1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the HPE D3700 Enclosure (Model QW967A). The HPE D3700 is a 12 Gb SAS Small Form Factor (SFF) external storage system designed to expand storage capacity for HP ProLiant and Integrity server environments, as well as MSA Arrays. It offers a flexible, modular solution for managing growing storage needs in small to midrange business applications, remote offices, and departmental locations.
2. Product Overview
The HPE D3700 Enclosure is a rack-mountable unit featuring 25 small form factor drive bays. It is engineered for high-capacity and high-performance storage expansion. Below is an image illustrating the front view of the enclosure.

Figure 1: Front view of the HPE D3700 Enclosure. This image displays the front panel with 25 small form factor drive bays, status indicator LEDs, and control buttons. The design facilitates easy access for drive installation and removal.
Key components visible on the front panel include:
- Drive Bays: 25 hot-pluggable bays for 2.5-inch SAS or SATA drives.
- Status LEDs: Indicators for power, system health, and drive activity.
- Unit Identification (UID) Button/LED: Used to visually locate the enclosure within a rack.
3. Specifications
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Brand | HPE |
| Model Number | QW967A |
| Product Type | Drive Enclosure |
| Form Factor | Rack-mountable |
| Drive Interface | 12Gb/s SAS, Serial ATA |
| Number of 2.5" Bays | 25 |
| Total Expansion Bays | 25 |
| Item Weight | 65 pounds (approximately 29.5 kg) |
| Manufacturer | Hpe - Business Class Storage |
| Date First Available | April 23, 2014 |
4. Setup
Proper setup is crucial for the optimal performance and longevity of your HPE D3700 Enclosure. Follow these general steps:
- Unpacking and Inspection: Carefully unpack the enclosure and inspect for any shipping damage. Retain all packaging materials.
- Rack Installation: Install the enclosure into a standard server rack using the appropriate rail kit (sold separately). Ensure adequate airflow around the unit.
- Power Connection: Connect the power supply units (PSUs) to a grounded power source. For redundancy, connect each PSU to a separate power circuit if available.
- Data Cable Connection: Connect the SAS data cables from your host server or HBA (Host Bus Adapter) to the appropriate ports on the enclosure. Refer to your server's documentation for specific HBA requirements and cabling configurations.
- Drive Installation: Install 2.5-inch SAS or SATA drives into the available drive bays. Ensure drives are fully seated and latched. The enclosure supports hot-swappable drives.
- Initial Power On: Power on the enclosure. Observe the status LEDs for normal operation.
5. Operating Instructions
Once the HPE D3700 Enclosure is set up, follow these guidelines for operation:
- Power On/Off: The enclosure typically powers on automatically when connected to power. For controlled shutdown, follow the procedures outlined in your host server's operating system and storage management software.
- Drive Management: Drives can be added or removed while the enclosure is operational (hot-swappable). Always ensure proper procedures are followed for drive removal and replacement to prevent data loss or system instability.
- Status Monitoring: Regularly monitor the front panel LEDs for system health and drive status. Consult the HPE documentation for detailed explanations of LED patterns.
- Firmware Updates: Periodically check the HPE support website for firmware updates for the enclosure and its components. Apply updates as recommended to ensure optimal performance and compatibility.
6. Maintenance
To ensure reliable operation and extend the lifespan of your HPE D3700 Enclosure, adhere to the following maintenance practices:
- Environmental Conditions: Operate the enclosure within the specified temperature and humidity ranges. Ensure proper ventilation and prevent obstruction of air vents.
- Cleaning: Keep the exterior of the enclosure clean and free of dust. Use a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners directly on the unit.
- Cable Management: Ensure all power and data cables are securely connected and properly routed to prevent accidental disconnections or damage.
- Regular Checks: Periodically inspect the physical condition of the enclosure, including power supply units and cooling fans, for any signs of wear or malfunction.
7. Troubleshooting
This section provides basic troubleshooting steps for common issues. For more complex problems, refer to the official HPE documentation or contact technical support.
- Enclosure Not Powering On:
- Verify power cables are securely connected to both the enclosure and the power source.
- Check power outlets and circuit breakers.
- Ensure power supply units are functioning correctly (check their individual LEDs).
- Drives Not Detected:
- Ensure drives are fully seated in their bays.
- Verify SAS data cables are correctly connected between the enclosure and the host HBA.
- Check the HBA status in the host server.
- Confirm drives are compatible with the HPE D3700 Enclosure.
- System Health LED Indicates Error:
- Consult the HPE D3700 Enclosure documentation for specific error codes or LED patterns.
- This often indicates a component failure (e.g., fan, power supply, or drive).
8. Warranty and Support
For detailed information regarding the warranty coverage for your HPE D3700 Enclosure (Model QW967A), please refer to the official HPE warranty statement provided with your product or visit the HPE support website. HPE offers various support services to assist with product inquiries, technical issues, and parts replacement.
HPE Support Resources:
- Online Documentation: Access the latest user guides, technical specifications, and troubleshooting manuals on the official HPE website.
- Technical Support: Contact HPE technical support for assistance with complex issues or hardware failures. Have your product serial number and model information ready.
- Parts and Service: Information on obtaining replacement parts and authorized service providers can be found on the HPE support portal.





