value: E5-2620 v3/v4 (6 cores, 15MB cache, 85W)
Balanced: E5-2650 v3/v4 (10-12 cores, 25-30MB cache, 105W)
Performance: E5-2680 v3/v4 (12-14 cores, 30-35MB cache, 120W)
High Core Count: E5-2699 v4 (22 cores, 55MB cache, 145W)

Configuration Options

  • Single Processor: One CPU socket populated (budget option)
  • Dual Processor: Both sockets populated (full performance)

Note: Memory and I/O performance scales with processor count. Single-CPU configuration limits memory channels and PCIe lanes.

Memory Architecture

Memory Specifications

  • Type: DDR4 RDIMM or LRDIMM
  • Speed: DDR4-2133 (v3) or DDR4-2400 (v4)
  • Slots: 24 DIMM slots (12 per processor)
  • Maximum Capacity:
    • 768GB with 32GB RDIMMs
    • 1.5TB with 64GB LRDIMMs (v4 processors)
  • Minimum: 8GB (1x 8GB DIMM)

Memory Configuration Rules

  • Channels per CPU: 4 channels, 3 DIMMs per channel
  • Population: Populate channels evenly for optimal bandwidth
  • Mixing: Do not mix RDIMM and LRDIMM types
  • Speed: All DIMMs run at speed of slowest DIMM

Basic Home Lab (Single CPU):

  • 4x 16GB = 64GB (one DIMM per channel on both memory boards)

Standard (Dual CPU):

  • 8x 16GB = 128GB (one DIMM per channel)
  • 12x 16GB = 192GB (two DIMMs per channel on primary channels)

High Capacity (Dual CPU):

  • 24x 32GB = 768GB (all slots populated, RDIMM)

Performance Priority: Populate all channels before adding second DIMM per channel

Storage Options

Drive Bay Configurations

The DL360 Gen9 offers multiple drive bay configurations:

  1. 8 SFF (2.5-inch): Most common configuration
  2. 10 SFF: Extended bay version
  3. 4 LFF (3.5-inch): Less common in 1U form factor

Drive Types Supported

  • SAS: 12Gb/s, 6Gb/s (enterprise-grade)
  • SATA: 6Gb/s, 3Gb/s (value option)
  • SSD: SAS/SATA SSD, NVMe (with appropriate controller)

Storage Controllers

Smart Array Controllers (HPE proprietary RAID):

  • P440ar: Entry-level, 2GB FBWC (Flash-Backed Write Cache), RAID 0/1/5/6/10
  • P840ar: High-performance, 4GB FBWC, RAID 0/1/5/6/10/50/60
  • P440: PCIe card version, 2GB FBWC
  • P840: PCIe card version, 4GB FBWC

HBA Mode (non-RAID pass-through):

  • Smart Array controllers in HBA mode for software RAID (ZFS, mdadm)
  • Limited support; check firmware version

Alternative Controllers:

  • LSI/Broadcom HBA controllers in PCIe slots
  • H240ar (12Gb/s HBA mode)

Boot Drive Options

For network-focused deployments:

  • Minimal Local Storage: 2x SSD in RAID 1 for hypervisor/OS
  • USB/SD Boot: iLO supports USB boot, SD card (internal USB)
  • Diskless: Pure network boot (subject of network-boot.md)

Network Connectivity

Integrated FlexibleLOM

The DL360 Gen9 includes a FlexibleLOM slot for swappable network adapters:

Common FlexibleLOM Options:

  • HPE 366FLR: 4x 1GbE (Broadcom BCM5719)

    • Most common, good for general use
    • Supports PXE, UEFI network boot, SR-IOV

  • HPE 560FLR-SFP+: 2x 10GbE SFP+ (Intel X710)

    • High performance, fiber or DAC
    • Supports PXE, UEFI boot, SR-IOV, RDMA (RoCE)

  • HPE 361i: 2x 1GbE (Intel I350)

    • Entry-level, good driver support

PCIe Expansion Slots

Slot Configuration:

  • Slot 1: PCIe 3.0 x16 (low-profile)
  • Slot 2: PCIe 3.0 x8 (low-profile)
  • Slot 3: PCIe 3.0 x8 (low-profile) - optional, depends on riser

