HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 Networking Adapters
Genuine HPE network adapters for the HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11, new and refurbished. The QuickSpecs list no embedded network ports — every build takes its networking from the two OCP 3.0 slots or from PCIe 5.0 stand-up cards, with only the dedicated 1GbE iLO management port fitted as standard.
DL385 Gen11 Networking Specifications
- Form factors: two OCP 3.0 slots plus up to eight PCIe 5.0 x16 stand-up slots across the primary, secondary, and tertiary risers
- OCP lane width: the OCP slots run x8 by default; upgrade cable kits take them to x16, and the two-slot version requires both processors
- Speeds: 1GbE BASE-T, 10GbE BASE-T and SFP+, 10/25GbE SFP28 and SFP56, 100GbE in QSFP28, QSFP56 and QSFP112, and 200GbE
- Silicon: HPE-qualified Broadcom, Intel, NVIDIA (Mellanox), and AMD Solarflare adapters, many offered in both PCIe and OCP3 versions
- Beyond Ethernet: InfiniBand NDR200 and NDR 400Gb OSFP adapters, plus 32G and 64G Fibre Channel HBAs
- Cooling: almost all PCIe network cards call for the six Performance fan configuration
Budget your two OCP slots before you buy. The DL385 Gen11 has no embedded network ports and only two OCP 3.0 slots — an OROC storage controller takes one, and the 32EDSFF direct-attach kit takes both for its re-timer cards. Both slots run x8 unless an upgrade cable kit is fitted.
Which network adapter fits the DL385 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 or SFP56 | OCP 3.0 or PCIe |
| 100GbE | QSFP28, QSFP56 or QSFP112 | OCP 3.0 or PCIe |
| 200GbE and InfiniBand NDR | QSFP or OSFP | PCIe 5.0 x16 |
With eight PCIe 5.0 x16 slots available on a two-processor build, the DL385 Gen11 has room for stand-up cards that a 1U chassis does not. The scarce resource here is the pair of OCP slots, because storage wants them too.
Choosing the Right DL385 Gen11 Network Adapter
- Budget the OCP slots first: an OROC storage controller such as the MR416i-o takes one, and the 32EDSFF direct-attach kit takes both, because it installs two OCP re-timer cards to feed the drives.
- Know your lane width: OCP slots are x8 unless an upgrade cable kit is fitted, and the single-processor kit that widens OCP1 to x16 makes OCP2 unavailable.
- Match the media to your fabric: BASE-T for existing copper, with DAC cables or optics for SFP28, QSFP, and OSFP ordered separately.
- Plan cooling with the card: almost all PCIe adapters require six Performance fans, and several 100Gb and 200Gb NICs are excluded when a high-TDP processor is paired with more than twelve 256GB DIMMs.
Complete Your DL385 Gen11 Build
Finish the platform with DL385 Gen11 memory, drives, storage controllers, processors, and power supplies, or browse the full DL385 Gen11 parts page. Related platforms: DL385 Gen10 Plus v2 adapters, DL325 Gen11 adapters, and DL380 Gen11 adapters. Catalog-wide: HPE parts by server model.
DL385 Gen11 Networking Adapters FAQ
Does the HPE ProLiant DL385 Gen11 have built-in Ethernet ports?
No. The QuickSpecs list network ports as none, with a choice of OCP or stand-up card. The only standard network connector is the dedicated 1GbE iLO management port.
How many OCP slots does the DL385 Gen11 have?
Two OCP 3.0 slots. Both run at x8 lanes by default; upgrade cable kits widen them to x16, and the version that upgrades both slots requires two configured processors.
Why is OCP slot 2 unavailable on my DL385 Gen11?
Two common causes. The single-processor x16 upgrade cable kit for OCP1 makes OCP2 unavailable, and an OROC storage controller occupies an OCP slot. The 32EDSFF direct-attach kit takes both slots for its re-timer cards.
What is the difference between OCP and PCIe network adapters?
The same networking silicon in two mounting formats. OCP 3.0 adapters slide into the dedicated OCP bays; PCIe stand-up cards use the riser slots, of which a two-processor DL385 Gen11 can offer up to eight at x16.
Do SFP28, QSFP, and OSFP adapters include transceivers?
No. The adapter part number covers the card only. Order DAC cables or optics matched to your switch separately. BASE-T adapters connect with standard copper patch cables.
Can I mix Broadcom, Intel, and NVIDIA adapters in one server?
Yes. All are HPE-qualified for the DL385 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 DL385 Gen11 network adapter? Browse our full selection below.
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