Hpe Proliant Microserver Gen10 Plus Server Overview: Material Standards, Technical Specifications, and Performance Insights

Types of HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus series is a line of compact, energy-efficient servers designed for small businesses, remote offices, and edge computing environments. These servers combine enterprise-grade reliability with scalable performance, offering three distinct models tailored to different workload demands: the Entry, ML, and Plus variants. Each model leverages Intel Xeon processors, HPE DDR4 memory, and flexible storage configurations to deliver optimal performance in a space-saving form factor.

HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus Entry

Ideal for foundational IT infrastructure and light workloads.

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel Xeon (E-2200 series)
• Memory: Up to 32 GB HPE DDR4
• Storage: Up to 4 LFF SATA or 2 SFF drives
• Form Factor: Compact tower, space-efficient
• Use Case: File storage, network management, remote desktop

Advantages

• Cost-effective entry-level solution
• Reliable performance for small teams
• Low power consumption
• Easy to deploy and maintain

Limitations

• Limited memory and storage expansion
• Not ideal for high-demand applications
• No redundant power supply

Best For: Small businesses needing file sharing, print services, or basic virtualization.

HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus ML

Balanced performance for growing business needs and moderate workloads.

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel Xeon E-2200 series
• Memory: Up to 32 GB HPE DDR4
• Storage: Up to 16 TB total capacity
• Software: HPE Smart Storage Manager & iLO for remote management
• Scalability: Designed for office environments with growth potential

Advantages

• Enhanced storage scalability
• Integrated HPE management tools
• Reliable for daily business operations
• Supports light virtualization and backup tasks

Limitations

• Same memory cap as Entry model
• Limited expansion slots
• Not suited for intensive database workloads

Best For: Offices requiring dependable performance for email, collaboration, and data backup.

HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus Plus

High-performance model built for demanding applications and maximum uptime.

Key Specifications

• Processor: Intel Xeon E-2200 series (higher core count)
• Memory: Up to 64 GB HPE DDR4 (double the base models)
• Storage: Expandable with support for high-speed applications
• Redundancy: Dual hot-plug power supplies
• Drive Bays: Hot-plug HDD/SSD support for continuous operation

Advantages

• Superior multitasking with 64 GB RAM
• High availability with redundant power
• Hot-swap drives for zero downtime maintenance
• Ideal for virtualization and database hosting

Limitations

• Higher initial investment
• Larger footprint than Entry/ML models
• Overkill for very small teams with minimal needs

Best For: Organizations with critical applications, virtualized environments, or 24/7 operations.

Model	Processor	Max RAM	Storage Capacity	Key Features
Entry	Intel Xeon E-2200	32 GB	4 LFF or 2 SFF SATA	Compact, affordable, basic workloads
ML	Intel Xeon E-2200	32 GB	Up to 16 TB	HPE management software, scalable storage
Plus	Intel Xeon E-2200 (high-core)	64 GB	Expandable, hot-plug support	Redundant PSU, high availability, virtualization-ready

Expert Tip: For optimal performance and longevity, pair your MicroServer Gen10 Plus with HPE's iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) management for remote monitoring, firmware updates, and proactive diagnostics—especially valuable in unattended or edge locations.

Design Features of HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is engineered to deliver enterprise-grade performance in a compact, user-friendly form factor. Designed specifically for small businesses, remote offices, and edge computing environments, this server combines robust hardware with thoughtful design elements that enhance usability, efficiency, and reliability. Below is a detailed breakdown of its key design features that make it a standout choice in the microserver category.

Compact Size and Expandability

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus features an ultra-compact chassis that occupies minimal physical space, making it ideal for environments where floor or rack space is limited—such as small office closets, retail backrooms, or network cabinets. Despite its small footprint, the server does not compromise on functionality.

It supports up to four hot-swappable drive bays (SAS/SATA), enabling flexible storage configurations for file sharing, backups, or virtualization workloads. Additionally, the inclusion of an PCIe Gen3 x16 expansion slot allows for future upgrades such as additional network interface cards (NICs), RAID controllers, or even GPU acceleration for light AI or analytics tasks.

This balance of compactness and expandability ensures that the Gen10 Plus can grow alongside your business needs, offering scalability typically found in larger enterprise servers.

