Review: hp microserver proliant gen8

Three years ago I had the HP Microserver Proliant G7 that accompanied me for a long time as a server at home and that left me with a great memory for its excellent functionality. For example, it allowed me to install any Linux distribution or Windows operating system, allowing me to use it as I wanted. A few weeks ago I saw an offer in an online store for the most basic HP MicroServer Proliant Gen8 with Celeron G1610T processor and 2GB of RAM for just € 180 (Its price does not drop € 230), I rolled the blanket over my head and launched for him.

In this analysis I will tell you all its benefits, the use that can be made of it, the possibilities of expansion and my experience so far.

Technical characteristics

HP MICROSERVER GEN8 FEATURES
Processor	Intel Celeron 1610T at 2.3 Ghz (35W)
RAM	2GB ECC.
Storage media	4 NON HOT-SWAP 3.5 "or 2.5" SATA 6Gb / s
Ports and interfaces	Expansion slots (1) PCIe; For a detailed description, see QuickSpec.
Optical unit	In the most basic version (this one) it does not include it.
LED indicators	State and network.
USB connections	4 x USB 2.0. 2 x USB 3.0.
Dimensions	229.7 x 245.1 x 232.4 mm
Weight	6.8 Kg
Power supply	Internal 150W.
Additional features	Matrox G200 VGA graphics card, 2 x Gigabit lan, internal micro SD, internal USB, available internal SATA and 1 x iLO v4 LAN (web administration).
Fan	1 x 12 cm rear.
Warranty	2 years.

Possible uses

Its own name (“Microserver” indicates the priority use of this system: to serve. The main question is that it can shield us from a wide range of possibilities:

- Desktop PC (Windows / Linux): Personally, I don't see much sense in acquiring this computer just to have it as a desktop computer, since for a little more we can build a better-cooled computer with a higher-power integrated graphics card. Although for an emergency it can come in handy, since Windows 8.1 can be installed perfectly like any Linux distribution: Ubuntu, Debian, Mint, Arch, etc… We must also take into account that the BIOS POST takes a long time to start and is a great handicap if we want speed.

- NAS (Network Access Server): Every day it is more common to find NAS in our homes, since they are very useful and we can play any movie or series over the network without using removable media. We can also install countless plugins such as Samba, VPN, Plex Server or P2P download. Among the available distributions or systems we can install:

FreeNAS: Free system and well known among the "naseros" is based on FreeBSD and is used from a web environment. A classic DSM (Disk Station Manager): Synology operating system which allows us to install it on this computer with 99% functionality of applications. I really like it and we will be able to take advantage of this entry-level MicroServer GEN 8.OVM (OpenMediaVault): it is a very famous Linux distribution in 2014 and it allows us to install it on any computer due to its lightness and equipment compatibility. The ideal option is to mount this system.NAS4Free: Another more free distribution that comes from the purchase of FreeNAS.Ubuntu server or debian: here we can install and mount our own iptables, apache server, samba and graphical interface (if necessary).

- HTPC (Multimedia): We have the handicap that the Matrox graphics card cannot shield us from HDMI output and is not capable of supporting video playback in 720/1080 Full HD. For this we must install the well-known and compliant passive HD6540, low profile and with HDMI output. With this it will be enough and we can install for example Windows 8.1 with XBMC or Kodibuntu.

- Virtualization: For this reason I acquired this equipment, in the future we can install an Intel Xeon processor of 2 or 4 cores, 16 GB of RAM and mount ESXi, Vsphere or XenServer and benefit from VT-D technology and avoid having 5 computers connected to light. Link with images from official ESXi.

Possible updates

After talking about virtualization, you will have doubts about the extent to which we can update this server. Tell you that it is a compact computer but with the non-soldered processor (LGA 1155), two DIMMs of ECC RAM, PCI Express x16 (HP P222-P212-P420 SATA / SAS) and capacity for up to 5 hard drives.

Regarding the processors, it accepts any Xeon of the ram, but we have a limitation for the heatsink that is 35W, there are alternatives to mount two 4 cm fans and thus increase the dissipation or try to change the heatsink but this option will not be easy. The list is made up of:

Celeron G1610T and Celeron G2020T.17W TDP: Xeon E3-1220L V2 (2 cores with HT).20W TDP: Xeon E3-1220L.35W TDP: i3-3230T and i3-3240T.45W TDP: Xeon E3-1260L. and Xeon E3-1265L V2 (4 cores with HT).55W TDP: i3-3240.69W TDP: Xeon E3-1230V2, Xenon E3-1270 V2, Xeon E3-1240V2 and Xeon E3 1220 V2.

Regarding the RAM I have tried to expand to a couple of 8GB non-ECC modules and the system is not compatible. I recommend buying ECC memory, for price they are at a level similar to the NO-ECC and put to spend better to be on the safe side.

