HPE ProLiant BL420c Gen8 Networking Adapters

The BL420c Gen8 takes network adapters in its FlexibleLOM (FLB) connector and its two mezzanine slots, of which mezzanine slot 2 needs the second processor. One FlexibleLOM (FLB) position on two connectors; the server requires one FlexibleLOM, whose two ports go to interconnect bays 1 and 2. HPE's QuickSpecs have listed 10 network adapters (Ethernet and InfiniBand) and 2 Fibre Channel HBAs for it across editions.

  • 12 adapters
  • 1GbE to 10GbE · 8Gb Fibre Channel
  • New and refurbished
  • Tested or factory sealed

From the HPE ProLiant BL420c Gen8 Server Blade QuickSpecs (c04123221, version 33, 23-October-2017), which HPE has retired.

Slot map

Where each adapter goes in a BL420c Gen8

FlexibleLOM (FLB)
One FlexibleLOM (FLB) position on two connectors; the server requires one FlexibleLOM, whose two ports go to interconnect bays 1 and 2 pp. 1, 18
Mezzanine
Two PCIe 3.0 mezzanine slots: one x8 Type A and one x16 Type B. Slot 1 on processor 1; slot 2 needs processor 2. pp. 1, 3–4, 15
Built-in ports
None (ports on the FLB) pp. 1, 18
HPE's words for each line
  • FlexibleLOM (FLB) “FlexibleLOM connectors (2) supporting one (1) FlexibleLOM” (page 1) “The server requires one (1) FlexibleLOM that is installed in the FlexibleLOM connectors. All FlexibleLOMs are dual port: One port is routed to interconnect module bay 1 and the other to bay 2.” (page 18)
  • Mezzanine “Two (2) PCIe 3.0 mezzanine I/O expansion slots” (page 1) “One (1) x8 PCIe 3.0 I/O expansion slot (Type A)” (page 15) “One (1) x16 PCIe 3.0 I/O expansion slot (Type B)” (page 15) “x8 PCIe 3.0 Type A (supports Type A mezzanine cards) (expansion slot 1).” (page 4) “This expansion slot supports dual-port mezzanine cards: one port is routed to interconnect module bay 3 and the other to bay 4.” (page 4) “A processor must be installed in processor slot 1 for access to the first mezzanine expansion slot (expansion slot 1).” (page 3) “x16 PCIe 3.0 Type B (supports Type A and Type B mezzanine cards (expansion slot 2).” (page 4) “This expansion slot supports dual-port and quad-port mezzanine cards. For dual-port cards, one port is routed to interconnect module bay 5 and the other to bay 6. For quad-port cards, one port is routed to interconnect module bay 5, one to bay 6, one to bay 7, and one to bay 8.” (page 4) “A second processor must be installed (in processor slot 2) to have access to the second expansion slot (expansion slot 2).” (page 4)
  • Built-in ports “FlexibleLOM connectors (2) supporting one (1) FlexibleLOM” (page 1) “The server requires one (1) FlexibleLOM that is installed in the FlexibleLOM connectors. All FlexibleLOMs are dual port: One port is routed to interconnect module bay 1 and the other to bay 2.” (page 18)

From the HPE ProLiant BL420c Gen8 Server Blade QuickSpecs (c04123221, version 33, 23-October-2017).

All BL420c Gen8 network adapters

The network adapters HPE's QuickSpecs have listed for the BL420c Gen8 across editions, grouped by slot and type. In each group the adapters in stock come first, then the ones our customers order most.

FlexibleLOM (FLB) or mezzanine on the BL420c Gen8?

FlexibleLOM (FLB)Mezzanine adapter
How manyOne FlexibleLOM (FLB) position on two connectors; the server requires one FlexibleLOM, whose two ports go to interconnect bays 1 and 2.Two PCIe 3.0 mezzanine slots: one x8 Type A and one x16 Type B.
What HPE has listed1GbE to 10GbE Ethernet1GbE to 10GbE Ethernet; InfiniBand adapters; 8Gb Fibre Channel HBAs
Slot rulesThese FlexibleLOMs do not work in prior-generation c-Class server blades.Mezzanine slot 2 needs the second processor.

How to choose a BL420c Gen8 network adapter

Rule 1

Decide the FlexibleLOM first

These FlexibleLOMs do not work in prior-generation c-Class server blades.

