Dell PowerEdge R720 vs HP ProLiant DL380p Gen8
Two go-to picks for a cheap homelab start: both 2U, DDR3-era, Intel E5-2600 v1/v2 and dirt-cheap on the used market. Performance and specs are effectively a tie – the decision comes down to brand, remote management (iDRAC7 on the Dell, iLO4 on the HPE), spare-parts availability and noise. If you already run a Dell or HP fleet, it makes sense to stick with it.
Dell PowerEdge R720
- +iDRAC7 remote management – many R720s ship with the Enterprise (remote console) licence already enabled
- +Huge used market with excellent supply of caddies, rails and spare parts
- +Dell 12th gen on E5-2600 v1/v2 – a solid, well-understood homelab platform
- +Very common in homelabs, so plenty of documentation and community know-how
- −DDR3 generation – older and more power-hungry than newer v3/v4 servers
- −Clearly audible under load in 2U form, borderline for living spaces
- −iDRAC Enterprise licence isn't included with every listing – check first
HP ProLiant DL380p Gen8
- +iLO4 remote management – convenient and well established in HP environments
- +Same CPU base (E5-2600 v1/v2), performance on par with the Dell
- +Rugged HPE workhorse with a large used supply on eBay.de
- +A sensible pick if you already have HP/HPE hardware or experience
- −DDR3 generation – same efficiency drawbacks as the R720 versus newer servers
- −iLO Advanced (remote console) needs a licence that isn't always included
- −HPE caddies and accessories can be pricier or more specific than Dell's
Verdict
On performance there's almost nothing between the R720 and the DL380p Gen8 – both are excellent, cheap homelab starters. Go for the Dell R720 if you prefer iDRAC or want the wider spare-parts and caddy supply; go for the HP DL380p Gen8 if you're used to iLO or already live in the HPE ecosystem. When in doubt, just take whichever has the better price on the day.
Dell PowerEdge R720
No current listings.
HP ProLiant DL380p Gen8
HP ProLiant DL380p Gen8 2 x Xeon E5-2609 2.40GHz 128GB RAM 8x2,5SFF P420i
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for a homelab – R720 or DL380p Gen8?
They're essentially equal: 2U, DDR3, E5-2600 v1/v2. Decide on remote management (iDRAC vs iLO), your existing ecosystem and the current price. There's no clear technical winner.
Is the remote management (iDRAC/iLO) unlocked in the listing?
Basic remote management is always present. For the remote console the Dell needs an iDRAC Enterprise licence and the HP an iLO Advanced licence. Look for a note about it in the item description.
Are these servers too loud for 24/7 use at home?
Both 2U servers are audible under load and better suited to a basement or utility room than a living room. For a quiet setup, a tower server or mini-PC is the better choice.