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HPE Superdome Flex Superdome Flex

CurrentServers5U chassis, 4 sockets each, up to 8 chassis
HPE Superdome Flex Superdome Flex5U chassis, 4 sockets ea32 sockets48 DIMMs

The HPE Superdome Flex is a modular, scale-up x86 server for mission-critical and in-memory workloads such as SAP HANA and large databases. A system starts with one 4-socket, 5U chassis and grows in 4-socket steps to 32 sockets, 896 cores and up to 48 TB of shared memory. HPE's QuickSpecs list 48 DDR4 slots per chassis, up to 128 PCIe cards per system and hard partitioning with nPars. HPE introduced it in November 2017 and the QuickSpecs are still being updated as of September 2026. Buyers are large enterprises and SAP shops with big single-image memory needs.

Also written as: HPE Superdome Flex, Superdome Flex 4-socket, Superdome Flex 32-socket

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Specifications

BrandHPE
FamilySuperdome Flex
Form factor5U chassis, 4 sockets each, up to 8 chassis
ReleasedNov 2017
Cpu sockets32
Cpu platformIntel Xeon Scalable processors (Gold or Platinum): 4 sockets per 5U chassis, 4 to 32 sockets per system, up to 28 cores per socket
Memory slots48
Memory typeHPE DDR4, 48 DIMM slots per chassis; Intel Optane Persistent Memory with 2nd Gen 62XX and 82XX processors
Memory max (GB)49,152
Drive bays4 drive bays on the base chassis (HDD or SSD), plus a DVD-R/RW bay
Pcie slotsPer chassis: 16 half-height PCIe 3.0 slots, or 8 full-height plus 4 half-height slots, or compute-only with no slots on an expansion chassis
Network onboard2x 10GbE and 2x 1GbE ports on the base chassis, plus management LAN and rack management ports
Power supply4x 1600 W 80 PLUS Titanium power supplies per chassis (optional 2130 W)

Works together

How the HPE Superdome Flex Superdome Flex connects to servers, storage and the network: 4 ways, with the parts and products on each path.

Fibre Channel SANiSCSI and NVMe/TCP over EthernetDirect-attached SASFile storage (NFS and SMB)

Fibre Channel SAN

Match the speed: 16Gb and 32Gb FC HBAs, switches and array ports work together, and each generation also runs one or two speeds below its own (a 32Gb port runs at 16Gb and 8Gb).

Adapters for the server (check the fit list)

Switches

Storage

Optics

Fibre Channel SAN: how it fits together

iSCSI and NVMe/TCP over Ethernet

Keep the speed the same at all three points: a 25GbE server, a 25GbE switch port and a 25GbE array port. Mixed speeds work but the slowest link sets the pace.

Adapters for the server (check the fit list)

Switches

Storage

Optics

iSCSI and NVMe/TCP over Ethernet: how it fits together

Direct-attached SAS

12Gb SAS uses Mini-SAS HD (SFF-8644) connectors; older 6Gb gear uses Mini-SAS (SFF-8088). Adapter cables exist, but the link runs at the slower speed.

Adapters for the server (check the fit list)

Storage

Direct-attached SAS: how it fits together

File storage (NFS and SMB)

Front-end ports face the clients; back-end ports (on scale-out systems) connect the nodes to each other and need their own switch pair.

Adapters for the server (check the fit list)

Switches

Storage

Optics

File storage (NFS and SMB): how it fits together

Plan and size it

Check compatibility with HPE

Before you buy, confirm the exact configuration against the vendor's own lists: firmware levels, operating systems, adapters and optics that HPE has tested with the HPE Superdome Flex Superdome Flex.

Equivalent models from other brands

Buying a used Superdome Flex: what to check

Check which chassis types are fitted (base or expansion, 12-slot or 16-slot I/O) and that the grid cables and Superdome Flex Analysis Engine firmware are present, as systems are cabled together. Confirm the CPU generation, because Optane persistent memory needs 2nd Gen 62XX or 82XX parts, and verify support entitlement, since mission-critical coverage is normally tied to the original contract.

FAQ

How big can an HPE Superdome Flex get?

HPE's QuickSpecs list 4 to 32 sockets in a single system, built from 4-socket 5U chassis, with up to 896 cores and 768 GB to 48 TB of shared memory.

What processors does the original Superdome Flex use?

Intel Xeon Scalable processors, either Gold or Platinum, with up to 28 cores per socket. HPE lists persistent memory support with 2nd Gen 62XX and 82XX processors.

Does the Superdome Flex use hard partitions?

Yes. HPE nPars supports partitions from 4 to 16 sockets and multiple nPars per rack, so one complex can be split into isolated systems.

Buying or selling Superdome Flex?

New, refurbished or used. Tell us the quantity and condition and we connect you with a vetted reseller in your region, usually within one working day.

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