HPE has introduced the first four models in its HPE ProLiant Gen13 server family, powered by sixth-generation AMD EPYC processors and built to handle enterprise AI inference, virtualisation, analytics and other compute-intensive workloads. Across the line-up, the systems combine increased processor density, memory bandwidth and connectivity with updated security controls and infrastructure management capabilities.
The initial roll-out comprises the HPE ProLiant DL525 Gen13, DL585a Gen13, XD245 and XD285 servers. While the DL models provide configurations tailored for high-core-count processing and GPU-accelerated workloads, the XD systems adhere to Open Compute Project (OCP) standards for high-density computing.
GPU acceleration and high-core-count computing
Designed for applications requiring substantial GPU capacity and high-speed communication between system components, the HPE ProLiant DL585a Gen13 Server accommodates up to eight double-wide PCIe GPUs alongside two sixth-generation AMD EPYC processors and PCIe Gen6 connectivity. HPE notes that the platform is engineered to maximise GPU utilisation, token throughput and PCIe bandwidth across demanding environments, including AI inference, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) model fine-tuning, virtualisation, analytics and emerging agentic AI applications.
For organisations seeking high compute density in a more compact profile, the HPE ProLiant DL525 Gen13 Server offers a 1U, single-socket configuration powered by one sixth-generation AMD EPYC processor supporting up to 256 cores. The system pairs PCIe Gen6 connectivity with 16-channel high-bandwidth memory compatible with DDR5 and MRDIMM technologies.
The DL525 targets applications that depend on substantial CPU processing capacity and high data throughput. HPE identifies fraud detection, market-data processing, financial risk and pricing models, electronic design automation, simulation and AI inference among its intended workloads.
Dense computing with liquid and air cooling options
For larger-scale computing environments, HPE is introducing the ProLiant XD245 and XD285 servers. Both are OCP-compliant systems designed to increase computing capacity within a smaller rack footprint by using shared power and cooling infrastructure to support data-intensive AI and high-performance computing workloads.
The two XD models offer distinct thermal and architectural approaches. The HPE ProLiant XD245 Server uses a one-Open Rack Unit (1OU), four-node design with direct liquid cooling, supporting up to eight sixth-generation AMD EPYC processors. In contrast, the HPE ProLiant XD285 Server adopts a two-Open Rack Unit (2OU), two-node configuration with air cooling, extending the architecture to a broader range of data centre environments and providing operators with an alternative to the liquid-cooled XD245.
Both systems target CPU-intensive applications involving large datasets, simulations and complex computational models. Among their potential uses, HPE identifies computer-aided engineering, weather and climate modelling, scientific research and financial modelling.
Automated security and infrastructure management
The ProLiant Gen13 family introduces updated security capabilities through HPE Integrated Lights-Out 8 (iLO 8), complemented by enhanced HPE Compute Ops Management features for server deployment and ongoing operations. HPE cited McKinsey’s 2026 AI Trust Maturity Survey, which found that nearly two-thirds of respondents identified security and risk concerns as the leading barrier to fully scaling agentic AI, though the survey did not evaluate or endorse HPE products.
Among the new protections is automatic self-encrypting drive protection, which HPE says protects data at rest from the server’s first boot without additional configuration, external key managers or manual activation. The company has also introduced multi-person authorisation, requiring approval from two authorised users before sensitive administrative actions such as key provisioning and secure erase operations can proceed.
To counter emerging threats, HPE has expanded its post-quantum cryptography readiness beyond firmware to help protect server communication paths. In addition, component verification built on the company’s Silicon Root of Trust technology is designed to check the authenticity and integrity of critical hardware when components are added, replaced or modified during a server’s lifecycle. Citing competitive research conducted as of 7 October 2026, HPE describes several of these security capabilities as industry firsts.
For infrastructure oversight, HPE Compute Ops Management introduces low-touch onboarding and near-real-time visibility into power capacity, helping infrastructure teams manage server deployment and operations across distributed environments. HPE cited a September 2026 study conducted by Forrester Consulting on its behalf, which found that organisations using HPE Compute Ops Management spent 50% less time managing servers. The study also calculated a 209% return on investment over three years for a composite organisation based on interviewed customers.
To support its reliability claims, HPE noted that each new ProLiant generation undergoes more than 1,000 tests and 10,000 hours of validation, including advanced stress and corner-case testing beyond published operating limits to assess system reliability under demanding conditions. Customer research cited by HPE indicates that reliability has been the leading purchase driver for ProLiant servers for four consecutive years, with 81% of surveyed customers identifying reliable performance as a differentiator from other server vendors. Furthermore, an IDC study sponsored by HPE reported that HPE Tech Care Service could reduce unplanned downtime by up to 97%, through support intended to help organisations prevent, identify and resolve infrastructure issues.
Phased availability and financing options
HPE plans to release the four servers in stages. The HPE ProLiant DL525 Gen13 Server is scheduled for availability later in 2026, followed by the DL585a Gen13 in early 2027, while the XD245 and XD285 servers are both expected to become available during 2027.
The ProLiant Gen13 family is also expected to expand beyond these initial configurations. HPE plans to introduce additional systems addressing mainstream enterprise computing, edge deployments, virtualisation, software-defined infrastructure, databases and AI workloads.
To support infrastructure purchases, HPE is offering its Financial Services 90/9 Advantage programme for ProLiant Gen13 servers. The arrangement provides 90 days without payments, followed by nine months at 1% per month, allowing customers to schedule technology investments outside their usual budget cycles.