HP Microserver Proliant Gen8

The first thing we find is a simple but bulky and strong cardboard box. Inside we are going to find a bundle consisting of:

HP microserver Proliant Gen8 server Two power cables Warranty and quick guide CD with documentation and software

The server is very compact and measures 229.7 x 245.1 x 232.4 mm and weighs no more than 7KG without hard drives. In my case, since it is the most basic range, we do not have a DVD recorder, which is good for me if it is so in the event of a possible expansion to an SSD or a fifth hard drive. The front is divided into two areas, the black area we have two USB 2.0 connections, power button and LEDs that indicate the status of the equipment. The second area is the one dedicated to the " Hot non Swap " of hard drives, with a total of 4 removable, its installation is very simple since it includes some guides with its screws. In order to screw it, we have a small key attached to the side of the hard disk booth with T10 and T15 formats, which, although not very comfortable, is great in an emergency.

Both sides are completely smooth and there is little we can highlight about them. Already in the back we can expand a little more… we have a 120mm fan that sends all its flow to the four removable internal hard drives, a power connection, two LAN connectors 10/100/1000 model B roadcom BCM5720 gigabit, 4 USB 2.0 / 3.0 connections, VGA / D-SUB output and a dedicated network socket for iLO exclusively.

It also includes a label with our server serial number to enforce our guarantee and our key for ILO v4, which is why I recommend creating your own username and password with administrative permission and keep this label in a safe place.

To remove the plate from the chassis is as simple as unscrewing the two screws with your fingers. Inside we find two DDR3 dimm available, although we have installed in the most basic version 2GB ECC at 1600 mhz. It also allows us to install a microSD, an internal USB 2.0, a PCI Express x16 card ideal for a low-profile graphics or a SATA / SAS controller. We can see the power cable together with a SATA connection, a 35w fully passive aluminum heatsink and a 150W Delta power supply, more than enough to install a mid-range server with 6 hard drives, a graphics card and several fans.

Two DDR3 Non-ECC / ECC memory sockets

MicroSD, iLO controller, PCI Express x16 and internal USB

Power and SATA connection.

35W passive low profile heatsink.

150W Delta Power Supply

2GB Hynix DDR3 ECC

And finally, highlight the internal security system that blocks the front door. I would have liked a classic key as it had the Proliant G7 version, it is better to have this system that does not have one, right?:)

WE RECOMMEND YOU The HP Z2 Mini, a workstation with Intel Xeon and Nvidia Quadro, arrives

iLO4: Manage and monitor your server

iLO V4: Home Page

When you are a systems and networks administrator it is common to have an exclusive room for your servers and to be able to connect to them remotely via the web. HP manufactured the iLO (Integrated Lights Out) card for its professional servers, which allows us to monitor and manage the basic functions of the server. One of the great characteristics of this input server is this card and its great functions, even if it is the basic version or the extended version (against payment).

For it to work it is necessary to connect a dedicated RJ45 cable, and it allows us to control the entire equipment, turn it off, turn it on, launch a remote connection, load ISO or monitor the entire system with graphics. We leave you some screens where you can see all its benefits.

iLO V4: System Temperatures

iLO V4: Remote Console

iLO V4: iLO network interface

iLO V4: Virtual Media

Final words and conclusion

If the experience with the Microserver Proliant G7 was already really good, this new version of the HP Microserver Proliant Gen8 has been fantastic. First, because we find a somewhat smaller size, a more successful aesthetic and a platform than LGA 1155 that you can change the processor for an Intel Xeon or perform easier maintenance.

As I mentioned, I acquired the simplest version with a 2.3Ghz Celeron 1610T, 2GB of ECC RAM and without a Slim DVD burner. I was directly captivated when I installed Disk Station Manager (DSM) which is Synology's operating system without any problem. And it is that thinking about it I have saved almost 300 € in a closed solution of another brand and this gives me food for thought.. Some of you may wonder Can it only be used by NAS? No… the utilities are endless… for example as a desktop computer, virtualization and even installing a low-profile graphics card will allow us to use it as HTPC. Although its biggest handicap is its slow POST of its BIOS… which will make us take a few minutes…

Another of its great advantages is the possibility of expanding RAM memory up to 16GB, installing a low-profile internal graphics card or a SAS / SATA controller. We could define it "Small but bully".

Finally, I would like to emphasize that it is quite quiet (I was warned that it was going to be noisy) and that for quality / price it is difficult to find an equal solution, without trying to build our own. In my case it cost me € 180 put at home thanks to an offer, but its price in store ranges from € 230 to € 240. But it is an ideal solution for a home server or a small business. He slammed for HP!

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ AESTHETICS AND REMOVABLE HARD DRIVE UNITS.	- TO EXPAND YOU NEED TO BUY FOOD THIEVES.
+ INTERNAL CONNECTIONS AND USB CONNECTORS.
+ CAN BE EXPANDED AND iLO 4 UTILITY.
+ FUNCTIONS: NAS, DESKTOP PC, HTPC OR SERVER WITH LINUX.