HPE ProLiant DL385 G7 Processors
Genuine HPE processor option kits for the HPE ProLiant DL385 G7, new and refurbished. This is an AMD platform on the SR5690 and SP5100 chipset, taking up to two AMD Opteron 6100 or 6200 series processors, and the kits listed here are the 6100 series eight-core and twelve-core parts — twenty-four cores across two sockets.
DL385 G7 Processor Specifications
- Sockets: two, on the AMD SR5690 Northbridge and SP5100 Southbridge, upgradeable from one processor to two
- Families documented: Opteron 6100 series in eight-core and twelve-core forms, and Opteron 6200 series in quad-core through sixteen-core forms, to a platform ceiling of 32 cores
- Cache: 12MB of level 3 cache on 6100 series processors, 16MB on 6200 series processors
- Twelve-core kits stocked: Opteron 6176SE at 2.3GHz and 140W TDP, and the 6174 at 2.2GHz and 6172 at 2.1GHz, both 115W TDP
- Eight-core kits stocked: Opteron 6136 at 2.4GHz, 6134 at 2.3GHz and 6128 at 2.0GHz, each 115W TDP, plus the 6128HE at 2.0GHz and 85W TDP
- Memory clock: DDR3 at 1600MHz is supported only with Opteron 6200 series processors; a 6100 series machine runs the memory bus at 1333MHz or below
- Kit contents: every processor kit is complete with heatsink and fans, and a second processor kit includes the two additional chassis fans
The second processor is what opens the other half of the memory. A DIMM bank is only active when its processor socket is populated, so a one-CPU DL385 G7 can reach just twelve of its twenty-four sockets. The second kit also brings the two extra fans the chassis needs, taking cooling from 3+1 to 5+1.
Eight Cores or Twelve, and at What TDP?
| Class | Example | TDP | Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twelve-core SE | Opteron 6176SE 2.3GHz | 140W | Core count and clock together, where power and cooling allow |
| Twelve-core standard | Opteron 6174 2.2GHz | 115W | The usual two-socket virtualisation build, at 24 cores |
| Eight-core standard | Opteron 6136 2.4GHz | 115W | Fewer, faster cores for software licensed per core |
| Eight-core HE | Opteron 6128HE 2.0GHz | 85W | Density and power budget ahead of peak clock |
Clock speeds across this range sit close together, so the real choice is cores against watts. Twelve-core parts are the cheap route to thread count; the HE part gives up 400MHz against the fastest eight-core to save 30 watts a socket; the SE part asks 140W to pair twelve cores with a higher clock. On an upgrade rather than a rebuild, the class already fitted is a fair guide to what the power supply was provisioned for.
Choosing the Right DL385 G7 Processor
- A second processor unlocks the other twelve DIMM sockets. A DIMM bank is only active when its processor socket is populated, so half the memory capacity is off the table until the second CPU goes in.
- The second kit brings its own cooling. Fans go from 3+1 to 5+1 when the second processor is fitted, and the processor kit includes those two extra fans.
- 1600MHz memory needs a 6200 series part. On a 6100 series machine PC3-12800 modules run no faster than 1333MHz, so pay for the speed only if the processor can use it.
- Cache follows the series, not the core count. Every 6100 series part here carries 12MB of level 3 cache, eight-core and twelve-core alike.
- Check the power supply against the TDP. Two 140W parts with a full drive cage is a different budget from two 85W HE parts.
Complete Your DL385 G7 Build
Processor choice sets both the memory clock and the power draw — see DL385 G7 memory and power supplies alongside this page. Also available: DL385 G7 hard drives, storage controllers and networking adapters, or the full DL385 G7 parts listing. For four Opteron sockets of the same era see the DL585 G7 processors, or the HPE parts by server model index.
DL385 G7 Processors FAQ
Which processors does the DL385 G7 support?
Up to two AMD Opteron processors: 6100 series parts in eight- and twelve-core forms, and 6200 series parts from quad-core to sixteen-core. Level 3 cache is 12MB on the 6100 series and 16MB on the 6200 series.
Can I add a second processor to a DL385 G7?
Yes, the server is upgradeable to two processors. The second processor kit includes the two additional fans the chassis needs, taking cooling from 3+1 to 5+1.
Does adding a second processor do anything besides add cores?
Yes. A DIMM bank is only active when its processor socket is populated, so with one processor installed only twelve of the twenty-four memory sockets are available.
Do DL385 G7 processor kits include a heatsink?
Yes. Every processor option kit listed for this server comes complete with heatsink and fans.
What does HE mean on an Opteron model number?
It marks the lower-wattage part in a family. The eight-core 6128HE runs at 2.0GHz within an 85W TDP, where the standard eight-core parts sit at 115W.
Which processor gives the best memory speed?
An Opteron 6200 series part, because 1600MHz memory is only supported with that series. A 6100 series processor runs the memory bus at 1333MHz or below, depending on how the channels are filled.
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