HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Networking Adapters
Genuine HPE network adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8, new and refurbished. The FlexibleLOM slot is not optional here — the QuickSpecs state the server requires one FlexibleLOM installed, and only one fits per server — so PCIe stand-up NICs, InfiniBand cards and converged adapters go in the expansion slots above it.
DL385p Gen8 Networking Specifications
- FlexibleLOM slot: one dedicated connector, populated on every build; all pre-configured models ship the 1Gb 4-port 331FLR for 4 x 1Gb ports
- FlexibleLOM options: 331FLR and 366FLR at 1GbE; 530FLR-SFP+, 560FLR-SFP+ and 570FLR-SFP+ at 10GbE; 526FLR-SFP+, 534FLR-SFP+ and 554FLR-SFP+ FlexFabric; 533FLR-T and 561FLR-T on BASE-T copper
- Stand-up PCIe NICs: NC365T, 331T, 332T and 361T at 1GbE; NC523SFP, NC552SFP, 530SFP, 530T, 560SFP+, 561T and 570SFP+ at 10GbE
- InfiniBand: FDR/Ethernet 10Gb/40Gb 2-port 544QSFP and 544FLR-QSFP, plus the InfiniBand FDR 2-port 545QSFP
- Converged adapters: StoreFabric CN1200E 10Gb, CN1100R, CN1100E and CN1000Q dual-port CNAs
- Requirements: HPE calls for a minimum of 2GB of server memory per 10 Gigabit adapter, and direct attach copper cables or fiber transceivers are purchased separately
One FlexibleLOM, and it has to be populated. The QuickSpecs state the DL385p Gen8 requires one FlexibleLOM installed and that only one may fit on a single server, so a second Ethernet fabric means a stand-up PCIe card. Three PCIe 2.0 slots come standard; the riser cage that adds three more requires the second processor.
Which network adapter fits the DL385p Gen8?
| Speed | Media | Form factors | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1GbE | RJ-45 BASE-T, 2-port and 4-port | FlexibleLOM or PCIe | The 331FLR is standard on pre-configured models |
| 10GbE | SFP+ | FlexibleLOM or PCIe | DAC cables or optics ordered separately |
| 10GbE | RJ-45 BASE-T | FlexibleLOM or PCIe | 533FLR-T and 561FLR-T, or the 530T and 561T |
| 10/40Gb and FDR InfiniBand | QSFP | PCIe, plus one FlexibleLOM part | 544QSFP, 544FLR-QSFP, 545QSFP |
| Converged 10Gb | SFP+ | PCIe | CN1200E, CN1100R, CN1100E, CN1000Q |
Slot budget is the real constraint on this chassis. Three PCIe 2.0 slots come standard — x8 in a x16 connector, x8, and x4 — and the optional riser cage that adds x16, x8 and x8 slots requires the second processor. Putting your primary fabric on the FlexibleLOM costs no expansion slot at all.
Choosing the Right DL385p Gen8 Network Adapter
- Populate the FlexibleLOM first. It is a required slot and spends no PCIe lanes, so a 10GbE FlexibleLOM is usually the cheapest upgrade path off 1GbE.
- Only one FlexibleLOM fits, so a second Ethernet fabric means a stand-up PCIe card.
- Match media to your fabric. BASE-T parts run on existing copper; SFP+ and QSFP parts need direct attach cables or transceivers ordered separately.
- Budget memory for 10GbE. HPE requires a minimum of two gigabytes of server memory per 10 Gigabit adapter, which matters on a lightly populated build.
- Note the InfiniBand caveat: with the 544QSFP and 544FLR-QSFP adapters HPE states only one FlexibleLOM can be added to the server, and frames those options as an upgrade or change from the original configuration.
Complete Your DL385p Gen8 Build
Finish the platform with DL385p Gen8 memory, drives, storage controllers, processors, and power supplies, or the full DL385p Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL385 G7 adapters, DL385 Gen10 adapters, and DL380p Gen8 adapters. Catalog-wide: HPE parts by server model.
DL385p Gen8 Networking Adapters FAQ
Does the HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 have onboard network ports?
It has a FlexibleLOM slot rather than fixed onboard ports, and the QuickSpecs state the server requires one FlexibleLOM to be installed. All pre-configured models come standard with 4 x 1Gb ports from the 331FLR adapter. The dedicated 1Gb iLO port is separate from production networking.
What is a FlexibleLOM and can I change it?
FlexibleLOM is HPE's replaceable network mezzanine for Gen8 servers. The adapter slides into a dedicated connector instead of a PCIe slot, so you can move a DL385p Gen8 from 1GbE to 10GbE, BASE-T to SFP+, or Ethernet to InfiniBand without spending an expansion slot.
How many FlexibleLOM adapters can a DL385p Gen8 take?
One. The QuickSpecs state that only one FlexibleLOM may fit on a single server and point to PCIe solutions for additional networking. HPE repeats the limit in the InfiniBand section for the 544QSFP and 544FLR-QSFP adapters.
How many PCIe slots does the DL385p Gen8 have for network cards?
Three standard, all PCIe 2.0: a full-length x8 in a x16 connector, a half-length x8, and a half-length x4. The optional second riser cage adds x16, x8 and x8 slots, and HPE states the second processor must be installed to use it.
Do DL385p Gen8 10GbE adapters include cables or transceivers?
No. HPE states that Direct Attach Cables for copper environments, or fiber transceivers and cables for fiber-optic environments, must be purchased separately. BASE-T adapters such as the 533FLR-T and 561T connect with standard copper patch cables.
Is there a memory requirement for 10GbE adapters?
Yes. The QuickSpecs note a minimum of two gigabytes of server memory is required per 10 Gigabit adapter, so plan DIMMs alongside the NIC on a lightly populated server.
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