Betreff: Query: DL20 Gen11 Connect Nvme u.3 SFF Disk

[IcoDeveloper]

I would like to connect an u.3 nvme drive to a DL20 Gen11 Server. From the manual it looks like that could work when using the 2SFF HDD enable kit P65406-B21. I've got that connected to the PTB, Sata drives work fine in the extra SFF bays, but a Micron 7500 pro u.3 drive I've got lying around is not detected. (2nd sff bay empty)
Before going for a HP drive - is this a configuration that should work or am I missing something required to actually connect one or two nvme u.3 drives?

[Mr_Techie]

@IcoDeveloper 

Fyi,

• The P65406-B21 kit alone does not enable NVMe/U.3, only SATA/SAS.
• Micron U.3 NVMe won't work unless the backplane and cabling support NVMe and are linked to PCIe lanes.
• You need an NVMe backplane or PCIe HBA that can handle U.3 tri-mode NVMe.
• HPE drives are not strictly required if the interface is correct – standard U.3 NVMe drives work fine when the infrastructure supports them.

I hope this gives some insights

[Ico-Developer]

Thanks, that definitely helps. The idea that it would work comes from the QuickSpecs document for the server:, P 28:

Notes:
− Maximum of two NVMe U.3 is allowed per configuration.
− NVMe U.3 drives can be selected only if P65406-B21 – HPE ProLiant DL20 Gen11 2SFF HDD
Enablement Kit is selected.
− NVMe U.3 drives should be restricted to <25degc/ 77degf ambient temperature environments only. Fan
speed results of these drives in ambient temperature environment in excess of suggested levels may
result in acoustic noise levels unsuitable for any environments outside of Data Center environments.

Since I didn't see any further requirements listed for the nvme u.3 drives this led to the expectation that P65406-B21 was not only a necessary but also a sufficient requirement.
Any pointers what additional cables / controllers are required to use u.3 disks would be greatly appreciated.

[Mr_Techie]

You're correct that the QuickSpecs say NVMe U.3 drives are supported when using the 2SFF Enablement Kit (P65406-B21). However, additional hardware is required that HPE doesn’t clearly list there.

Notes: 

The default PTB/backplane and cables used with P65406-B21 support only SATA/SAS.

Your Micron 7500 Pro U.3 drive won’t be detected unless PCIe (NVMe) lanes are connected.

You likely need to upgrade both the controller and cables, and confirm your backplane supports tri-mode.

Recommended Parts (HPE Official)
HPE Smart Array E208e-p SR Gen10 Plus Tri-Mode Controller → P40504-B21
Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8654) cables → depends on your backplane model
(Optional) Upgrade the backplane if it does not support NVMe (check part number)

I found this iinfo. Let me know if you need more help.

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[Ico-Developer]

I'd say answered but not resolved. It seems that actually connecting Nvme u.3 disks to DL20 gen11 is prohibitively expensive.

In addition to the HPE ProLiant DL20 Gen11 2SFF HDD Enablement Kit listed in the quickspecs as a requirement, there's also the requirement of a tri-mode controller that more than doubles the cost of the server.

Still, good top know that.