🚀 HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen11 Server Tower: A Powerhouse for Modern Workloads

When it comes to enterprise computing, flexibility, performance, and scalability are key—and the HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen11 Server Tower delivers on all fronts. Whether you're a small business with growing IT needs or an enterprise looking to support branch offices, this server is built to adapt, expand, and conquer.

Let’s dive into everything this powerhouse brings to the table.

🔧 Built for Today’s Demands (and Tomorrow’s)

The ML350 Gen11 comes equipped with 4th Gen Intel Xeon Scalable processors, delivering impressive improvements in processing power, efficiency, and security features. Pair that with DDR5 memory support and PCIe 5.0 expansion, and you’ve got a future-ready system that can take on anything from AI and machine learning to heavy-duty analytics.


Key Hardware Upgrades:

  • Support for up to 2x Xeon Scalable CPUs

  • Up to 8TB DDR5 RDIMM Memory

  • PCIe Gen 5.0 support for ultra-fast I/O

  • M.2 NVMe Boot Device

  • Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) 6.0 for remote management

📦 Tower or Rack? Your Choice.

The ML350 Gen11 starts as a sleek, tower-style server, but it’s versatile enough to be rack-mounted. Remove the feet, slide in some rails, and this server fits right into your data center.

HPE even gave it a modern twist with a new “X”-patterned front grill, which the presenter jokingly ties to Elon Musk’s love of the letter "X" (think SpaceX, Twitter/X, and X Æ A-12).

💽 Ultimate Storage Flexibility

Storage is where this server really shines. Whether you're running local databases or virtual environments, it’s built to scale.

Storage Options:

  • 3.5-inch or 2.5-inch bays (SAS, SATA, NVMe supported)

  • Up to 12x LFF or 24x SFF drives

  • Support for EDSFF E3.S drives (up to 12x) – perfect for high-speed, high-density configurations

  • Tri-mode controller support (RAID-ready)

  • Optional NS204i-u NVMe Boot Device with RAID1 redundancy

Note: E3.S drives require both CPUs installed.

🌐 I/O and Expansion Galore

Connectivity is king, and the ML350 Gen11 gives you options:

Rear I/O Includes:

  • 2x OCP 3.0 slots (PCIe 5.0 x8 and x16)

  • VGA, Serial, and USB 3.2 Gen1 ports

  • iLO management port for remote access

  • SlimSAS ports for high-speed drive connectivity

  • Redundant Power Supply Units (PSUs) – various wattages supported

Inside, you get three PCIe riser slots (primary, secondary, and tertiary), supporting everything from standard add-on cards to high-end GPUs like the Tesla T4 and NVIDIA A2.

All slots support 75W of power, and some include auxiliary GPU power connectors for double-wide cards.

🌬️ Cooling Configurations

Thermal management is handled by a fan cage with support for up to 8 high-performance fans, depending on your build. For high-end GPU setups, you can also install external fans on the rear of the chassis to keep things chill under load.

🧪 Tested Configuration Example

IT Creations configured their demo unit with:

  • 1x Intel Xeon Gold 5418Y CPU

  • 256GB DDR5 RAM (8x 32GB modules)

  • 4x 3.84TB SAS SSDs (15.36TB total)

  • MR408i-o RAID Controller (OCP-mounted, based on Broadcom MegaRAID)

At full capacity, this server can run:

  • 2 CPUs

  • 8TB DDR5 (32x 256GB modules)

  • RAID options across NVMe, SATA, SAS

🧠 Remote Management with iLO 6.0

The Integrated Lights-Out (iLO) 6.0 platform is a game-changer for remote server administration. Once connected to your network, you can:

  • Manage the server from a browser

  • Monitor system health

  • Power cycle or update firmware remotely

Perfect for IT teams managing multiple branches or data centers.

🎯 Final Verdict: Built for Any Business

From small teams to enterprise operations, the HPE ProLiant ML350 Gen11 is designed to grow with your business. With customizable storage, next-gen connectivity, and enterprise-class performance, it checks all the boxes for a modern server solution.

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