Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The HP ProLiant DL320e Gen8 v2 can still make sense as a low-cost, compact server for a homelab or modest infrastructure task—but only if the specific used unit has the storage cage, controller, memory, and accessories you need. It is an older single-socket platform, and its documented limits matter: up to 32GB of ECC memory and, with its embedded B120i, RAID 0, 1, or 10. There is no reliable current benchmark or price evidence here to support claims about its speed, energy use, noise, or market value.
What the DL320e Gen8 v2 is—and what its configurations include
This is a 1U rack server built around one processor socket. HPE lists Intel Pentium G3220, G3240, and G3420; Core i3-4130 and i3-4150 variants; and Xeon E3-12xx v3 processors. The platform also includes two PCIe 3.0 expansion slots and embedded HPE iLO 4 management, according to HPE’s product-information reference.
Do not assume that every listing matches the same bill of materials. HPE’s 2015 QuickSpecs describe a base configuration, while performance configurations vary:
| Configuration | Documented components |
|---|---|
| Referenced base SKU | Xeon E3-1220v3, 4GB UDIMM, B120i controller, two LFF bays, and no standard hard drive (HPE QuickSpecs, 2015). |
| Performance SKUs | May have faster Xeon E3 v3 processors, more memory, four SFF bays, or a P222 controller; HPE’s 2015 QuickSpecs do not make these features universal across performance SKUs. |
HPE lists chassis dimensions of 4.32 × 43.46 × 38.30cm (1.7 × 17.11 × 15.07in). Its 2015 QuickSpecs specify a 250W non-hot-plug, non-redundant power supply for the referenced base model.
#1 Best Overall
- HP ProLiant DL320e Gen8 Server with Rail Kit for business server roles such as virtualization, applications, and databases!
- Intel Xeon E3-1240 v2 3.4GHz 4-Core 8MB CPU, Up To 3.8GHz Turbo, 16GB DDR3 PC3-10600 1333MHz ECC Memory
- 4TB (2 x 2TB) 7.2K 6Gb/s SATA 3.5" HDDs for High Capacity Storage
- HP DL320e Gen8 Rail Kit Included
How much memory can it take?
HPE specifies a 32GB maximum: four slots populated with 8GB ECC UDIMMs. The supported memory types are PC3-10600E and PC3-12800E; the platform uses unbuffered DIMMs, not registered DIMMs. Memory speed can be 1333 or 1600 MT/s, depending on the processor and the installed-DIMM population.
When buying an upgrade, match the ECC UDIMM type as well as its rank and voltage, and check the DIMMs already installed in the server. An 8GB DDR3-1600 ECC UDIMM (PC3-12800E) is a useful starting point for identifying a compatible class of module, not a guarantee that every module with that label will work in every population.
Which drives fit, and what RAID can the B120i do?
Identify the drive cage first
The platform was sold with either four small-form-factor (SFF) bays or two large-form-factor (LFF) bays. HPE lists SATA and SAS storage options, but the base configuration may have no drive installed. A 3.5-inch LFF SATA hard drive belongs in an LFF setup; an SFF SATA SSD is for an SFF setup. Confirm the installed cage and controller before buying either drive or a DL320e Gen8 v2 drive caddy. A drive that fits physically still needs to be supported by the installed controller and caddy arrangement.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Understand the controller limit
HPE’s 2015 QuickSpecs state that the embedded B120i supports RAID 0, 1, and 10 only. RAID 5-class capability requires an optional stand-up Smart Array controller with FBWC (flash-backed write cache); do not assume that a B120i configuration can provide it through a software setting alone. Some performance configurations use a P222 controller, so inspect the actual card and configuration rather than relying on the model name.
What are its management and expansion options?
The documented platform has dedicated iLO networking, two 1Gb Ethernet ports, USB 2.0 and USB 3.0, rear video, and an internal micro-SD slot. HPE also lists two PCIe 3.0 expansion slots. These features make it possible to add compatible networking or other PCIe hardware, but verify the installed risers and available slot space in the individual server.
The base model’s 2015 QuickSpecs do not include a rail kit. If the server needs to go into a rack, check whether compatible 1U rails are included and account for them if not.
Rank #4
Is it suitable for a homelab or small server role?
For lightweight virtualization, file serving, basic network services, and experimentation, this can be a practical candidate when a used 1U chassis and inexpensive compatible parts are priorities. That is a workload-fit judgment based on its single-socket design, available Xeon E3 v3 processors, ECC memory, storage options, and expansion—not a claim based on independent benchmark testing.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallIts 1U footprint can be useful when rack space is scarce, and iLO provides a way to manage the server remotely. The trade-off is that this is an old platform: firmware, operating-system compatibility, and replacement-part availability should be checked for the specific version and workload. No authoritative contemporary power, noise, or performance test is established here, so do not assume it is quiet, efficient, or fast enough for a particular service without testing your own unit.
Best Value
- Renewed server with the highest quality standards
- Ideal for a robust enterprise environment or data center
- All servers include power cords, and other parts detailed in full product description below
- Custom configurations available upon request
What to check before buying a used DL320e Gen8 v2
- Processor: Ask for the exact installed CPU, rather than assuming the listing’s model name identifies it.
- Memory: Confirm the number and type of installed ECC UDIMMs, then compare them with the intended upgrade.
- Drive cage and controller: Verify whether the unit has SFF or LFF bays, which controller is installed, and whether the required caddies are included.
- Storage: Check whether drives are included; the referenced base SKU ships without a standard hard drive.
- Power and rack hardware: Confirm the power supply and whether rails are included. The referenced base model has non-redundant power and no rail kit in its QuickSpecs.
- Compatibility and condition: Check firmware and operating-system support for your intended use, and confirm the availability of any parts you may need before relying on the server.
- Total cost: Include any required drives, caddies, memory, controller, and rails when comparing a listing with another server.
For a comparison with another used 1U server, weigh ECC memory capacity, CPU generation and core count, bay type and count, RAID and cache protection, PCIe expansion, remote management, power redundancy, noise and energy behavior, and the complete cost of making the unit usable. The DL320e Gen8 v2’s specifications alone cannot establish that it is the better value.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
