Looking to upgrade your servers? The HPE ProLiant Gen11 servers bring major advancements over the Gen10, including faster processors, higher memory capacity, and improved management tools. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
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Processing Power: Gen10 supports up to 28-core Intel processors, while Gen11 handles up to 64-core Intel and 128-core AMD processors.
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Memory: Gen10 maxes out at 3.0 TB DDR4 (2933 MT/s), whereas Gen11 offers 8.0 TB DDR5 (5600 MT/s).
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Networking: Gen10 supports up to 25GbE, but Gen11 jumps to 100GbE for faster throughput.
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Management: Gen11 includes HPE iLO 6 and GreenLake integration for better automation and monitoring.
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Energy Efficiency: Gen11 delivers up to 41% better performance per watt.
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Gen10 | Gen11 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Support | Up to 28 cores (Intel) | Up to 64 cores (Intel) / 128 cores (AMD) | Handles more demanding tasks |
| Memory Type | DDR4 (2933 MT/s) | DDR5 (5600 MT/s) | Faster data handling |
| Maximum Memory | 3.0 TB | 8.0 TB | Supports larger workloads |
| PCIe Support | Gen3/Gen4 | Gen5 | Improved I/O performance |
| Networking | Up to 25GbE | Up to 100GbE | Higher network throughput |
| Management | HPE iLO 5 | HPE iLO 6 + GreenLake | Easier and faster management |
Bottom Line: Choose Gen10 for cost-effective, stable setups, or Gen11 for cutting-edge performance, hybrid cloud environments, and future scalability.
CPU and Processing Power
Available Processor Types
The Gen11 servers offer a broader range of processor options compared to the Gen10, which only supported Intel Xeon Scalable 1st and 2nd Gen. Here's a quick comparison:
| Processor Options | Gen10 | Gen11 |
|---|---|---|
| Intel Support | Up to 2x 1st/2nd Gen Xeon Scalable (28 cores each) | Up to 2x 4th/5th Gen Xeon Scalable (64 cores each) |
| AMD Support | Not available | Up to 2x EPYC 9005 Series (128 cores each) |
| Socket Type | Intel LGA3647 | Latest sockets for future upgrades |
| PCIe Support | PCIe 3.0 | PCIe 5.0 (2x bandwidth) |
These upgrades allow Gen11 servers to handle more demanding tasks and provide better scalability for future needs.
Gen11 Speed Gains
Gen11 servers deliver a noticeable boost in performance across various workloads:
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Data Management: Achieved a 41.4% performance improvement on Microsoft SQL Server 2025 in dual-processor setups [2].
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Java Applications: Showed a 29.4% boost on Linux with Multi-JVM Critical-jOPS benchmarks [2].
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Energy Efficiency: Increased performance per kilowatt by 37% compared to Gen10 rack servers [3].
These improvements make Gen11 servers a strong choice for businesses looking to enhance efficiency and speed.
Server Load Handling
Real-world testing highlights the performance gains of Gen11 servers. For instance, in November 2022, the DL385 Gen11 achieved a TPC-H benchmark of 2,405,162 QphH@3,000GB, with a price/performance ratio of $490.02 USD per QphH@SF3000 [3].
Different Gen11 models are tailored for specific workloads:
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DL325 Gen11: Ideal for edge computing, CDN, and VDI tasks.
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DL345 Gen11: Optimized for video transcoding and virtualization.
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DL365 Gen11: Designed for compute-heavy tasks like EDA and CAD.
"HPE ProLiant server benchmarks are like a performance report card for these powerful workhorses. By analyzing these record-setting benchmarks, your business can make an informed decision about your infrastructure investments." - ComputeExperts [3]
Additionally, virtualization performance has improved by 10.51%, benefiting enterprises running multiple virtual machines or handling resource-intensive database operations [2].
Memory and Storage Options
Maximum Memory Support
Gen11 servers bring a boost in memory performance by transitioning from DDR4 to DDR5 technology. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Gen10 | Gen11 |
|---|---|---|
| Memory Type | DDR4 | DDR5 |
| Maximum Capacity | 3.0 TB (LRDIMM) / 1.5 TB (RDIMM) | 8.0 TB |
| DIMM Slots | 24 slots total | 32 slots (16 per processor) |
| Memory Speed | Up to 2,933 MT/s | Up to 5,600 MT/s |
These improvements allow databases and virtual environments to manage larger datasets and handle more tasks simultaneously, giving Gen11 a clear performance advantage.
Storage Drive Support
Gen11 servers also step up in storage capabilities, ensuring faster and more efficient data handling. While the Gen10 platform supported:
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Up to 30 Small Form Factor (SFF) drives
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Up to 19 Large Form Factor (LFF) drives
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NVMe storage for demanding workloads
Gen11 takes it further with:
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Support for up to 20 EDSFF drives
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An additional 8 SFF drives
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Enhanced NVMe performance via PCIe 5.0
Data Processing Speed
The combination of DDR5 memory and advanced storage options significantly boosts data processing capabilities. Virtualization performance sees an improvement of up to 1.68 times compared to earlier models, while large-scale database operations achieve a 37% increase in performance per kilowatt over Gen10 servers [3].
