Detailed review of PowerEdge Dell R540 Server with 64GB RAM and 12x 6TB HDD

Description

Design and Build Quality

I have to admit, the Dell PowerEdge R540 server caught my attention right out of the box. This 2U rackmount server, with its sturdy black chassis, feels robust and well-built. The 12-bay 3.5″ LFF configuration is not only practical for enterprise-level storage but also neatly designed for easy access. The dimensions (34 x 24 x 8 inches) make it compact enough for most server racks without compromising on capacity. While the rails and bezel aren’t included, I didn’t find this to be a major issue since many setups allow for customization. What impressed me the most was the thoughtfulness of the design – the dual platinum efficiency power supplies are a game-changer, offering both redundancy and energy efficiency.

Performance and Processing Power

Performance-wise, this server is a beast. Equipped with two Intel Xeon Gold 5120 processors, each running at 2.20GHz with 14 cores per CPU, it delivers a total of 28 cores. That’s some serious processing power, and it handled every task I threw at it with ease. From running multiple virtual machines to processing large datasets, the Intel chipset proved its mettle. The 64GB of DDR4 memory, clocked at 2133MHz, adds another layer of smoothness to the operations. I did notice, however, that the memory configuration might be limiting for some high-demand environments; upgrading this could be something to consider depending on your needs.

Storage Capabilities

This server doesn’t mess around when it comes to storage. With 12 Enterprise 6TB SAS hard drives spinning at 7200 RPM, you’re looking at a combined storage capacity of 72TB. It’s a dream for data-heavy applications like backups, video editing, and database management. The Dell PERC H730P RAID controller supports multiple RAID configurations, ensuring both performance and data redundancy. While SAS drives are reliable and perform well, I did wonder how SSDs would have enhanced speed in certain applications. However, for most enterprise use cases, the included drives were more than sufficient.

Remote Management Features

Managing the server remotely was incredibly convenient thanks to the iDRAC 9 Express Remote Access Controller. It allowed me to monitor, troubleshoot, and update the server without physically being in front of it – a feature that’s invaluable for IT administrators. The interface was user-friendly, though I found myself wishing for the upgraded version of iDRAC with more advanced features. Still, for the tasks I needed, it performed reliably and without any hiccups.

Key Benefits

• Robust dual Intel Xeon processors with 28 cores for high-demand workloads.
• Massive 72TB storage capacity with 12 enterprise-grade SAS drives.
• Energy-efficient power supplies for reduced operational costs.
• iDRAC 9 remote management simplifies server administration.
• RAID controller ensures data redundancy and flexible storage configurations.

Areas for Improvement

• Limited RAM configuration compared to some competing products.
• No included rails or bezel, which might require additional purchases.
• SAS drives are excellent but could benefit from optional SSDs for higher speed.

Market Rivals

Comparing it to competitors like the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10, I found the PowerEdge R540 to hold its own in several key areas. While the ProLiant offers a slightly more modern design and higher RAM upgrade potential, the Dell server excels in storage capacity and energy efficiency. Another rival, the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650, boasts faster memory speeds but lacks the 12-bay storage setup that makes the R540 stand out for data-heavy environments. Each product has its strengths, but the Dell PowerEdge R540 strikes a balance between performance and price that’s hard to ignore.

Value for Money

The price-performance ratio of this server makes it a compelling choice for businesses looking to get the most out of their investment. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, the combination of processing power, storage capacity, and energy efficiency justifies the cost. I found that its renewed status didn’t compromise its reliability, making it a savvy choice for anyone needing enterprise-grade performance without breaking the bank.

Overall, this server proved to be a solid performer during my tests. Whether you’re running a small business or managing enterprise-level data, it’s hard not to appreciate the thought and engineering that went into this product. While there are minor areas for improvement, the overall package delivers where it counts.

Additional information