Description
HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 2SFF x4 U.3 BC Front/Tertiary Stackable Drive Cage Kit
The HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 2SFF x4 U.3 BC Front/Tertiary Stackable Drive Cage Kit is a precision-engineered storage expansion solution designed to unlock dense, flexible storage for the DL345 Gen11 server line. This drive cage kit provides four U.3-compatible front/tertiary hot-swap bays in a compact, stackable form factor, enabling administrators to scale capacity and performance without compromising chassis integrity or airflow. Built to meet the demanding needs of modern data centers—ranging from virtualization hosts and databases to high-availability applications—this cage integrates seamlessly with HPE’s proven storage controllers and DL345 Gen11 architecture. With robust construction, thoughtful cable routing, and straightforward installation, you gain quick capacity growth, simplified maintenance, and reliable operation under heavy workloads. Whether you’re planning a refresh of a remote-data center, expanding a growing virtualization cluster, or provisioning fast-access NVMe storage for write-intensive workloads, this drive cage kit is designed to deliver predictable performance and dependable serviceability in a compact footprint.
- Flexible four-drive capacity in a 2SFF x4 configuration: The kit unlocks four U.3 hot-swap drive bays within the front/tertiary area, allowing you to deploy high-density NVMe, SAS, or SATA drives as your workload requires. This configuration optimizes space while preserving the DL345 Gen11’s proven reliability, so you can scale performance and capacity without overhauling your server chassis. The U.3 backplane enables efficient data paths and rapid drive replacement, reducing downtime during maintenance windows and enabling quicker responses to changing workload demands.
- Front and tertiary stackable design for scalable storage expansion: Engineered to integrate into the DL345 Gen11 ecosystem, this cage supports front-drive deployments as well as tertiary stacking with other compatible cage kits. The stackable capability makes it easier to grow storage capacity in dense data-center racks, virtualization hosts, or compute-intensive environments where space is at a premium. By enabling modular expansion, you can tailor storage layouts to match evolving workloads, while maintaining consistent cabling routes and airflow patterns.
- Durable construction with enterprise-grade airflow management: Constructed from rugged steel with a durable powder-coated finish, the cage is built to withstand the rigors of data-center operation. Careful internal geometry minimizes airflow disruption, helping keep CPU and memory thermals in check while driving steady drive performance. Thoughtful venting and cable-management considerations reduce cable clutter, improve cooling efficiency, and support longer drive life under sustained I/O pressure.
- Easy installation and maintenance for rapid deployment: The kit features a design that aligns with standard HPE DL345 Gen11 chassis mounting points and includes the necessary hardware for quick installation. Pre-aligned backplane connectors streamline integration with your server’s storage controller, and the tray-and-screw layout supports straightforward drive insertion and removal. This translates to shorter maintenance windows, simplified field upgrades, and less downtime when scaling storage to meet business demands.
- Compatibility, serviceability, and warranty readiness: Specifically engineered for HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 systems, the cage is designed to pair with the platform’s storage controller ecosystem and U.3 drives. It is a purpose-built expansion option that aligns with HPE service and warranty terms, ensuring you have supported, reliable hardware as you expand storage capacity in production environments. By staying within the HPE ecosystem, you benefit from validated firmware compatibility, streamlined support, and predictable upgrade paths.
Technical Details of HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 2SFF x4 U.3 BC Front/Tertiary Stackable Drive Cage Kit
- Drive Bay Configuration: 4 x U.3 hot-swap drive bays configured in a 2SFF x4 layout to maximize density while supporting multiple drive types as permitted by the U.3 standard.
- Backplane and Interface: U.3 backplane designed to interface with DL345 Gen11 storage controllers and compatible PCIe-based controllers, enabling flexible NVMe/SATA/SAS drive support.
- Material and Finish: Rugged steel chassis with a durable powder-coated finish engineered for data-center reliability and long service life in 24/7 environments.
- Compatibility: Specifically designed for HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 servers, with mounting provisions that align to standard DL345 chassis rails and front/tertiary drive bays.
- Mounting and Access: Includes mounting hardware and rails compatible with typical DL-series server installations; supports secure front- and tertiary-stack deployment with clean cable routing.
- Thermal and Airflow Considerations: Optimized for steady airflow in dense rack configurations; designed to minimize thermal impedance and support steady drive performance under sustained workloads.
How to install HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 2SFF x4 U.3 BC Front/Tertiary Stackable Drive Cage Kit
- Power down the DL345 Gen11 server, disconnect all cables, and ground yourself to prevent electrostatic discharge before handling components.
- Remove the server side panel or access panel to expose the drive bay region and the intended front/tertiary slot for the cage kit.
- Position the cage so that the backplane connectors align with the server’s storage interfaces and the cage’s mounting holes line up with the chassis. Start with the cage base in place to ensure stability during installation.
- Secure the cage to the chassis using the included mounting screws or rails, following the DL345 Gen11 service guide’s specifications for screw size and torque to avoid over-tightening.
- Connect the U.3 backplane to the server’s storage controller pathways and route data and power cables cleanly to prevent interference with fans or other components. Use appropriate cable management to maintain unobstructed airflow.
- Install the four 2.5-inch SFF drives into their trays, secure them, and verify that the backplane detects all trays. Reinstall the server cover, reconnect power, and boot the system to confirm drive presence and health status in the operating system or CMC/UI.
- Run a basic post-installation health check, confirm drive hot-swap operation, and verify that the DL345 Gen11 recognizes the new storage configuration under the storage controller and OS.
Frequently asked questions
- Q: What is included in the HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 2SFF x4 U.3 BC Front/Tertiary Stackable Drive Cage Kit? A: The kit includes the drive cage backplane assembly, four drive trays (where applicable), mounting hardware and rails, and the necessary connectors to integrate with the DL345 Gen11 server and its storage controller.
- Q: Is this cage compatible with all four-bay U.3 configurations? A: It is designed specifically for the HPE ProLiant DL345 Gen11 platform and U.3 drive configurations supported by that chassis; verify compatibility with your exact firmware and controller version before purchase.
- Q: Can I mix NVMe, SATA, and SAS drives in the four bays? A: The U.3 standard supports multiple drive types; ensure your drives and host controller support the chosen mix and that the server firmware is up to date to recognize diverse drive types.
- Q: Are there any special tools required for installation? A: The kit is designed for straightforward installation with standard server rails and common hand tools; no specialized equipment is typically required beyond a screwdriver and basic ESD precautions.
- Q: What warranty and support apply to this drive cage kit? A: Warranty terms vary by region and distributor; refer to HPE’s official warranty documentation and your reseller’s terms for coverage, service options, and return policies.
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