the other six 2.5" go into the back
instead of the expansion cards
HPE has upgraded its Opteron-using DL385p server with AMD Epyc processors and used it to notch up a pair of record SPEC benchmarks. The ProLiant DL385 is a standard data centre, dual-processor, 2U rackmount, 24-drive bay, chassis, like the Xeon-using DL380. The existing Opteron-based DL385p was classed as a ProLiant Gen 9 box …
Some 15 years ago, HP already sold servers with that model number. A 'server' used to be a box that served up files to desktop users, and provided access to printers and the Internet.Now they've added GPUs such as you'd use for supercomputing.
I guess that before long we'll see a 32-core Xeon beat AMD's SPECtacular results.
Yes, HP have used the model number for a long time, as it's the mainstream 2U dual AMD x64 box in their ProLiant range.
The actual contents are refreshed every couple of years as AMD's 64-bit processor lineup changes.
Over time, it's moved from the original Opteron and 8x3.5" hotswap drive bays to (now) the latest Epyc with a shedload of 2.5" hotswap bays (with, as seven of five says, the option to stuff even more in the back if you're prepared to sacrifice the expansion slots).
In it's day the DL385 was a bit of a shit-kicker. A bit like a Holden or a Colby. AMD just didn't refresh it enough and then lost interest - and no, I'm not suggesting they refresh as much as Intel. But this does look like this is a chip off the old block (sorry!). Let's hope AMD can keep their focus on staying in the game for the long-term this time .... Target market? People who don't like buying from monopolies .....