User-Friendly Access and Maintenance

One of the most praised aspects of the MicroServer Gen10 Plus is its intuitive, tool-less design that simplifies hardware access and maintenance. The front-accessible drive trays allow for quick replacement or upgrade of hard drives without shutting down the system—ideal for maintaining uptime in critical operations.

The top-mounted access panel can be removed in seconds, giving full visibility to internal components like RAM, CPU, and power supply. This ease of access empowers IT staff with limited experience to perform routine upgrades or troubleshooting without requiring specialized tools or training.

Such user-centric design reduces service time and minimizes downtime, which is crucial for small businesses that may not have dedicated data center personnel. Combined with HPE’s iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) remote management, administrators can monitor, update, and maintain the server from anywhere, further enhancing operational efficiency.

Thermal Management and Power Efficiency

HPE has implemented advanced thermal engineering in the Gen10 Plus to ensure stable performance under continuous workloads. The server uses intelligent fan control technology that dynamically adjusts fan speeds based on real-time temperature and system load. This not only maintains optimal operating temperatures but also keeps noise levels low—important for office environments.

Powered by energy-efficient Intel Xeon E-2200 series processors, the server delivers strong computational performance while consuming significantly less power compared to previous generations. These processors support HPE’s Dynamic Power Capping and Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), allowing businesses to set power limits and reduce energy costs without sacrificing performance.

The combination of smart cooling and efficient components results in a lower total cost of ownership (TCO), reduced carbon footprint, and longer hardware lifespan—making it both environmentally and economically sustainable.

Stylish and Functional Exterior

Unlike traditional servers that are designed solely for data centers, the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus features a sleek, professional aesthetic suitable for office settings. Its matte black finish, clean lines, and compact tower design blend seamlessly into modern workspaces without appearing out of place.

The front panel includes an LED status display and control buttons that provide at-a-glance information on system health, drive activity, and network status. The built-in UID (Unit Identification) button makes it easy to locate the server in multi-device setups, while the dedicated reset and power buttons ensure convenient operation.

Beyond aesthetics, the exterior design also contributes to functionality: the front I/O ports (including USB and LAN) are easily accessible, and the overall layout promotes airflow and heat dissipation. This thoughtful integration of style and practicality makes the Gen10 Plus one of the most office-friendly servers on the market.

Design Feature	Benefit	Ideal For
Compact Tower Chassis	Minimal footprint; fits in tight spaces	Small offices, retail locations, home labs
Tool-less Access Panel	Quick upgrades and maintenance	Non-specialist IT staff, managed service providers
Smart Fan Control	Quiet operation, efficient cooling	Noise-sensitive environments (offices, schools)
Intel Xeon E-Series CPU	High performance with low power draw	Virtualization, file servers, security appliances

Note: While the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is designed for ease of use and reliability, always follow manufacturer guidelines for installation, ventilation, and firmware updates. Proper airflow clearance (at least 6 inches on all sides) should be maintained to prevent overheating. Regular firmware updates via HPE iLO ensure security patches and performance improvements are applied promptly.

How to Choose HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is a compact, energy-efficient server ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, remote offices, and edge computing environments. Selecting the right configuration requires a strategic approach to ensure optimal performance, scalability, and long-term value. Below are key considerations to guide your decision-making process.

Assess Business Workload Requirements

Begin by evaluating the specific applications and services your business needs to run. The MicroServer Gen10 Plus supports a wide range of workloads, including file and print services, web hosting, virtualization (via VMware, Hyper-V, or Proxmox), backup and recovery, and lightweight database hosting.

• Light workloads: Ideal for file sharing, email hosting, or basic web applications
• Virtualization: Requires sufficient CPU power and RAM to support multiple VMs
• Edge computing: Perfect for IoT data processing, retail POS systems, or branch office infrastructure
• Backup targets: Can serve as a NAS or backup repository with adequate storage expansion

Key benefit: Proper workload assessment prevents under-provisioning (which leads to performance bottlenecks) or over-provisioning (which increases costs unnecessarily).

Evaluate Hardware Specifications

The MicroServer Gen10 Plus offers flexible configurations to match varying performance demands. Understanding the hardware options ensures you select a model that delivers reliable performance.