Network Card Options:

  • Intel X520/X710 (10GbE)
  • Mellanox ConnectX-3/ConnectX-4 (10/25/40GbE, InfiniBand)
  • Broadcom NetXtreme (1/10/25GbE)

Note: Ensure cards are low-profile for 1U chassis compatibility

Power Supply

PSU Options

  • 500W: Single PSU, non-redundant (not recommended)
  • 800W: Common, supports dual CPU + moderate expansion
  • 1400W: High-power, dual CPU with high TDP + GPUs
  • Redundancy: 1+1 redundant hot-plug recommended

Power Configuration

  • Platinum Efficiency: 94%+ at 50% load
  • Hot-Plug: Replace without powering down
  • Auto-Switching: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz

Home Lab Power Draw (typical):

  • Idle (dual E5-2650 v3, 128GB RAM): 100-130W
  • Load: 200-350W depending on CPU and drive configuration

Power Management

  • HPE Dynamic Power Capping: Limit max power via iLO
  • Collaborative Power: Share power budget across chassis in blade environments
  • Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE): Reduce NIC power during low utilization

Cooling and Acoustics

Fan Configuration

  • 6x Hot-Plug Fans: Front-mounted, redundant (N+1)
  • Variable Speed: Controlled by System ROM based on thermal sensors
  • iLO Management: Monitor fan speed, temperature via iLO

Thermal Management

  • Temperature Range: 10-35°C (50-95°F) operating
  • Altitude: Up to 3,050m (10,000 ft) at reduced temperature
  • Airflow: Front-to-back, ensure clear intake and exhaust

Noise Level

  • Idle: ~45 dBA (quiet for 1U server)
  • Load: 55-70 dBA depending on thermal demand
  • Home Lab Consideration: Audible but acceptable in dedicated space; louder than desktop workstation

Noise Reduction:

  • Run lower TDP CPUs (e.g., E5-2620 series)
  • Maintain ambient temperature <25°C
  • Ensure adequate airflow (not in enclosed cabinet without ventilation)

Management - iLO 4

iLO 4 Features

The Integrated Lights-Out 4 (iLO 4) provides out-of-band management:

  • Web Interface: HTTPS management console
  • Remote Console: HTML5 or Java-based KVM
  • Virtual Media: Mount ISOs/images remotely
  • Power Control: Power on/off, reset, cold boot
  • Monitoring: Sensors, event logs, hardware health
  • Alerting: Email alerts, SNMP traps, syslog
  • Scripting: RESTful API (Redfish standard)

iLO Licensing

  • iLO Standard (included): Basic management, remote console
  • iLO Advanced (license required):
    • Virtual media
    • Remote console performance improvements
    • Directory integration (LDAP/AD)
    • Graphical remote console
  • iLO Advanced Premium (license required):
    • Insight Remote Support
    • Federation
    • Jitter smoothing

Home Lab: iLO Advanced license highly recommended for virtual media and full remote console features

iLO Network Configuration

  • Dedicated iLO Port: Separate 1GbE management port (recommended)
  • Shared LOM: Share FlexibleLOM port with OS (not recommended for isolation)

Security: Isolate iLO on dedicated management VLAN, disable if not needed

BIOS and Firmware

System ROM (BIOS/UEFI)

  • Firmware Type: UEFI 2.31 or later
  • Boot Modes: UEFI, Legacy BIOS, or hybrid
  • Configuration: RBSU (ROM-Based Setup Utility) accessible via F9

Firmware Update Methods

  1. Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP): Comprehensive bundle of all firmware
  2. iLO Online Flash: Update via web interface
  3. Online ROM Flash: Linux utility for online updates
  4. USB Flash: Boot from USB with firmware update utility

Recommended Practice: Update to latest SPP for security patches and feature improvements

Secure Boot

  • UEFI Secure Boot: Supported, validates boot loader signatures
  • TPM: Optional Trusted Platform Module 1.2 or 2.0
  • Boot Order Protection: Prevent unauthorized boot device changes

