HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen11 Networking Adapters
Genuine HPE network adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen11, new and refurbished. The platform has no embedded networking — it provides two PCIe 5.0 OCP 3.0 slots plus two PCIe 5.0 riser slots, and every build needs at least one adapter to reach the network.
DL325 Gen11 Networking Specifications
- Form factors: two OCP 3.0 slots (slots 21 and 22, PCIe 5.0 x8 bus width in an x16 connector) and PCIe 5.0 x16 stand-up cards on the primary or secondary riser
- Speeds: 1GbE BASE-T, 10GbE BASE-T and SFP+, 10/25GbE SFP28, 100GbE QSFP, and a 200GbE PCIe card
- Silicon: HPE-qualified Broadcom, Intel, and Mellanox / NVIDIA adapters, most offered in both PCIe and OCP 3.0 versions
- OCP features: both OCP slots support shared NIC and Wake-on-LAN; an OCP1 upgrade cable kit is needed for full PCIe Gen5 x16 bandwidth on slot 21
- Cooling: 10/25GbE and 100/200GbE adapters require the Performance or Liquid Cooling fan kit, and several are unsupported in OCP slot 22 on thermal grounds
Every build needs an adapter. The DL325 Gen11 has no embedded networking aside from the dedicated iLO port, and slot placement is thermal as well as mechanical — several 25GbE and 100GbE cards are marked Not Supported in OCP slot 22 and in the secondary riser.
Which network adapter fits the DL325 Gen11?
| Speed | Media | Form factors |
|---|---|---|
| 1GbE | RJ-45 BASE-T | OCP 3.0 or PCIe |
| 10GbE | BASE-T or SFP+ | OCP 3.0 or PCIe |
| 10/25GbE | SFP28 | OCP 3.0 or PCIe |
| 100GbE | QSFP112, QSFP56, or QSFP28 | OCP 3.0 or PCIe |
| 200GbE | Ethernet, 1-port | PCIe only |
Slot placement is a thermal decision on this chassis, not just a mechanical one — the QuickSpecs list 25C ambient limits and outright "Not Supported" entries for faster adapters in the secondary riser and in OCP slot 22, especially in the EDSFF and GPU chassis.
Choosing the Right DL325 Gen11 Network Adapter
- Use the OCP slots first — in 1U there are only two riser slots, and they are better saved for a storage controller or a full-length card.
- Plan around the fan kit: anything at 10/25GbE or above requires the Performance or Liquid Cooling fan kit, so budget for it with the adapter.
- Match the media to your fabric: BASE-T for existing copper, SFP28 and QSFP with DAC cables or optics ordered separately — adapter part numbers never include transceivers.
- 25GbE is the practical default for new builds — SFP28 negotiates down to 10GbE during a fabric transition.
Complete Your DL325 Gen11 Build
Finish the platform with DL325 Gen11 memory, drives, storage controllers, processors, and power supplies, or browse the full DL325 Gen11 parts page. Related platforms: DL325 Gen10 Plus v2 adapters and DL385 Gen11 adapters. Catalog-wide: HPE parts by server model.
DL325 Gen11 Networking Adapters FAQ
Does the HPE ProLiant DL325 Gen11 have built-in Ethernet ports?
No - the QuickSpecs state 'No embedded networking' aside from the dedicated 1Gb iLO management port. Networking comes from the two OCP 3.0 slots or from PCIe stand-up adapters, and factory-built models ship with a primary networking card pre-selected.
How many OCP slots does the DL325 Gen11 have?
Two, slots 21 and 22, both PCIe 5.0 with an x8 bus width in an x16 connector. Both support shared NIC and Wake-on-LAN, and both are available on this single-socket platform.
Why is my 100GbE adapter not supported in OCP slot 22?
Thermals. The QuickSpecs mark several 25GbE and 100GbE adapters 'Not Supported' in OCP slot 22 and in the secondary riser, particularly in the EDSFF and GPU chassis. Put the fastest adapter in OCP slot 21 or the primary riser.
Do 10/25GbE adapters need a special fan kit in the DL325 Gen11?
Yes. The 10/25GbE and 100/200GbE options require the Performance Fan Kit or the Liquid Cooling Fan Kit, and the recommended system ambient temperature drops to 25C in several slot combinations.
Do SFP28 and QSFP adapters include transceivers?
No - the part number covers the card only. Direct attach copper cables or fiber transceivers are purchased separately to match your switch; BASE-T adapters use standard copper patch cables.
Can I mix Broadcom, Intel, and NVIDIA adapters in one server?
Yes - all are HPE-qualified for the DL325 Gen11 and coexist cleanly. A common build pairs an OCP adapter for general traffic with a PCIe card for storage or low-latency networks.
✅ Looking for a specific DL325 Gen11 network adapter? Browse our full selection below.
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