HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 Processors
Genuine HPE-qualified AMD Opteron 6300-series processor kits for the HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8, new and refurbished. This is a two-socket 2U server on the AMD SR5690 Northbridge and SP5100 Southbridge — not an Intel Xeon platform — and HPE states plainly that mixing different processor models is not supported.
DL385p Gen8 Processor Specifications
- Sockets: two, and up to 2 processors are supported in all models; every processor must be the same model
- Family: AMD Opteron 6300-series only — 4, 8, 12 and 16-core parts, each carrying 16MB (2x8MB) of Level 3 cache
- Range: the 16-core 6386SE at 2.8GHz and 140W down to the 4-core 6308 at 3.5GHz, with the 16-core 6366HE at 1.8GHz and 85W as the low-power option
- Maximum cores: 32, from a pair of 16-core parts
- Memory: every listed processor supports DDR3 to 1600MHz, and each socket brings 12 DIMM slots over four channels
- Chassis TDP limit: the 12 LFF and 25 SFF configure-to-order chassis do not support processors above 135W, which excludes the 140W 6386SE
Processors go in as a matched pair. Mixing different processor models is not supported, so an upgrade replaces both chips rather than filling an empty socket. Every Opteron 6300-series part listed here carries the same 16MB of L3 cache and supports 1600MHz DDR3, which makes cores, clock and TDP the whole decision.
Which processors does the DL385p Gen8 support?
| Group | Models | Clock | TDP | L3 cache |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sixteen-core | Opteron 6386SE, 6380, 6378, 6376, 6366HE | 1.8 to 2.8GHz | 85W to 140W | 16MB |
| Twelve-core | Opteron 6348, 6344 | 2.6 to 2.8GHz | 115W | 16MB |
| Eight-core | Opteron 6328, 6320 | 2.8 to 3.2GHz | 115W | 16MB |
| Quad-core | Opteron 6308 | 3.5GHz | 115W | 16MB |
Two order codes exist for each of these chips and only one is orderable. This Version 48 document prints its processor kits as -L21 codes, which are available only factory-installed; the matching -B21 option kits are the ones you buy and fit yourself. Cache does not vary across the range — all four groups carry the same 16MB of L3 — so the real choice is cores against clock and TDP.
Choosing the Right DL385p Gen8 Processor
- Both sockets take a matched pair. Mixing different processor models is not supported, so an upgrade means replacing both chips.
- The second processor unlocks the box: it brings 12 more DIMM slots into use, makes the optional PCIe riser cage usable, and adds two more fans for six with N+1 redundancy.
- Check the chassis before buying the 6386SE. At 140W it is above the 135W limit HPE documents for the 12 LFF and 25 SFF configure-to-order chassis.
- Cores or clock, not both. The 6386SE tops the core count at 2.8GHz, the 6328 runs 3.2GHz on eight cores and the 6308 reaches 3.5GHz on four; the 6366HE trades clock for an 85W envelope.
- Memory speed is not a processor decision here. All listed parts support 1600MHz DDR3, so DIMM type and DIMMs per channel set the speed.
Complete Your DL385p Gen8 Build
The processor gates the build: start with DL385p Gen8 memory, then drives, storage controllers, networking adapters, and power supplies, or the full DL385p Gen8 parts page. Neighbors: DL385 G7 processors, DL385 Gen10 processors, and the Intel DL380p Gen8 processors. Catalog-wide: HPE parts by server model.
DL385p Gen8 Processors FAQ
What processors does the HPE ProLiant DL385p Gen8 support?
AMD Opteron 6300-series processors, in one or two sockets. The QuickSpecs list ten models: the 16-core 6386SE, 6380, 6378, 6376 and 6366HE, the 12-core 6348 and 6344, the 8-core 6328 and 6320, and the 4-core 6308.
Is the DL385p Gen8 an Intel or AMD server?
AMD. It runs AMD Opteron 6300-series processors on the AMD SR5690 Northbridge and SP5100 Southbridge, which is what separates it from the Intel Xeon E5 based DL380p Gen8 and DL360p Gen8 of the same generation.
What is the maximum core count of the DL385p Gen8?
Thirty-two cores, from two 16-core Opteron processors such as the 6386SE, 6380, 6378, 6376 or 6366HE. Every listed part carries 16MB of Level 3 cache regardless of core count.
Can I mix different Opteron models in a DL385p Gen8?
No. The QuickSpecs state that mixing different processor models is not supported. Both sockets must carry the same model, so a processor upgrade is a matched pair rather than a single chip.
What is the difference between a -B21 and a -L21 processor kit?
A -B21 kit is the orderable option kit you can buy and install yourself. A -L21 kit is a factory-integration part, available only pre-installed in a configure-to-order server. This document prints -L21 codes in its factory-integration section and -B21 codes in its options section.
Does the second processor change what the DL385p Gen8 can do?
Yes, in three ways. It brings the other 12 DIMM slots into use, it is required before the optional PCIe riser cage can be populated, and it raises the fan count from four to six with N+1 redundancy.
✅ Looking for a specific DL385p Gen8 processor? Browse our full selection below.
Browse all models
Why Global One?
- Trusted by thousands. Over 36,000 customers in 100+ countries trust Global One Technology to deliver mission-critical HP Enterprise hardware - including Fortune 500 businesses, schools, hospitals, and federal, state, and local goverment agencies.
- HPE is our specialty! We only sell genuine HP Enterprise parts.
- EASY ordering process. Purchase online now with credit card or PayPal!
- FAST shipping. Global One Technology ships orders received by 4pm ET the same day and offers NEXT DAY delivery to US customers.