• Processor: Powered by Intel Xeon E-2200 series processors (e.g., E-2224, E-2226GE) with 4–6 cores and integrated graphics, supporting up to 3.8 GHz boost speeds
• Memory: Supports up to 64GB DDR4 ECC RAM across two DIMM slots, ensuring data integrity and stability for mission-critical tasks
• Storage: Configurable with up to four 3.5" SATA drives (supports HDDs and SSDs), ideal for RAID 0, 1, 5, or 10 configurations via the integrated Smart Array S100i controller
• Networking: Dual Gigabit Ethernet ports for redundancy, load balancing, or VLAN separation

Pro tip: For virtualization or database workloads, prioritize higher-core-count CPUs and max out RAM to ensure smooth multitasking.

Consider Scalability and Future-Proofing

The Gen10 Plus is designed with growth in mind, making it an excellent long-term investment. Consider how your infrastructure might evolve over the next 3–5 years.

• Storage expansion: Supports hot-swap drives and can be expanded externally via USB or network-attached storage (NAS)
• PCIe expansion: Includes one PCIe Gen3 x16 slot for adding high-speed network cards (10GbE), GPU accelerators, or HBA controllers
• Memory upgrade path: Start with 16GB and scale to 64GB as virtualization or application demands grow
• Firmware updates: Regular HPE firmware updates ensure compatibility with new software and security patches

Strategic advantage: A scalable server reduces total cost of ownership by delaying costly hardware replacements and minimizing downtime during upgrades.

Assess Management and Support Features

Efficient server management is crucial, especially for organizations without dedicated IT staff. The MicroServer Gen10 Plus includes robust tools to simplify administration and ensure reliability.

• HPE iLO (Integrated Lights-Out): Enables secure remote monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting—essential for unattended or remote deployments
• HPE OneView Standard: Offers centralized management for multiple HPE servers, streamlining firmware updates and health checks
• Warranty and support: Choose from HPE’s Foundation Care or Proactive Care services, including next-business-day hardware replacement and 24/7 technical support
• Security features: Includes Secure Boot, TPM 2.0, and firmware vulnerability scanning to protect against unauthorized access

Best practice: For businesses with limited IT resources, pairing iLO with Proactive Care provides peace of mind and reduces operational overhead.

Expert Recommendation: For most small businesses, the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus with an Intel Xeon E-2224 (4-core, 3.4GHz), 16GB RAM, and dual 2TB HDDs in RAID 1 offers an excellent balance of performance, redundancy, and cost. Upgrade memory and storage as needed. If virtualization is planned, consider the E-2226GE (6-core) and 32GB RAM for better VM density.

Use Case	Recommended CPU	RAM	Storage Configuration	Additional Notes
File & Print Server	Xeon E-2224	16GB	2x2TB HDD RAID 1	Reliable redundancy with room for growth
Virtualization (2–3 VMs)	Xeon E-2226GE	32GB	2x480GB SSD RAID 1	SSDs improve VM boot and response times
Backup Repository	Xeon E-2224	16GB	4x4TB HDD RAID 5	Maximizes storage capacity with fault tolerance
Edge Computing / IoT Gateway	Xeon E-2226GE	32GB	2x1TB SSD RAID 1 + PCIe 10GbE NIC	High-speed networking for real-time data processing

Additional Considerations

• Energy Efficiency: The MicroServer Gen10 Plus is designed for low power consumption (typically 80–120W under load), reducing operational costs and heat output—ideal for office environments.
• Noise Levels: Features a quiet cooling system, making it suitable for deployment in non-data-center locations like offices or retail spaces.
• Operating System Support: Compatible with Windows Server, VMware ESXi, Linux distributions (Ubuntu, CentOS, RHEL), and FreeBSD.
• Remote Access: iLO Advanced enables KVM-over-IP, allowing full remote console access even during OS failures.
• Cost vs. Value: While entry-level, the Gen10 Plus delivers enterprise-grade reliability, security, and manageability at a fraction of the cost of larger rack servers.

Usage Scenarios of HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is a versatile, compact, and powerful server designed to meet the evolving needs of modern computing environments. Engineered with energy efficiency, reliability, and scalability in mind, this server delivers enterprise-grade performance in a small footprint. Below are the key usage scenarios where the MicroServer Gen10 Plus excels, demonstrating its adaptability across various industries and applications.

