HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz 20MB Smart Cache Processor Kit (817927-B21)

Introducing the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz 20MB Smart Cache Processor Kit (817927-B21)

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 is a flagship server platform engineered for high‑density, mission‑critical workloads. At its core lies the powerful Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4, a 14 nm processor that delivers robust performance while maintaining energy efficiency. This kit equips your DL380 Gen9 with two identical CPUs, unlocking full dual‑socket potential and ensuring seamless scalability for demanding enterprise applications.

Key Technical Highlights

• Processor Family: Intel Xeon E5-2600 v4
• Core Count: 8 cores per CPU, totaling 16 cores across the kit
• Thread Count: 16 threads per CPU (32 threads total)
• Base Frequency: 2.1 GHz
• Turbo Boost Frequency: Up to 3.0 GHz with Intel® Turbo Boost Technology 2.0
• Cache Architecture: 20 MB Smart Cache per CPU, shared across cores for low‑latency data access
• TDP (Thermal Design Power): 85 W per processor, optimized for efficient cooling in dense rack environments
• Socket Type: LGA 2011 (Socket R), compatible exclusively with the DL380 Gen9 chassis
• Instruction Set Support: AVX‑2.0, enabling advanced vector operations for scientific and analytical workloads
• Memory Compatibility: DDR4‑SDRAM up to 1 TB per processor (maximum 1.5 TB across the system)
• Memory Channels: Quad‑channel architecture, providing high bandwidth and parallelism
• Maximum Memory Bandwidth: 68.3 GB/s per CPU, ensuring rapid data movement for memory‑intensive applications
• PCI Express Support: PCIe 3.0 with up to 40 lanes per processor, facilitating high‑throughput expansion cards and NVMe storage solutions
• QPI Links: Two QPI links for inter‑processor communication, enhancing scalability in multi‑CPU configurations
• Physical Address Extension: 46 bit, allowing access to large memory spaces required by virtualization and big data platforms
• Operating Mode: 64‑bit architecture, supporting modern operating systems and hypervisors

Why the DL380 Gen9 with E5-2620 v4 is a Game Changer

The combination of dual 8‑core CPUs and quad‑channel DDR4 memory delivers a balanced mix of compute power, memory bandwidth, and I/O capacity. This makes the system ideal for:

• Virtualized environments (VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper‑V) where multiple VMs demand consistent performance
• Database servers (Oracle, SQL Server, PostgreSQL) that benefit from high core counts and fast memory access
• Enterprise applications such as ERP, CRM, and business intelligence suites requiring reliable throughput
• High‑performance computing tasks like scientific simulations or financial modeling where AVX‑2.0 acceleration can shave milliseconds off critical calculations

Design and Build Quality

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 chassis is engineered for reliability:

• Robust Cooling: Dual hot‑air fans with intelligent airflow management keep temperatures within safe limits even under full load
• Redundant Power Supplies: Optional dual redundant power modules ensure uninterrupted operation during maintenance or unexpected failures
• Modular Expansion Slots: Eight PCIe slots (x8/x16) allow for flexible configuration of networking, storage, and acceleration cards
• Enterprise Management: Integrated HPE iLO 5 remote management provides out‑of‑band control, firmware updates, and health monitoring

Installation and Compatibility Notes

When installing the Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 kit (817927-B21), ensure that:

• The server is powered off and unplugged to avoid static discharge.
• Both CPU sockets are clean and free of debris before insertion.
• The correct thermal paste or cooler is applied if the system requires active cooling (the kit does not include a cooler).
• The BIOS/firmware is updated to the latest HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 version that supports E5‑2600 v4 processors.

Performance Benchmarks (Illustrative)

While actual performance varies with workload, typical benchmarks for this configuration include:

• CPU Stress Test: Sustained 2.1 GHz base clock with occasional bursts to 3.0 GHz under Intel® Turbo Boost.
• Memory Latency: Average latency around 12–15 ns for DDR4‑2400, enabling rapid data access for OLTP systems.
• PCIe Throughput: Up to 32 GB/s per PCIe x16 lane in full‑duplex mode, supporting high‑speed NVMe SSDs and network adapters.

Conclusion

The HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen9 Intel Xeon E5-2620 v4 2.1GHz 20MB Smart Cache Processor Kit (817927-B21) represents a compelling blend of performance, scalability, and reliability for enterprise workloads. Its dual‑socket architecture, quad‑channel memory support, and advanced instruction set make it an excellent foundation for building resilient, high‑throughput server environments.