Expansion and Modularity

GPU Support

Limited GPU support due to 1U form factor and power constraints:

  • Low-Profile GPUs: Nvidia T4, AMD Instinct MI25 (may require custom cooling)
  • Power: Consider 1400W PSU for high-power GPUs
  • Not Ideal: For GPU-heavy workloads, consider 2U+ servers (e.g., DL380 Gen9)

USB Ports

  • Front: 1x USB 3.0
  • Rear: 2x USB 3.0
  • Internal: 1x USB 2.0 (for SD/USB boot device)

Serial Port

  • Rear serial port for legacy console access
  • Useful for network equipment serial console, debug

Home Lab Considerations

Pros for Home Lab

  1. Density: 1U form factor saves rack space
  2. iLO Management: Enterprise remote management without KVM
  3. Network Boot: Excellent PXE/UEFI boot support (see network-boot.md)
  4. Serviceability: Hot-swap drives, PSU, fans
  5. Documentation: Extensive HPE documentation and community support
  6. Parts Availability: Common on secondary market, affordable

Cons for Home Lab

  1. Noise: Louder than tower servers or workstations
  2. Power: Higher idle power than consumer hardware (100-130W idle)
  3. 1U Limitations: Limited GPU, PCIe expansion vs 2U/4U chassis
  4. Firmware: Requires HPE account for SPP downloads (free but registration required)

Budget (~$500-800 used):

  • Dual E5-2620 v3 or v4 (6 cores each, 85W TDP)
  • 128GB RAM (8x 16GB DDR4)
  • 2x SSD (boot), 4-6x HDD/SSD (data)
  • HPE 366FLR (4x 1GbE)
  • Dual 500W or 800W PSU (redundant)
  • iLO Advanced license

Performance (~$1000-1500 used):

  • Dual E5-2680 v4 (14 cores each, 120W TDP)
  • 256GB RAM (16x 16GB DDR4)
  • 2x NVMe SSD (boot/cache), 6-8x SSD (data)
  • HPE 560FLR-SFP+ (2x 10GbE) + PCIe 4x1GbE card
  • Dual 800W PSU
  • iLO Advanced license

Comparison with Other Generations

vs Gen8 (Previous)

Gen9 Advantages:

  • DDR4 vs DDR3 (lower power, higher capacity)
  • Better UEFI support and HTTP boot
  • Newer processor architecture (Haswell/Broadwell vs Sandy Bridge/Ivy Bridge)
  • iLO 4 vs iLO 3 (better HTML5 console)

Gen8 Advantages:

  • Lower cost on secondary market
  • Adequate for light workloads

vs Gen10 (Next)

Gen10 Advantages:

  • Newer CPUs (Skylake-SP/Cascade Lake)
  • More PCIe lanes
  • Better UEFI firmware and security features
  • DDR4-2666/2933 support

Gen9 Advantages:

  • Lower cost (mature product cycle)
  • Excellent value for performance/dollar
  • Still well-supported by modern OS and firmware

Technical Resources

  • QuickSpecs: HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen9 Server QuickSpecs
  • User Guide: HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen9 Server User Guide
  • Maintenance and Service Guide: Detailed disassembly and part replacement
  • Firmware Downloads: HPE Support Portal (requires free account)

Summary

The HP ProLiant DL360 Gen9 remains an excellent choice for home labs and small deployments in 2024-2025. Its balance of performance (dual Xeon v4, 768GB RAM capacity), manageability (iLO 4), and network boot capabilities make it particularly well-suited for virtualization, container hosting, and infrastructure automation workflows. While not the latest generation, it offers strong value with robust firmware support and wide secondary market availability.

Best For:

  • Virtualization hosts (ESXi, Proxmox, Hyper-V)
  • Kubernetes/container platforms
  • Network boot/diskless deployments
  • Storage servers (with appropriate controller)
  • General compute workloads

Avoid For:

  • GPU-intensive workloads (1U constraints)
  • Noise-sensitive environments (unless isolated)
  • Extreme low-power requirements (100W+ idle)
Last modified November 20, 2025: chore(deps): update actions/checkout action to v6 (#628) (721910b)