HPE: “FlexibleLOMs are not compatible with prior generation c-Class server blades” (page 4)

Rule 2

Count the processors

Mezzanine slot 2 needs the second processor.

HPE: “A second processor must be installed (in processor slot 2) to have access to the second expansion slot (expansion slot 2).” (page 4)

Rule 3

Plan the server memory

Each 10Gb Ethernet adapter needs at least 2 GB of server memory.

HPE: “Each 10 Gigabit Ethernet adapter requires a minimum of 2GB of server memory.” (page 20)

Rule 4

Mind the slot rules

An InfiniBand mezzanine in slot 1 has one active port (both ports in any other slot); the QDR adapter fits any mezzanine slot, and the FDR adapter must be in slot 1 for FDR mode, so in FDR mode it runs on one port.

HPE: “When an InfiniBand adapter is installed in mezzanine slot 1, only one port is active (regardless of operating mode). When installed in any other mezzanine slot, both ports are active.” (page 32)

BL420c Gen8 adapter questions

How many network adapters can a BL420c Gen8 take?

The BL420c Gen8 takes network adapters in its FlexibleLOM (FLB) connector and its two mezzanine slots, of which mezzanine slot 2 needs the second processor. These FlexibleLOMs do not work in prior-generation c-Class server blades.

Does the BL420c Gen8 have network ports built in?

One FlexibleLOM (FLB) position on two connectors; the server requires one FlexibleLOM, whose two ports go to interconnect bays 1 and 2. Two configure-to-order blades: the 10Gb FlexibleLOM blade 640996-B21, needed for the 10Gb FlexibleLOMs, and the 1Gb FlexibleLOM blade 690142-B21, needed for the 1Gb FlexibleLOM. Pre-configured models include the FlexibleLOM; configure-to-order models must have one chosen, and the FlexibleLOM options are used to change it.

Do I need the second processor for more adapters?

Mezzanine slot 2 needs the second processor. Mezzanine slot 1 runs from processor 1. HPE: “A second processor must be installed (in processor slot 2) to have access to the second expansion slot (expansion slot 2).” (page 4).

What do “QuickSpecs version 33” and “earlier HPE edition” mean on the list?

An adapter tagged “Listed in QuickSpecs version 33” is in version 33 of HPE's QuickSpecs for the BL420c Gen8, the edition this page is built from. One tagged “Listed in an earlier HPE edition” was listed for this server in an earlier edition of HPE's QuickSpecs and is not in version 33.

Which Fibre Channel HBAs does HPE list for the BL420c Gen8?

HPE lists two 8Gb Fibre Channel mezzanine HBAs (LPe1205A and QMH2572) under HPE Fibre Channel; up to two fit the server. HPE's QuickSpecs list 2 Fibre Channel HBAs for it, by model: LPe1205A and QMH2572. They are in the Fibre Channel HBAs section of this page.

What if the adapter I need is out of stock?

Out of stock today does not mean unavailable: we can often source this part. Add it to a quote request and we reply with current pricing and availability. Every message, quotes included, is answered within 24 hours.

More for the BL420c Gen8

BL420c Gen8 storage controllersBL420c Gen8 drivesBL420c Gen8 memoryBL420c Gen8 processorsAll BL420c Gen8 partsBL460c Gen8 networking adaptersBL465c Gen8 networking adapters

FlexibleLOM (FLB) adapters

4 adapters

One FlexibleLOM (FLB) position on two connectors; the server requires one FlexibleLOM, whose two ports go to interconnect bays 1 and 2.

Mezzanine adapters

4 adapters

Two PCIe 3.0 mezzanine slots: one x8 Type A and one x16 Type B.

InfiniBand and Omni-Path adapters

2 adapters

Under HPE InfiniBand Mezzanines, HPE lists the QDR/Ethernet 10Gb 2-port 544M, the FDR/Ethernet 10Gb/40Gb 2-port 544M and the InfiniBand FDR 2-port 545M.

Fibre Channel HBAs for the BL420c Gen8

HPE lists two 8Gb Fibre Channel mezzanine HBAs (LPe1205A and QMH2572) under HPE Fibre Channel; up to two fit the server. QuickSpecs pages 10, 21

Fibre Channel host bus adapters

2 HBAs
Ships same dayMost orders ship the same business day
1-year warrantyReplacement coverage on every part
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Ships to 120+ countriesBy UPS; duties are collected by the carrier

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