HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus 12Gb SAS Expander Card

Designed for enterprise data centers, the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus 12Gb SAS Expander Card unlocks scalable storage inside compatible HPE ProLiant servers. This compact, low-profile PCIe expansion card sits between your SAS controller and your drive backplane, enabling you to grow storage capacity without upgrading the controller. Built with the reliability and manageability you expect from HPE, the DL38X delivers robust 12Gb/s SAS signaling, seamless firmware integration, and streamlined cabling to help you optimize throughput for dense storage environments. Whether you are expanding SAS/SATA backplanes for traditional hard drives or accelerating modern SAS SSDs, this expander card is engineered to support mission-critical workloads, from virtualization and backups to media processing and databases. It’s a smart, future-ready upgrade that keeps your HPE generation 10 Plus servers aligned with evolving storage needs while maintaining data integrity and enterprise-grade performance.

• Expand storage capacity with confidence: The DL38X enables scalable drive connectivity within HPE Gen10 Plus servers, allowing you to extend backplane capacity and support larger storage pools without replacing your existing SAS controller.
• 12Gb/s SAS technology for high throughput: Built around 12Gb/s SAS signaling, this expander card helps maintain fast data transfer rates across multiple drives, reducing bottlenecks in IO-intensive workloads and improving overall system responsiveness.
• Enterprise-grade reliability and manageability: Leveraging HPE’s proven firmware and integration with HP tooling, the DL38X provides stable operation, consistent error handling, and seamless firmware updates to keep storage running smoothly in demanding environments.
• Compact, low-profile PCIe form factor: The DL38X is designed for flexible deployment in a wide range of server chassis, fitting into standard PCIe slots while preserving space for other components and expansion cards.
• Optimized for dense backplanes and virtualization: Ideal for virtualization hosts, backup targets, and databases, the expander supports multi-drive backplanes and high-density storage configurations to maximize capacity per server.

Technical Details of HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus 12Gb SAS Expander Card

• Product type: SAS Expander Card
• Interface: 12Gb/s SAS signaling with PCIe Gen3 host interface
• Form factor: Low-profile PCIe add-in card suitable for a wide range of ProLiant servers
• Internal connections: SFF-8087-compatible mini-SAS connectors for internal backplane cabling
• Compatibility: Designed for HPE ProLiant Gen10 Plus servers and compatible SAS controller ecosystems
• Cabling considerations: Requires appropriate SAS backplane or backplane-to-controller cables available through standard enterprise channels

How to install HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus 12Gb SAS Expander Card

• Prepare the server: Power down the server, unplug power cords, and discharge static electricity. Remove the access panel to access the internal components.
• Locate a suitable PCIe slot: Identify an available PCIe slot that matches the DL38X’s form factor and fits within your server chassis. Remove the slot cover if required and ready the base for card installation.
• Install the expander card: Carefully insert the DL38X into the chosen PCIe slot and secure the bracket with a screw to ensure solid grounding and EMI control. Close any gap to prevent movement during operation.
• Cable the expander to the backplane/controller: Connect the internal SAS cables from your SAS controller or backplane to the expander’s SFF-8087 connectors as per your server’s documentation. Ensure all connections are snug and aligned to avoid signaling issues.
• Power on and configure: Reassemble the server, reconnect power, and power on. Enter the system BIOS/UEFI or HP management tooling to verify the DL38X is detected. Update firmware if prompted and validate drive visibility in the operating system or hypervisor.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What is the HPE DL38X Gen10 Plus 12Gb SAS Expander Card?

  A: It is an internal SAS expander card designed to extend SAS backplane connectivity within HPE Gen10 Plus servers, enabling more drives to be connected through a single SAS controller while preserving high-speed 12Gb/s data transfer.

• Q: Do I need a separate SAS controller for the DL38X to work?

  A: Yes. The expander relies on a SAS controller or backplane interface upstream; the DL38X expands the number of drives that controller can address. Ensure your server includes a compatible SAS controller and backplane configuration.

• Q: Is the DL38X compatible with non-HPE servers?

  A: The DL38X is specifically engineered for HPE Gen10 Plus systems and may require HPE firmware and management tooling. For non-HPE servers, compatibility and support are not guaranteed.

• Q: Can the card be used with external storage enclosures?

  A: The DL38X is intended for internal SAS backplane expansion. External enclosures generally require additional adapters or controllers designed for external SAS/SATA, so verify your configuration before purchase.

• Q: Where can I find firmware updates or compatible drivers?

  A: Firmware and driver updates are typically available through HPE support portals and your server’s management tools. Check the HPE Support Center for the latest DL38X firmware, drivers, and compatibility notes for Gen10 Plus systems.