HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus 8SFF SAS/SATA to Tri-Mode Controller Backplane Kit

Upgrade your HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus server with the 8SFF SAS/SATA to Tri-Mode Controller Backplane Kit and unlock flexible, high-density storage designed for demanding data center workloads. This backplane kit is engineered to fit the Gen10 Plus DL38x family, delivering scalable drive capacity, streamlined cabling, and seamless integration with your existing storage controllers. Built for reliability and enterprise performance, it enables you to tailor your storage configuration to databases, virtualization, analytics, and other compute-intensive applications without compromising uptime or manageability.

• Maximized drive density with 8 hot-swappable SFF bays: This backplane supports eight 2.5-inch small form factor drives, enabling you to expand storage capacity while preserving easy access for maintenance. The eight-bay design is ideal for creating robust RAID arrays, achieving a balance between throughput, redundancy, and cost per usable terabyte. Whether you’re consolidating virtual machines, accelerating I/O for databases, or hosting dense storage for virtualization workloads, this backplane gives you the headroom to grow.
• Tri-Mode Controller Backplane for SAS/SATA/NVMe: The backplane is engineered to work with tri-mode drive configurations, supporting SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives in a single, scalable interface. This provides unprecedented flexibility to mix drive types according to workload requirements—use NVMe for latency-sensitive applications and SAS/SATA for high-capacity storage—while maintaining a unified, simplified cabling and management experience.
• Seamless integration with HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus servers: Specifically designed for the DL38x Gen10 Plus line, this backplane aligns with the server’s power, cooling, and I/O topology to deliver consistent performance. It preserves controller compatibility and ensures drive detection, hot-swap capability, and array management work in harmony with existing HPE storage ecosystems and management tools.
• Robust reliability and enterprise-grade data handling: The kit is built to sustain rugged, data-center workloads with dependable drive detection, streamlined rebuilds, and compatibility with common enterprise RAID configurations. When paired with appropriate HPE controllers, you can implement standard RAID levels and hot-spare functionality to maintain service levels and protect critical data.
• Easy installation and serviceability for downtime-sensitive environments: Designed for fast deployment in busy data centers, the backplane offers tool-free or minimally invasive installation in supported DL38x chassis. The 8SFF layout reduces maintenance windows, while standardized drive trays and connectors simplify drive swaps and routine maintenance.

Technical Details of HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus 8SFF SAS/SATA to Tri-Mode Controller Backplane Kit

• Product type: Backplane kit for HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus servers
• Drive bays: 8 SFF bays (2.5-inch) for hot-swappable storage
• Drive interfaces: Tri-mode controller backplane supporting SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives
• Compatibility: Built for HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus family; integrates with standard HPE drive caddies and storage controllers
• Performance considerations: Optimized signaling and drive detection to support enterprise workloads and RAID configurations
• Power and cooling alignment: Designed to work within the DL38x chassis with compatible power and thermal profiles
• Warranty and support: Covered under HP/HPE support channels with standard server hardware warranties

How to Install HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus 8SFF Backplane

• Power down the server completely and disconnect all power sources before beginning any installation work.
• Open the server chassis according to the DL38x Gen10 Plus maintenance procedure and locate the existing backplane area where the new kit will be mounted.
• Remove the existing backplane if you are upgrading from a prior configuration, following the recommended arming and grounding procedures to prevent static discharge.
• Carefully align the 8SFF backplane into the chassis, ensuring proper alignment with mounting points and connectors. Secure the backplane with the appropriate screws or latches as specified by HPE’s installation guidelines.
• Connect the drive trays to the backplane using the standard SAS/SATA NVMe-compatible caddies and verify that each tray seats firmly in its bay. Run a quick visual check to confirm all drive trays are properly seated.
• Attach the backplane to the server’s storage controller interface using the appropriate cables and connectors. Ensure all connections are secure and routed to prevent interference with fans or airflow.
• Power on the server and enter the system BIOS/UEFI or the iLO management interface to confirm the backplane is detected and drives are enumerated. Configure your RAID or storage pools as needed in the controller management software and verify drive health and status.
• Boot into your operating system and validate storage visibility. Run initial health checks and perform a quick data integrity test on the newly configured arrays to ensure stability before proceeding with workload deployment.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does “Tri-Mode” mean for this backplane?

  A: Tri-Mode refers to support for SAS, SATA, and NVMe drives via a single backplane, enabling flexible configurations that optimize performance and capacity across different workloads. Compatibility with the appropriate storage controllers is required to realize NVMe performance benefits.

• Q: How many drives can this backplane support?

  A: The backplane provides eight 2.5-inch SFF drive bays, offering dense storage capacity within the DL38x Gen10 Plus server chassis. Drive count and health should be monitored through the server’s management tools and the storage controller software.

• Q: Is this backplane compatible with all DL38x Gen10 Plus configurations?

  A: It is designed for HPE ProLiant DL38x Gen10 Plus servers and works with supported controller configurations. For best results, verify compatibility with your specific model, BIOS version, and RAID/controller options through HPE's official compatibility guides.

• Q: Do I need a separate NVMe controller to use NVMe drives with this backplane?

  A: Yes. While the backplane supports NVMe in tri-mode configurations, NVMe drives require a compatible NVMe-capable controller in the server to deliver peak performance. Check your controller’s compatibility matrix and firmware updates before deployment.

• Q: Can I hot-swap drives while the server is running?

  A: The 8SFF backplane is designed for hot-swappable drives, enabling drive replacement without powering down the server in most configurations. Always follow proper hot-swap procedures and ensure data integrity before removing or inserting drives.