HPE ProLiant DL38X Gen10 Plus 8SFF x1 Tri-Mode 24G U.3 BC Midplane Drive Cage Kit

Engineered to maximize storage density and performance in HPE ProLiant DL38X Gen10 Plus servers, this 8SFF x1 Tri-Mode 24G U.3 BC Midplane Drive Cage Kit delivers flexible drive options, streamlined maintenance, and sustained data throughput for demanding workloads. Whether you’re expanding capacity for virtualization, databases, or large-scale data analytics, this kit provides a reliable foundation for scalable storage in a compact chassis. The Tri-Mode 24G U.3 backplane enables NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives, giving you a versatile path to optimize performance and cost per I/O across mixed workloads.

Designed for seamless integration with the DL38X Gen10 Plus family, the drive cage kit combines rugged build quality with precision mounting to ensure secure, tool-free maintenance. The eight hot-swappable 2.5-inch bays empower rapid capacity expansion and expedited serviceability, minimizing downtime during upgrades or replacements. By delivering robust I/O connectivity and a streamlined upgrade path, this cage kit helps organizations achieve higher throughput and lower latency without requiring a complete system overhaul.

• Eight SFF bays for dense storage expansion: The kit provides eight 2.5-inch small form factor drive bays in a single, compact enclosure, delivering substantial capacity growth within the same DL38X chassis footprint. This layout supports quick upgrades and flexible scale-out strategies for data-intensive workloads.
• Tri-Mode 24G U.3 midplane for versatile drive connectivity: The U.3 backplane enables seamless support for NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives. This tri-mode capability unlocks high-bandwidth NVMe I/O for latency-sensitive applications while preserving compatibility with traditional SAS/SATA drives for mixed workloads and cost-managed storage tiers.
• Gen10 Plus design optimized for density and efficiency: Built for the DL38X Gen10 Plus ecosystem, the drive cage kit leverages the latest server generation’s efficiency and performance characteristics, helping you achieve better throughput-per-watt and improved overall system density in a data-center rack.
• Secure, tool-free installation and maintenance: The drive cage integrates with the server chassis using standard mounting points and retention mechanisms, enabling fast installation and straightforward drive replacement. Its rugged construction minimizes vibration and promotes reliable operation in dense deployments.
• Hot-swappable drives reduce downtime and simplify updates: With eight hot-swappable bays, you can replace or upgrade drives without powering down the system (subject to controller and firmware capabilities), supporting maintenance windows and continuous operations in many environments.

Technical Details of HPE ProLiant DL38X Gen10 Plus 8SFF x1 Tri-Mode 24G U.3 BC Midplane Drive Cage Kit

• Drive bays: 8 SFF (2.5-inch) hot-swappable bays designed for dense storage expansion within the DL38X Gen10 Plus chassis.
• Backplane technology: Tri-Mode 24G U.3 midplane enabling NVMe, SAS, and SATA connectivity to support a broad range of drives and workloads.
• Compatibility: Specifically designed for HPE ProLiant DL38X Gen10 Plus servers, with integration aligned to the server’s midplane and mounting framework.
• Connectivity and performance: Direct backplane connections to appropriate server controllers to maximize bandwidth and reduce latency for data-intensive applications.
• Installation considerations: Tool-friendly mounting and secure retention to promote easy installation and reliable operation in a high-density rack environment.

How to install HPE ProLiant DL38X Gen10 Plus 8SFF x1 Tri-Mode 24G U.3 BC Midplane Drive Cage Kit

• Power down the server, unplug from power, and remove the chassis cover to access the drive area and mounting points.
• Identify the correct DL38X Gen10 Plus-compatible midplane interface location and align the drive cage with the chassis guides to ensure proper seating.
• Connect the Tri-Mode 24G U.3 backplane cable from the server to the drive cage backplane, ensuring a secure and firm connection for reliable data transmission.
• Secure the drive cage to the chassis using the provided mounting hardware, then insert the eight 2.5-inch SFF drives into the bays if drives are not pre-installed. Confirm each drive is seated properly and engages with the hot-swap mechanism.
• Reinstall the chassis cover, reconnect power, and power on the server. Enter the BIOS/UEFI or the storage controller configuration utility to verify recognition of the eight drives and configure the drives as needed (RAID, JBOD, or pass-through depending on your setup).
• Update system firmware and storage controller drivers to ensure full tri-mode compatibility, optimal performance, and continued reliability with Gen10 Plus features.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What drives are compatible with the DL38X Gen10 Plus 8SFF drive cage kit? A: The kit supports eight 2.5-inch SFF drives within a single drive cage and is designed for Tri-Mode 24G U.3 backplane compatibility, allowing NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives to be used according to your server configuration and controller support. Always consult the latest HPE compatibility matrix for your DL38X configuration.
• Q: Does the cage kit include the drives? A: No. The drive cage kit provides the midplane, chassis integration, and mounting hardware. Storage drives must be purchased separately and installed into the eight bays as needed.
• Q: Is firmware updating required after installation? A: Yes. To ensure full tri-mode operation and optimal performance, update the system firmware, storage controller firmware, and any relevant driver packages after installation.
• Q: Can I mix NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives in the same 8SFF backplane? A: The Tri-Mode U.3 backplane is designed to support NVMe, SAS, and SATA drives, but you should verify specific configuration constraints from HPE for your DL38X model and controller combination before mixing drive types.
• Q: Is this kit compatible with other HPE ProLiant platforms? A: The drive cage kit is designed for HPE ProLiant DL38X Gen10 Plus servers. For use with other DL or Gen platforms, confirm compatibility with the exact chassis and midplane design in the official product documentation.