1. Small Business IT Infrastructure

Optimized for Efficiency and Simplicity

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is an ideal solution for small businesses facing space and budget limitations without compromising on essential IT capabilities. It serves as a reliable foundation for core business operations by providing:

• Centralized File Storage: Securely store and share documents, media, and business-critical data across departments.
• Print Server Functionality: Manage networked printers efficiently, reducing local dependencies and streamlining device access.
• Light Application Hosting: Run essential business applications such as accounting software, CRM tools, or internal portals with consistent uptime.
• User-Friendly Management: Equipped with HPE iLO (Integrated Lights-Out) and easy-to-use setup wizards, enabling non-technical staff to perform basic administration tasks with confidence.

Despite its compact design, the server supports ECC memory and Intel Xeon or E-2200 series processors, ensuring data integrity and stable performance under continuous workloads—critical for maintaining productivity in resource-constrained environments.

Pro Tip: Pair the MicroServer with HPE Smart Array controllers for enhanced data protection and RAID configurations, improving reliability for small business data storage needs.

2. Remote and Branch Office (ROBO) Deployments

Reliable Local Compute with Centralized Control

Remote and branch offices often require localized computing power to maintain operations while remaining connected to central IT systems. The MicroServer Gen10 Plus addresses these needs by functioning as a self-contained local server that supports:

• Local Application Hosting: Run region-specific software or line-of-business applications without relying on constant cloud connectivity.
• Database Services: Host lightweight databases for inventory, customer records, or sales tracking with low latency access.
• Unified Communications: Support VoIP systems, email gateways, or collaboration platforms to enhance team productivity.

Its compact size allows it to be deployed in tight spaces such as closets or under desks, while HPE iLO enables full remote monitoring, firmware updates, and troubleshooting from headquarters—reducing the need for on-site IT personnel and minimizing downtime.

Did You Know? With HPE iLO Advanced, administrators can perform out-of-band management, power cycling, and health monitoring across multiple branch servers from a single dashboard—ideal for distributed organizations.

3. Virtualization and Home Lab Environments

A Powerful Platform for Learning and Development

Equipped with Intel Xeon processors and support for up to 64GB of ECC RAM, the MicroServer Gen10 Plus is a robust platform for virtualization. This makes it a top choice for:

• IT Professionals: Test new OS deployments, network configurations, or security policies in isolated virtual machines (VMs).
• Students and Enthusiasts: Build a home lab to learn about server administration, cloud technologies, or cybersecurity in a safe, controlled environment.
• DevOps Practitioners: Run lightweight containers or CI/CD pipelines using platforms like Proxmox, VMware ESXi, or Microsoft Hyper-V.

The server’s low power consumption and quiet operation make it suitable for home or office use, while its expandability (including M.2 and PCIe slots) allows users to customize storage and networking for advanced virtualization scenarios.

Expert Insight: Install a hypervisor such as VMware ESXi or Proxmox to maximize virtual machine density and resource utilization. The ECC memory helps prevent data corruption during long-running simulations or tests.

4. Edge Computing and IoT Applications

Bringing Intelligence Closer to the Data Source

In edge computing environments, processing data close to its source reduces latency, bandwidth usage, and dependency on cloud connectivity. The MicroServer Gen10 Plus is well-suited for edge deployments due to its:

• Compact and Rugged Design: Fits in retail kiosks, manufacturing floors, or outdoor enclosures with minimal space requirements.
• Real-Time Data Processing: Analyze sensor data from IoT devices—such as temperature monitors, security cameras, or industrial equipment—locally for immediate action.
• Reliability in Harsh Conditions: Operates efficiently in non-data-center environments with variable temperatures and power conditions.
• Integration with IoT Platforms: Compatible with MQTT brokers, time-series databases (e.g., InfluxDB), and edge AI frameworks for smart decision-making at the edge.

Industries such as retail, healthcare, and manufacturing use this server to run point-of-sale systems, patient monitoring devices, or predictive maintenance analytics—all with improved responsiveness and reduced network load.

Use Case	Key Benefits	Ideal For	Recommended Features
Small Business Server	Low cost, easy setup, reliable performance	Startups, retail shops, professional offices	iLO Essentials, RAID 1, ECC Memory
Branch Office	Remote management, local services	Distributed teams, franchise locations	iLO Advanced, dual power options, UPS support
Home Lab / Virtualization	High compute density, expandable storage	IT learners, developers, hobbyists	64GB RAM, M.2 boot drive, hypervisor support
Edge & IoT	Low latency, rugged deployment, real-time analytics	Manufacturing, smart buildings, retail	Serial I/O, extended temp support, industrial mounting

Conclusion

The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus is more than just a compact server—it's a flexible, future-ready solution that adapts to diverse computing demands. Whether supporting day-to-day operations in a small office, enabling remote management across branches, empowering technical learning in a home lab, or driving real-time decisions at the edge, this server delivers consistent performance, manageability, and scalability.

