HP ProLiant ML110 G7 review

HP's new ProLiant ML110 G7 is aimed at growing businesses ready to invest in a proper server. In this review Dave Mitchell takes a closer look at HP’s first Xeon E3 tower server and finds it has some very useful features that will appeal to SMBs.

IT Pro Verdict

It may be an entry-level server, but the ProLiant ML110 G7 packs a lot of features into its compact chassis. It’s well built, is quiet enough for a small office and has an impressive range of storage options. The embedded iLO3 controller sets it apart from the competition and makes it ideally suited to businesses that need full remote access to the server for management, monitoring and performing diagnostics.

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HP's bootable SmartStart DVD makes light work of RAID array setup and OS installation.

HP's bootable SmartStart DVD makes light work of RAID array setup and OS installation.

If you want to install an OS yourself there's the bundled SmartStart DVD. This is used to boot the server where it loads a wizard that asks for your details and product keys and assists with installing your chosen OS.

It provides quick access during this phase to the RAID controller so you can prepare your hard disks and array before loading the OS. It can also install HP's System Management Homepage for you which provides a simple web based remote monitoring tool for keeping an eye on the server while it's running.

The new ML110 G7 may be small but it's big on features and the extensive choice of storage options is impressive for an entry-level server. Dell's PowerEdge T110 II costs a bit less, but the ML110 G7 is still an affordable first server for a small business and its embedded iLO3 controller makes it a far superior choice for businesses that want full remote management.

So what's our verdict?

Verdict

It may be an entry-level server, but the ProLiant ML110 G7 packs a lot of features into its compact chassis. It’s well built, is quiet enough for a small office and has an impressive range of storage options. The embedded iLO3 controller sets it apart from the competition and makes it ideally suited to businesses that need full remote access to the server for management, monitoring and performing diagnostics.

Chassis: Pedestal CPU: 3.3GHz Intel Xeon E3-1240 Memory: 4GB DDR3 UDIMM expandable to 16GB Storage: 2 x 160GB HP SATA2 hard disks RAID: Embedded HP B110i SATA RAID Array support: cold-swap RAID 0, 1, 10 Expansion: 4 x PCI Express Network: 2 x Gigabit Ethernet Management: Embedded iLO3 Power: 460W hot-plug supply (max 2) Software: HP SmartStart bootable DVD Warranty 1 year on-site with next business day service

Dave Mitchell
Dave Mitchell

Dave is an IT consultant and freelance journalist specialising in hands-on reviews of computer networking products covering all market sectors from small businesses to enterprises. Founder of Binary Testing Ltd – the UK’s premier independent network testing laboratory - Dave has over 45 years of experience in the IT industry.

Dave has produced many thousands of in-depth business networking product reviews from his lab which have been reproduced globally. Writing for ITPro and its sister title, PC Pro, he covers all areas of business IT infrastructure, including servers, storage, network security, data protection, cloud, infrastructure and services.

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