NVMe vs SATA SSDs: Which Should You Buy in 2026?
Key takeaways
- The DL360 is a 1U server built for density: virtualization, web, and edge where rack space is tight.
- The DL380 is a 2U workhorse: more drives, more PCIe, and room for GPUs, ideal for storage and data-heavy workloads.
- Choose on drive bays, expansion slots, and GPU needs, not just price.
The HPE ProLiant DL360 and DL380 are the two most popular rack servers in the lineup, and for schools, universities, and agencies standardizing a fleet, choosing between them is usually the first decision. Both are Gen12 and both are dependable. The difference is shape and headroom.
The short version
If you need maximum compute per rack unit and your storage lives elsewhere, choose the DL360 (1U). If you need lots of local drives, expansion cards, or GPUs in a single box, choose the DL380 (2U).
DL360 vs DL380 at a glance
| Feature | ProLiant DL360 Gen12 | ProLiant DL380 Gen12 |
|---|---|---|
| Form factor | 1U rack | 2U rack |
| Drive bays | Up to 8 SFF | Up to 12 LFF / 24+ SFF |
| PCIe expansion | Limited (1-3 slots) | Generous (up to 8 slots) |
| GPU / accelerators | Minimal | Yes |
| Best for | Density, virtualization, edge | Storage, databases, AI/ML |
When the DL360 (1U) is the right call
The DL360 packs full server power into a single rack unit. For a university data center or district server room counting every U, it doubles your compute density. It is the natural choice for virtualization hosts, VDI, web and application tiers, and edge sites, especially when bulk storage lives on a separate NAS or SAN.
When the DL380 (2U) wins
The DL380 trades a little density for a lot of headroom: far more drive bays, more PCIe slots for NICs and HBAs, and room for GPUs. That makes it the better fit for local storage, databases, backup targets, and AI or research workloads that need accelerators in the box.
For schools, colleges & government buyers
Both servers are available to public-sector buyers through OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing, so there is no separate RFP required. We provide volume pricing, NET-30 terms, full HPE warranty, and can quote a 5-year total cost of ownership for budget planning.Pros and cons
DL360 (1U)
- Best compute density
- Lower power and cooling per node
- Ideal for virtualization
DL380 (2U)
- Far more storage and expansion
- Supports GPUs and accelerators
- Better for data-heavy workloads
Frequently asked questions
Can I start with a DL360 and add storage later?
Yes. Many fleets pair DL360 compute nodes with a shared NAS or SAN, which keeps each server lean and scales storage independently.
Do these qualify for education or government pricing?
Yes. As an HPE partner we offer public-sector pricing through cooperative contracts. Ask us for a quote tied to your institution.
Which one is better for virtualization?
The DL360 for pure density; the DL380 if each host also needs significant local storage or GPUs.
Shop HPE ProLiant servers
Not sure which fits your environment? Send us your workload and rack constraints and your Platinum Micro account manager will spec the right configuration.