HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus OCP x16 Enablement Kit

The HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus OCP x16 Enablement Kit is a purpose-built solution designed to unlock flexible, high-performance networking in compact, dense DL300 Gen10 Plus servers. This enablement kit gives data centers the agility to scale networking capacity without rearchitecting the entire server fleet. Built for modern workloads—cloud, virtualization, AI inference, and data-intensive applications—the OCP x16 Enablement Kit delivers the speed, efficiency, and reliability needed to meet growing demand while preserving your existing investments in HPE infrastructure.

• Unleash OCP x16 Networking — This kit enables support for OCP x16 form-factor network adapters, allowing you to deploy high-throughput NICs that meet your data center needs, including options from 25GbE to 100GbE class performance, depending on the NIC chosen. It provides the pathway to configure faster, more scalable network connectivity directly in the DL300 Gen10 Plus chassis.
• Seamless, Plug-and-Play Deployment — Validated for smooth integration with the DL300 Gen10 Plus platform, the kit is designed for straightforward installation with minimal downtime. The mounting hardware and reference guidance simplify the upgrade, enabling a reliable addition to your server’s I/O fabric without complex rewiring.
• Space-Saving, Dense Compute Advantage — Tailored for compact server configurations, the OCP x16 Enablement Kit occupies minimal space while delivering maximum networking flexibility. It helps you preserve rack density and optimize airflow in data centers where space is a strategic constraint.
• Future-Proof Upgrades — By enabling OCP x16 networking, you gain access to a broad ecosystem of NIC options and next-generation adapters without replacing the server motherboard. This upgrade path extends the useful life of your DL300 Gen10 Plus and aligns with evolving networking standards.
• Enterprise-Grade Reliability and Support — Developed by HPE for enterprise deployments, the kit is designed to work in harmony with HPE firmware, lifecycle management, and service ecosystems. Expect consistent performance, firmware compatibility, and robust warranty support when paired with HPE hardware.

Technical Details of HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus OCP x16 Enablement Kit

• Product Type: OCP x16 Enablement Kit
• Compatibility: HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus servers
• Interface: OCP x16 PCIe expansion capabilities for NICs and adapters
• Includes: OCP x16 enablement module, mounting hardware, and associated brackets
• Form Factor: Standalone kit designed to integrate with DL300 Gen10 Plus chassis
• Operating Environment: Validated for typical data center racks and enterprise deployments

How to install HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus OCP x16 Enablement Kit

• Prepare the server — Power down the DL300 Gen10 Plus server and unplug from all power sources. Ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge. Ensure you have access to the chassis side panels and the OCP expansion area as described in the server maintenance guide.
• Identify the installation location — Locate the designated OCP x16 expansion slot/riser area in the DL300 Gen10 Plus chassis. Review the kit’s documentation for any region-specific or model-specific guidance to ensure correct orientation and alignment.
• Install the OCP x16 module — Insert the OCP x16 enablement module into the proper expansion slot, aligning connectors carefully. Secure the module using the provided mounting hardware to prevent movement during operation. Avoid excessive force to protect the PCIe connectors.
• Connect required cables and brackets — Attach any included cables or brackets as specified by the kit documentation. This can include bridging cables to the NIC or attaching any rear brackets that stabilize airflow and cable routing.
• Firmware and BIOS readiness — After physically installing the kit, boot the server and enter the system firmware or iLO management interface. Update to the recommended BIOS/ROM and NIC firmware versions per HPE guidance to ensure full compatibility and optimal performance.
• Verify operation — In the operating system or hypervisor, confirm that the new OCP x16 NIC is detected and present. Complete any vendor-specific driver installation steps, then verify network throughput and latency against expected baselines.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does the HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus OCP x16 Enablement Kit actually enable?

  A: It enables support for OCP x16 NICs and adapters in the DL300 Gen10 Plus server, providing flexible, high-bandwidth networking capabilities essential for modern data center workloads. The kit does not include the NIC itself; it enables compatibility with OCP x16 NIC options from various vendors.

• Q: Is downtime required to install this kit?

  A: Some downtime is typically required to perform a safe installation, since the kit involves opening the chassis and adding a new expansion module. Plan the upgrade during a maintenance window and follow proper power-down procedures, customer-change-management guidelines, and vendor recommendations to minimize risk.

• Q: Is the kit compatible with all configurations of the DL300 Gen10 Plus?

  A: The kit is designed for DL300 Gen10 Plus servers and is validated for typical deployment scenarios. Compatibility can vary with different BIOS levels, firmware, and NIC models. Always verify against the current HPE compatibility matrix and update firmware as recommended to ensure proper support.

• Q: Does the kit include network adapters or just the enabling hardware?

  A: The OCP x16 Enablement Kit provides the enabling hardware (riser/module and mounting components) required to support OCP x16 NICs. It does not include the NIC cards themselves. You’ll select and install the OCP NIC that best fits your performance and feature needs.

• Q: How do I manage drivers and firmware for the new NIC?

  A: After installation, use HPE iLO and the vendor NIC driver packages to update and manage the NIC firmware and drivers. Follow the NIC vendor’s release notes and the HPE support matrix to ensure ongoing compatibility with your server’s BIOS and firmware levels.