HPE ProLiant DL385 G7 Networking Adapters
Genuine HPE Ethernet server adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL385 G7, new and refurbished. The server already has four Gigabit ports on board from two embedded NC382i dual-port Multifunction adapters, so a card here is about reaching 10 Gigabit, reaching fibre, or going past four ports — and on this server the third and fourth port often cost a riser as well as a card.
DL385 G7 Networking Specifications
- Embedded networking: two HPE NC382i dual-port Multifunction Gigabit Server Adapters on a Broadcom 5709C, four RJ-45 ports in total, over PCI Express x4
- Management port: a separate HPE iLO 3 remote management NIC, independent of the four data ports
- Expansion: up to six PCI Express Gen2 slots across the primary and optional secondary risers, with the (2) x8 riser kit documented to carry two 10GbE NICs
- Gigabit copper stocked: NC112T single port, NC360T dual port, NC364T quad port, NC365T four-port, NC373T Multifunction, NC375T quad port and the NC382T dual-port Multifunction adapter
- Gigabit fibre: the NC373F PCI-E Multifunction 1000SX adapter, for 1000BASE-SX optical runs
- 10 Gigabit stocked: the NC522SFP and NC550SFP dual-port SFP+ server adapters
- Memory rules: HPE documents 1GB of server memory as sufficient for up to eight total ports and 2GB from nine ports upward, plus a minimum of 2GB per 10 Gigabit adapter fitted
A second NC360T can cost a riser as well as a card. HPE documents that a DL385 G7 shipped after 23 May 2011 needs the DL38X (2) x8 PCI-E riser kit before more than one NC360T will fit; with it the server takes up to three. Check what the four embedded NC382i ports already cover first.
Do You Need an Add-in Adapter at All?
| What you need | What to fit |
|---|---|
| Two more Gigabit copper ports | NC360T or NC382T dual port |
| Four more Gigabit copper ports | NC364T, NC365T or NC375T quad port |
| Gigabit over fibre | NC373F Multifunction 1000SX |
| 10 Gigabit over SFP+ | NC522SFP or NC550SFP, with cables or transceivers bought separately |
| More than one NC360T in the server | The card plus the DL38X (2) x8 PCI-E riser kit |
That last row is specific to this server and catches people out. HPE documents that a DL385 G7 shipped after 23 May 2011 needs the DL38X (2) x8 PCI-E riser kit before a second NC360T will go in. With that riser the machine takes up to three: one in slot 1 of the standard riser, two in slots 4 and 5 of the optional one.
Choosing the Right DL385 G7 Network Adapter
- Count the slots before the ports. Six PCIe Gen2 slots sounds generous until a storage controller and a tape adapter are in place, and the secondary riser is what supplies slots 4 to 6.
- Budget the memory. HPE calls for 2GB of server memory once the server passes eight total ports, and 2GB minimum for each 10 Gigabit adapter fitted.
- Cables and transceivers are separate. SFP+ cards ship bare: direct attach copper for short runs, or transceivers and fibre for longer ones.
- Match the media, not just the speed. An SFP+ card and a 10GBASE-T switch port will not connect without the right optics in between.
- Mind which riser a card lands in. The shared network port is only supported in the secondary riser connector, so slot choice is not always free.
Complete Your DL385 G7 Build
Ten Gigabit adapters call for memory headroom — see DL385 G7 memory, and check storage controllers before assuming a slot is free. Also available: DL385 G7 hard drives, processors and power supplies, or the full DL385 G7 parts listing. For the next generation of this chassis see the DL385p Gen8 networking adapters, or the HPE parts by server model index.
DL385 G7 Networking Adapters FAQ
How many network ports does a DL385 G7 have as standard?
Four. Two embedded HPE NC382i dual-port Multifunction Gigabit Server Adapters provide four RJ-45 ports, and a fifth port serves iLO 3 management separately.
Does the DL385 G7 support 10 Gigabit Ethernet?
Yes, through an add-in card. The NC522SFP and NC550SFP dual-port SFP+ adapters are both listed for this server, and the DL38X (2) x8 PCI-E riser kit is documented to carry two 10GbE NICs.
Why will my second NC360T not fit?
On a DL385 G7 shipped after 23 May 2011, installing more than one NC360T requires the HP DL38X (2) x8 PCI-E riser kit as well. With that riser the server supports up to three NC360T adapters.
Do 10GbE adapters need extra memory?
HPE documents a minimum of two gigabytes of server memory for each 10 Gigabit adapter installed, so a pair of cards assumes headroom in the memory configuration.
Is there a memory requirement for ordinary Gigabit ports too?
Yes, a modest one. HPE states that 1GB of server memory is sufficient for up to eight total ports, and that 2GB is required once nine or more ports are selected.
Are cables included with SFP+ adapters?
No. Direct attach copper cables, or transceivers and fibre for optical runs, are bought separately from the adapter.
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