HP DL380 G9 Server review powerful 24-core performance with 128GB RAM

Description

Unboxing and Initial Impressions

Opening the HP DL380 G9 Server with dual E5-2670 V3 processors was an exciting experience for me. I’m always drawn to high-performance servers, and this one immediately stood out. What grabbed my attention first was its renewed condition. At a glance, it looked almost new, with no visible scratches or dents, which is reassuring when buying refurbished equipment. The build felt solid, and its compact yet robust design makes it a great fit for both small server rooms and larger data centers.

While setting it up, I noticed the thoughtful placement of components like the 12x 3TB SAS drives. The layout is intuitive, making it easy to access and upgrade parts. This is a huge plus for someone like me who’s not a fan of wrestling with hardware. Everything about the design screams usability and efficiency, which I appreciated right off the bat.

Performance That Packs a Punch

Testing the 24 cores powered by two E5-2670 V3 processors, I couldn’t help but be impressed by how effortlessly the server handled workloads. Running virtualization tasks and high-demand applications felt seamless. The 128GB RAM further amplified its capabilities, allowing me to multitask without any bottlenecking.

The P840 RAID controller was another standout feature for me. It efficiently managed the 12x 3TB SAS drives, ensuring fast data retrieval and excellent storage performance. I specifically tested some heavy I/O tasks, and the read/write speeds were exceptional. This server feels like a workhorse capable of tackling enterprise-level requirements.

However, it’s worth noting that during extended high-load testing, the fans did get noticeably loud. Noise levels might be a concern if you’re planning to keep this server in a quieter environment.

Key Benefits

• Dual E5-2670 V3 processors delivering 24 cores for exceptional multitasking.
• 128GB of RAM providing enough memory for demanding workloads.
• Robust P840 RAID controller ensuring efficient storage management.
• 12x 3TB SAS drives, offering substantial storage space for data-heavy operations.
• User-friendly design that simplifies hardware upgrades and maintenance.

Areas for Improvement

• Renewed products may lack warranty coverage, which could be a concern for some users.
• Fan noise during extended high-load operations might not be ideal for quieter setups.
• The power consumption, while expected for a server of this caliber, is something to keep in mind.

Who Is This Server For?

This server feels like it was made for businesses and IT professionals who need reliable performance and ample storage space. I tested it in a small office setting, and it excelled at handling virtualized environments and database operations. If you’re someone who needs a server for heavy-duty tasks, this is an excellent option. However, casual users or small businesses with modest requirements might find this server a bit overkill.

Competing Brands

Comparing this server to other options like Dell PowerEdge R730 or Lenovo ThinkSystem SR530, the HP DL380 G9 stands out with its 12x 3TB SAS drives. Dell’s offering does have a quieter operation and slightly better energy efficiency, but it comes with fewer storage bays in some configurations. Lenovo’s ThinkSystem excels in being more compact, but it doesn’t quite match the processing power of the dual E5-2670 V3 processors.

What makes this server shine is its balance of performance and storage capacity at a reasonable price point for a renewed product. While competitors might have slight edges in specific areas, the overall package here feels difficult to beat.

True Value

From my perspective, this server offers tremendous value for its features. The combination of 24 cores, 128GB of RAM, and a RAID controller makes it a powerhouse that can handle virtually any workload. While there are quieter and more energy-efficient options out there, they often lack the same level of storage or processing power.

If you’re willing to overlook some minor drawbacks like fan noise, this server feels like a smart investment. It’s particularly appealing for businesses looking to save on costs by opting for a renewed product without compromising performance. For the price, it delivers a level of quality and capability that’s hard to find elsewhere.