Its balance of power, reliability, and affordability makes it a smart investment for organizations looking to deploy efficient, enterprise-grade infrastructure without the complexity or cost of larger systems.

Frequently Asked Questions About the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus

Q1: What is the maximum memory capacity of the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus?

A1: The HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus supports up to 64 GB of DDR4 ECC memory across two DIMM slots, allowing for configurations such as 2×32 GB. This level of memory expandability is impressive for a compact server in its class, making it ideal for small businesses, homelabs, and edge computing environments that require reliable performance without sacrificing space or budget.

Additionally, the use of ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory enhances system stability by detecting and correcting memory errors, which is crucial for maintaining data integrity in mission-critical applications and virtualized workloads.

Q2: Is the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus suitable for virtualized environments?

A2: Yes, the MicroServer Gen10 Plus is well-suited for virtualization, thanks to its support for Intel Xeon E-2200 series processors (such as the Xeon E-2224 or E-2226GE), which offer strong single-thread performance, hardware-level virtualization extensions (Intel VT-x and VT-d), and integrated graphics for console access.

With support for up to 64 GB of ECC RAM and dual Gigabit Ethernet ports, this server can efficiently run multiple virtual machines using platforms like VMware ESXi, Proxmox, Microsoft Hyper-V, or Oracle VirtualBox. Its compact form factor and low power consumption also make it an excellent choice for development/testing labs, small-scale production VMs, or containerized applications.

• Virtualization Benefits: Efficient resource utilization, isolated environments, easy backup and migration.
• Recommended Use Cases: Small business servers, NAS with VMs, DevOps testing, network appliances (firewall, router).

Q3: Does the MicroServer come with built-in remote management capabilities?

A3: Yes, the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus includes HPE Integrated Lights-Out 5 (iLO 5), a powerful remote management engine that enables administrators to monitor, manage, and troubleshoot the server from anywhere, even when the operating system is down.

iLO 5 offers advanced features such as:

• Remote console access (keyboard, video, mouse)
• Power control (on/off/reset)
• Secure firmware updates
• Health monitoring and alerting
• Encrypted session support for enhanced security

This makes the MicroServer ideal for headless deployments in remote locations or server closets where physical access is limited.

Q4: How does the MicroServer handle data security?

A4: Data security is taken seriously in the MicroServer Gen10 Plus through multiple hardware-based protections:

• HPE Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0: Provides secure storage for encryption keys, passwords, and digital certificates, protecting against unauthorized access and firmware tampering.
• iLO Security Features: Includes multi-factor authentication, secure boot, and firmware attack detection to safeguard the management interface.
• Secure Recovery: Automatically restores compromised iLO firmware to a known good state.
• Drive Encryption Support: Works with self-encrypting drives (SEDs) to protect stored data at rest.

These features collectively ensure that both the system and your data are protected from physical theft, malicious firmware attacks, and unauthorized access—making it a trustworthy platform for sensitive workloads.

Q5: What storage options are available for the HPE ProLiant MicroServer Gen10 Plus?

A5: The MicroServer Gen10 Plus offers flexible and high-performance storage configurations to meet various needs:

• Four front-accessible drive bays: Support for 3.5" or 2.5" SATA HDDs and SSDs, ideal for large-capacity storage or cost-effective redundancy.
• NVMe support: Two M.2 NVMe slots (one PCIe and one SATA) enable ultra-fast boot and application performance, perfect for OS drives or caching layers.
• RAID support: Optional HPE Smart Array controllers allow hardware RAID configurations (e.g., RAID 0, 1, 5, 10) for improved performance and data redundancy.
• Hybrid flexibility: Combine NVMe boot drives with high-capacity SATA arrays for optimal balance of speed and storage.

Whether you're building a NAS, file server, backup appliance, or virtualization host, the Gen10 Plus delivers versatile storage scalability with support for both legacy and next-generation drive technologies.