HPE P26931-B21 DL380 Server Front Drive Cage

HPE P26931-B21 DL380 Gen10 Plus 8SFF U.3 Front Drive Cage Kit

The HPE P26931-B21 Front Drive Cage Kit is an internal storage expansion option for compatible HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus servers. Its official designation is the HPE ProLiant DL300 Gen10 Plus 2U 8SFF x4 Tri-Mode 24G U.3 BC Front Drive Cage Kit.

Featuring eight small form factor (SFF) drive bays, this kit supports enterprise storage configurations using approved SAS, SATA and NVMe drives with the appropriate tri-mode storage controller and cabling. It is designed for organisations expanding storage performance or replacing a compatible front drive cage assembly.

The P26931-B21 is a drive cage and backplane kit, not a complete server, storage controller or set of hard drives.

HPE P26931-B21 Technical Specifications

Important: The 24G designation refers to the supported SAS interface capability, not a guarantee that every installed drive operates at 24Gbps. Actual performance depends on the controller, drive type and server configuration.

Key Features of HPE P26931-B21

• Eight SFF drive bays: Provides space for eight compatible 2.5-inch enterprise drives.
• U.3 tri-mode backplane: Supports approved SAS, SATA and NVMe storage configurations.
• 24G SAS capability: Designed for compatible 24G tri-mode storage environments.
• Front-mounted installation: Integrates into the supported front drive bay positions of the server.
• Storage flexibility: Allows compatible systems to combine supported drive technologies when configured with the required tri-mode controller.
• Server lifecycle support: Helps businesses expand or repair an existing ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus installation.

HPE DL380 Gen10 Plus Compatibility

HPE officially lists P26931-B21 among the storage expansion options for the ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus. The kit is intended for supported 8SFF chassis configurations.

Before ordering, confirm the server generation, front drive bay arrangement, installed storage controller and required cable kit.

HPE documents several similarly named drive cage options that serve different purposes:

• P26930-B21: 8SFF SAS/SATA 12G front drive cage kit.
• P26931-B21: 8SFF x4 tri-mode 24G U.3 front drive cage kit.
• P26932-B21: 8SFF x4 NVMe 16G U.2 front drive cage kit.
• P27194-B21: 8SFF x1 tri-mode 24G U.3 front drive cage kit.

These kits are not automatically interchangeable. The correct choice depends on the drive interface, controller architecture and intended storage configuration.

Controller, Cabling and Drive Requirements

To use the P26931-B21 as intended, the server requires a supported tri-mode storage controller and the appropriate cabling.

HPE permits supported SAS, SATA and NVMe drive combinations on the U.3 drive cage when configured with an appropriate tri-mode controller. However, individual drive models and controller combinations must still be checked against HPE’s compatibility guidance.

HPE also notes that this cage does not support the P36203-B21 DL300 Gen10 Plus 2U x1/x2 Tri-Mode Cable Kit with a tri-mode storage controller.

For configurations using three front 8SFF drive cage kits, additional chassis configuration requirements apply, including the Box 3 removal instruction 873763-B21. The Universal Media Bay option P14609-B21 cannot be selected in that three-cage configuration.

Check these requirements before purchasing components for a storage upgrade.

New and Refurbished HPE P26931-B21

New: New or unused P26931-B21 kits may suit organisations building or upgrading compatible server configurations. Confirm stock, supplied mounting components and cables before ordering.

Refurbished: A Refurbished kit can provide a cost-effective replacement for an existing drive cage. Buyers should confirm backplane testing, connector condition, mounting hardware and warranty coverage.

For either condition, check whether drive carriers, storage drives and controller cables are included. These items should not be assumed to form part of the supplied kit.

Related HPE Server and Storage Components

Explore other HPE server storage parts available through Euroland IT Store:

• HPE 768857-B21 DL380 Gen9 8SFF Cage Bay Kit – A drive bay expansion kit for an earlier ProLiant generation.
• HPE 780428-001 DL360 Gen9 Backplane – An internal storage backplane for supported servers.
• HPE 867966-B21 DL360 Gen10 Backplane Kit – A 2SFF storage expansion component for supported systems.
• HPE 537000-001 HDD Backplane with Cage – A replacement storage assembly for selected HPE systems.
• HPE P48918-B21 DL360 Gen11 Enablement Cable Kit – An internal cable kit for a different server generation.

These products are provided for related hardware browsing and are not direct replacements for P26931-B21.

Buy HPE P26931-B21 Front Drive Cage Kit in the UK

Euroland IT Store helps UK businesses source New and Refurbished server storage hardware and replacement components. Contact our team to confirm P26931-B21 availability, supplied accessories, warranty, pricing and UK delivery options.

For compatibility assistance, provide your DL380 Gen10 Plus chassis configuration, storage controller model and intended drive types.

Request a Quote for HPE P26931-B21

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the HPE P26931-B21?

HPE P26931-B21 is an eight-bay SFF U.3 tri-mode front drive cage kit designed for supported ProLiant DL380 Gen10 Plus server configurations.

2. Does HPE P26931-B21 support NVMe drives?

Yes. The U.3 tri-mode backplane supports approved NVMe drives, subject to the required controller, cabling and server configuration.

3. Is HPE P26931-B21 compatible with DL380 Gen10?

The kit is officially documented for Gen10 Plus configurations. Compatibility with a standard DL380 Gen10 should not be assumed without checking the applicable HPE service and configuration documentation.

4. Does HPE P26931-B21 include hard drives?

Hard drives are not included as standard. Confirm whether the supplied kit includes any cables, mounting components or drive carriers.

5. Can I buy HPE P26931-B21 in New or Refurbished condition?

New and Refurbished options may be available through Euroland IT Store. Contact the team to confirm stock, testing, warranty and UK delivery arrangements.