HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8 Server review is it worth the investment

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The HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8 Server: My In-Depth Experience

Having tested the HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8, I found myself diving into a world of high-performance computing. This 1U rackmount server, featuring dual 6-core E5-2640 Xeon 2.5GHz CPUs, is an absolute powerhouse for its size. Whether you’re deploying it for enterprise workloads or home lab experiments, it brings a lot to the table. However, like any device, it comes with its own set of quirks and limitations.

Design and Build Quality

The design screams functionality over aesthetics, but that’s exactly what you’d expect from a 1U rackmount server. Its compact dimensions, around 24 x 36 x 8 inches, make it a great fit for server racks without hogging unnecessary space. Despite its small form factor, this machine is undeniably hefty, tipping the scale at 42.5 pounds. Moving it around? Definitely not something you’d want to do often.

The black exterior is clean and professional, and the layout is optimized for heat management. Multiple ventilation points, coupled with dual power supplies, ensure that it remains cool even under heavy loads. For someone like me who likes to tinker, the accessibility of its internals is a blessing—hot-swappable drives and an easy-to-remove top panel save a ton of hassle during upgrades or maintenance.

Performance and Capabilities

The real highlight here is performance. Equipped with 64GB DDR3 RAM and 8 x 300GB 10K SAS SFF HDDs, this server handles multitasking and heavy applications with ease. Running virtual machines? No sweat. I was able to spin up multiple VMs without any noticeable slowdown, thanks to the P420i RAID controller. This feature ensures data redundancy and faster disk access, a must-have for anyone serious about storage performance.

The processors are beasts, offering a total of 12 cores across the two Xeon CPUs. Whether you’re running database operations or experimenting with machine learning models, the processing power is more than sufficient. I even threw some rendering tasks at it, and while it’s not designed for that, it held its own surprisingly well.

Key Benefits

• High performance: Dual Xeon CPUs and 64GB of RAM ensure smooth operations even with demanding tasks.
• Flexible storage options: The inclusion of 8 hot-swappable 10K SAS drives allows for extensive storage customization.
• RAID support: The P420i RAID controller adds a layer of data protection and speed.
• Reliable connectivity: With Quadport GigaBit NIC, you can manage multiple network connections seamlessly.

Usability and Setup

Configuring the server was straightforward, but it’s worth noting that it comes with no pre-installed operating system. While some might see this as a downside, I personally enjoyed the freedom to install the OS of my choice. For my use case, I went with a Linux distro that maximized the server’s potential.

The interface is intuitive, and the server management tools are robust. HP’s Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) technology makes remote management a breeze. I could monitor performance and troubleshoot without needing to be physically present, which is a huge plus for anyone working in IT or managing a remote data center.

That said, the fan noise is noticeable, especially during high workloads. It’s not unbearable, but if you’re planning to use this in a home office, you might want to reconsider. For server rooms, though, it’s par for the course.

Caveats

• Loud fans: The cooling system can be noisy, which may not suit quieter environments.
• Weight: At over 42 pounds, it’s not very portable or convenient to move.
• No OS included: While this adds flexibility, it requires additional setup time and expertise.

Product Competitors

Comparing this to Dell PowerEdge R620, the HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8 holds its ground, particularly in terms of storage options and RAID capabilities. The Dell model, however, has a slight edge in terms of power efficiency and fan noise. Another alternative, the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530, offers similar processing power but lacks the hot-swappable drive bays that are so convenient in this HP model.

Where the ProLiant DL360p Gen8 truly excels is in its durability and data redundancy options, which make it an excellent choice for businesses prioritizing data reliability. However, it lags slightly behind both competitors in power management, as the dual power supply configuration can draw more energy under heavy loads.

Affordable Quality

Considering the features packed into this server, the price point feels justified. While it’s not the cheapest option, the included RAID controller, hot-swappable drives, and dual CPUs make it a solid investment for professionals needing power and reliability. If you’re on a tighter budget, refurbished models like this one can offer excellent value without compromising much on performance.

Compared to alternatives, this server provides an excellent price-to-quality ratio, especially for small-to-medium businesses or tech enthusiasts like me. The upfront cost might be higher than some entry-level options, but the longevity and reliability more than make up for it.

The HP ProLiant DL360p Gen8 is a robust and reliable server that combines power, flexibility, and durability. While it’s not without its shortcomings, its high performance and customization options make it a standout choice in its category.

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