HPE’s ProLiant Compute Gen12 servers have arrived, bringing new capabilities, architectural changes, and performance improvements. But does it always make sense to upgrade?
HPE ProLiant Servers & Server Parts: Save up to 80%
While Gen12 introduces Intel Xeon 6 processors, Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC), and improved security, Gen11 servers remain a solid choice for many workloads.
What’s New in HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12?
CPU Architecture: Intel Xeon 6 P-Core - HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12
✔️ Up to 144 cores per CPU (vs. 60 cores max in Gen11).
✔️ Higher memory bandwidth: DDR5 up to 6400MT/s (vs. 5600MT/s in Gen11).
✔️ Power-efficient architecture: Claims up to 65% power savings annually.
✔️ Optimized for AI, edge computing, and data analytics workloads.
If you need high-core workloads, Gen12 is a strong contender, but Gen11 remains powerful for standard enterprise applications.
Memory & Storage Enhancements - HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12
✅ DDR5 up to 8TB (vs. 4TB in Gen11).
✅ EDSFF storage support, allowing up to 36 drives in a 2U chassis.
✅ More NVMe storage bays with PCIe Gen5 SSDs.
Gen12 offers better memory scaling and storage flexibility, but Gen11 remains viable for general enterprise storage needs.
Cooling: Direct Liquid Cooling (DLC) - HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12
💧 DLC now available across more models, reducing cooling power consumption by up to 90%.
🌬️ Gen11 primarily used air cooling, with limited DLC models.
If power efficiency and heat management are priorities, Gen12’s DLC option is a game-changer.
Security & Compute Ops Management - HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12
🔐 iLO 7 with Secure Enclave Technology for enhanced firmware protection.
🛡️ Quantum Computing Resistance for future-proof cryptographic security.
📊 HPE Compute Ops Management (COM) for AI-driven automation.
If security compliance is a concern, Gen12’s security features provide extra value.
HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 Server Lineup Comparison
Single-Socket HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 Servers
Model | Form Factor | CPU | Max Memory | Max Storage | GPU Support | Cooling Options |
DL320 Gen12 | 1U Rack | 1x Intel Xeon 6 | 2TB DDR5 | 20x EDSFF, 8x SFF, 4x/10x/12x LFF | 4 SW / 2 DW GPUs | Air, Liquid, DLC |
DL340 Gen12 | 2U Rack | 1x Intel Xeon 6 | 4TB DDR5 | 20x EDSFF, 8x SFF, 12x LFF | 6 SW / 4 DW GPUs | Air, Liquid, DLC |
📌 Best for: Cost-efficient hybrid cloud, virtualization, and edge computing.
Dual-Socket HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 Servers
Model | Form Factor | CPU | Max Memory | Max Storage | GPU Support | Cooling Options |
DL360 Gen12 | 1U Rack | 2x Intel Xeon 6 | 8TB DDR5 | 20x EDSFF, 10x SFF, 4x LFF | 3 SW GPUs | Air, Liquid, DLC |
DL380 Gen12 | 2U Rack | 2x Intel Xeon 6 | 8TB DDR5 | 36x EDSFF, 24x SFF, 12x LFF | 8 SW / 3 DW GPUs | Air, Liquid, DLC |
DL380a Gen12 | 4U Rack | 2x Intel Xeon 6 | 4TB DDR5 | 16x EDSFF, 8x SFF | 16 SW / 8 DW GPUs | DLC Only |
📌 Best for: AI/ML workloads, large-scale virtualization, and GPU acceleration.
Specialized HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 Models
Model | Form Factor | CPU | Max Memory | Max Storage | Use Case |
ML350 Gen12 | Tower | 2x Intel Xeon 6 | 8TB DDR5 | 12 LFF / 24 SFF | SMB/Edge Computing |
DL580 Gen12 | 4U Rack | 4x Intel Xeon 6 | TBD | TBD | High-Density Compute |
Synergy 480 Gen12 | Blade | 2x Intel Xeon 6 | TBD | TBD | Cloud/Enterprise Blade |
📌 Best for: Enterprise data centers, modular compute environments, and AI-driven cloud solutions.
Does It Make Sense to Upgrade to HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12?
✅ When to Choose Gen12:
✔ AI, HPC, and Cloud Workloads – Need higher core density, better cooling, and PCIe Gen5.
✔ Extreme GPU Acceleration – Supports up to 16 GPUs in DL380a.
✔ Energy Efficiency Priority – DLC saves power in high-density data centers.
✔ Security-First Environments – Quantum resistance and enhanced firmware protection.
❌ When Gen11 is Still a Good Choice:
✔ Virtualization & General Enterprise Workloads – No major performance gap.
✔ Budget-Constrained Environments – Gen11 offers similar power at a lower price.
✔ Storage-Centric Workloads – Gen11 has great NVMe and SAS support.
✔ SMBs & Standard Data Centers – No need for extreme AI acceleration.
HPE ProLiant Compute Gen12 brings key upgrades, but Gen11 remains a cost-effective and reliable choice. Upgrade for AI, efficiency, and security; stick with Gen11 for budget-friendly enterprise IT.
HPE ProLiant Servers & Server Parts: Save up to 80%
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