Server Management Tools
HPE iLO Updates
The Gen11 servers bring an upgrade from HPE iLO 5 to iLO 6, designed to handle hybrid IT environments more effectively through integration with HPE GreenLake. One standout improvement is the much faster firmware update process, significantly reducing downtime across server fleets.
| Management Feature | Gen10 | Gen11 |
|---|---|---|
| Base Management | HPE iLO 5 | HPE iLO 6 |
| Integration Platform | Optional HPE OneView | Integrated with HPE GreenLake for Compute Ops Management |
| Firmware Updates | Standard in Gen10 | Up to 5x faster in Gen11 [1] |
| Issue Notifications | HPE InfoSight | Automated issue notifications and case creation [1] |
| Environmental Monitoring | Basic metrics | Advanced carbon footprint tracking |
These updates make server management more efficient while also boosting security and administrative ease.
Gen11 Security Updates
Gen11 servers enhance security with a robust zero-trust framework. Key features include:
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TPM 2.0 as a standard component
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Support for DMTF's SPDM standards
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Platform certificates using iDevID for better authentication
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Security modes like FIPS 140-2 and CNSA compliance
These features ensure that security is deeply integrated into the server architecture.
Setup and Maintenance
Gen11 servers simplify setup and maintenance by integrating HPE GreenLake for Compute Ops Management. This platform, included with every server [1], offers:
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Automated alerts and centralized management across edge and cloud environments
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Real-time monitoring of carbon footprint
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Unified tools for configuration and deployment
With these tools, IT teams can manage their entire compute infrastructure through a single interface, cutting down on maintenance complexity and improving performance in demanding enterprise settings. By comparison, Gen10 servers, which rely on HPE iLO 5 and optional OneView integration, do not offer the same advanced automation and monitoring capabilities [5][6].
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Buying Guide
Building on the technical differences outlined earlier, here's how each generation aligns with specific operational needs.
Best Uses for Gen10
Gen10 servers are a practical option for organizations prioritizing stability and budget-conscious solutions. They work well in traditional data center setups where proven technology is valued over the latest advancements. Gen10 servers are best suited for:
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Legacy Applications: Perfect for running stable workloads with moderate computing needs, offering strong performance without the added cost of cutting-edge technology.
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Backup Infrastructure: Ideal for secondary servers or disaster recovery setups, providing dependable redundancy at a reasonable price.
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Fleet Expansion: Companies already using Gen10 servers can maintain uniformity when scaling their infrastructure [7].
Best Uses for Gen11
While Gen10 serves conventional deployments effectively, Gen11 servers shine in modern, fast-moving environments thanks to their enhanced features. Gen11 servers are ideal for:
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Hybrid Cloud Environments: Seamless integration with HPE GreenLake and advanced cloud features make them a strong choice for distributed architectures.
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AI/ML Workloads: Improved processing power and DDR5 memory support make them well-suited for data-heavy applications.
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High-Performance Computing: With PCIe Gen5 and greater memory bandwidth, Gen11 servers handle demanding computational tasks with ease [1][4].
Price vs Performance
When deciding between Gen10 and Gen11, focus on these key points:
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Initial Investment
The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 SMB Networking Choice (P24844-B21) is priced at $5,278.99, making it a cost-effective option for organizations with tighter budgets [8]. -
Long-term Value
While Gen11 servers come with a higher upfront cost, they offer savings and advantages over time through:-
Reduced power usage
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A forward-looking design
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Better scalability with DDR5 and PCIe Gen5 support [4]
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Workload Needs
If Gen10 meets your operational requirements and budget is a concern, it's a reliable choice. However, for organizations aiming for hybrid IT setups or requiring top-tier performance, Gen11 offers features better suited to those goals [1].
These considerations help balance costs and performance needs, ensuring your investment supports both current and future objectives.
Conclusion
Main Differences
The Gen11 server brings notable improvements over Gen10 in processing power, memory capabilities, and management features. It delivers 1.68× better virtualization and supports 2.2× more OLTP users [1]. Here's a quick comparison:
| Feature | Gen10 | Gen11 | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Processor Support | Up to 28 cores (Intel) | Up to 64 cores (Intel) | Increased parallel processing |
| Memory Type | DDR4 (2933 MT/s) | DDR5 (5600 MT/s) | Faster and more efficient data access |
| Maximum Memory | 3.0 TB | 8.0 TB | Handles larger workloads with ease |
| PCIe Support | Gen3/Gen4 | Gen5 | Improved I/O performance |
| Management | iLO 5 | iLO 6 with GreenLake | Easier and more advanced management |
These differences can help guide your decision when selecting the most suitable server for your needs.
Next Steps
To make the best choice, consider the following:
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Assess Current Workloads
Analyze your existing workloads and compare them to the performance improvements outlined above to see if Gen10 still fulfills your needs [10]. -
Plan for Future Growth
If you're preparing for AI/ML tasks or expanding into hybrid cloud environments, Gen11's advanced features and 19% better price-to-performance ratio make it a strong contender [1]. -
Review Management Needs
For those prioritizing streamlined, cloud-based management, Gen11's integration with HPE GreenLake offers a clear advantage over Gen10's traditional setup [9].
For more details on configurations, pricing, warranties, and support, reach out to authorized HPE partners.
