HPE Drive Cage Kit

The HPE Drive Cage Kit provides a robust, scalable solution for expanding storage in compatible HPE servers. Designed for reliability in data centers and enterprise environments, this kit enables secure mounting of drives, easy maintenance, and optimized airflow within the chassis. Whether you’re upgrading capacity, replacing failed trays, or reconfiguring a storage array, the Drive Cage Kit helps you do it quickly with minimal downtime.

• Seamless compatibility: Specifically engineered to align with the chassis and backplane layouts of select HPE ProLiant and server families, the Drive Cage Kit ensures a precise fit, secure drive alignment, and dependable operation in high-demand data centers. The modular design accommodates varying cage depths and bay counts, helping you scale storage without replacing the entire chassis.
• Tool-free installation: A thoughtful, screw-minimized design enables rapid installation and removal of drive trays, reducing maintenance windows and allowing IT teams to swap drives during critical workloads with minimal downtime. The design also supports tidy internal cabling, which simplifies post-install checks and improves overall chassis accessibility for future upgrades.
• Hot-swappable drive support: When used with a compatible backplane, the kit enables hot-swap operation for critical drives, enabling rapid failure isolation and service while servers can remain online in many configurations. This capability helps protect service levels, reduce outage time, and improve response times for drive-related issues.
• Durable construction: Built from rugged, corrosion-resistant metal with precision-machined rails and robust mounting hardware, the cage resists wear and vibration from frequent drive changes. The sturdy finish maintains its look in rack environments with varying temperatures and humidity, ensuring reliable performance over a long lifecycle.
• Optimized airflow and cable management: The cage design emphasizes unobstructed cooling pathways and clean cable routing, preserving thermal efficiency in dense server configurations. By minimizing airflow blocks and clutter, it supports stable temperatures, consistent performance, and easier monitoring of airflow and fan behavior inside the enclosure.

Technical Details of HPE Drive Cage Kit

• Model: HPE Drive Cage Kit (SKU varies by model)
• Material: Powder-coated steel frame with precision rails for durability and long life
• Drive Bays Supported: Configurations vary by SKU; some cages support 2.5" drives, 3.5" drives, or mixed configurations—confirm exact compatibility with your chassis
• Compatibility: Designed for select HPE servers; verify exact model compatibility and backplane requirements by SKU
• Weight: Varies by configuration, drive count, and tray type
• Package Contents: Drive cage assembly, mounting rails, screws and hardware required for installation

How to install HPE Drive Cage Kit

• Power down the server, unplug from power, and remove the access panel to access the drive bays and backplane area.
• Identify the correct orientation for the cage based on your chassis and bay count; align with existing mounting points and the backplane openings.
• Attach the drive cage to the chassis using the included mounting hardware; ensure the cage is firmly fastened, square, and secure to prevent vibration or misalignment during operation.
• Insert drive trays into the cage and connect any required backplane interconnects or SATA/SAS cables as applicable; verify that each tray seats fully and engages with the backplane properly.
• Reinstall the access panel, reconnect power, boot the server, and verify that all drives are detected by the OS and presented to the RAID/controller configuration for proper provisioning.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the HPE Drive Cage Kit include? A: The kit typically includes the drive cage assembly, mounting rails, and installation hardware. Some SKUs may vary and could require additional drive trays or backplane adapters; check your specific SKU contents.
• Q: Is this cage compatible with hot-swappable configurations? A: Yes, when used with an appropriate HPE server backplane and RAID/controller, the cage supports hot-swappable drives. Always verify the exact compatibility for your chassis and backplane SKU.
• Q: Which drive sizes are supported? A: Drive size support depends on the SKU; some cages support 3.5" drives, others 2.5" drives, or mixed configurations. Refer to the product listing for precise compatibility with your chassis and backplane.
• Q: Does installation require tools? A: Many installations are tool-free or require only basic screws; consult your SKU’s installation guide for exact instructions and hardware requirements.
• Q: What about warranty and service? A: Warranty and service terms align with HPE or authorized resellers for spare parts; confirm the warranty coverage on your purchase and with your supplier for any service commitments.