HPE ProLiant Gen13: New AMD EPYC Servers with 256 Cores and 8-GPU Support
Hewlett Packard Enterprise has introduced four new servers as part of the ProLiant Gen13 generation. These systems are powered by AMD EPYC 9006 series processors based on the Zen-6 architecture (codenamed Venice). The lineup targets enterprise environments requiring massive computational throughput, high memory bandwidth, and AI acceleration capabilities.
Diverse Form Factors and Architectural Advancements
The new generation focuses on varied deployment scenarios, ranging from traditional rack servers to specialized OCP (Open Compute Project) compliant systems. HPE's strategy involves balancing high-density computing with advanced cooling and connectivity requirements.
A standout in the lineup is the compact 1U ProLiant DL525 Gen13. Despite its small footprint, it supports a single AMD EPYC processor with up to 256 cores. To prevent data bottlenecks for such a high core count, the platform utilizes 16 memory channels supporting both DDR5 and high-bandwidth MRDIMM modules. Additionally, the server adopts the PCIe 6.0 standard, which theoretically doubles the bandwidth of PCIe 5.0, offering up to 128 GB/s per x16 link.
For GPU-intensive workloads, HPE offers the 10U ProLiant DL585a Gen13. This system accommodates two EPYC processors and can host up to eight double-width PCIe graphics cards, making it suitable for AI inference, model fine-tuning, and large-scale data analytics.
High-Density Solutions and Enhanced Security
To address high-density data center requirements, HPE introduced two OCP-based platforms:
- ProLiant XD245 (1OU): A high-density unit featuring four compute nodes, supporting up to eight EPYC processors, and utilizing direct liquid cooling.
- ProLiant XD285 (2OU): A two-node system designed for environments utilizing standard air cooling.
On the management side, the new iLO 8 (Integrated Lights-Out) provides hardware-based remote management with enhanced security features. These include automated encryption for self-encrypting drives (SED) during setup and support for post-quantum cryptography. HPE is also implementing multi-person authorization for critical administrative actions to bolster security protocols.
The ProLiant DL525 Gen13 is slated for release in 2026. The DL585a Gen13 and the XD series platforms are expected to arrive in 2027. Specific pricing for various configurations has not yet been disclosed.