Comprehensive review of the PowerEdge Dell R540 Server with 64GB RAM and 12x 6TB HDDs

Description

Design and Build Quality

The Dell PowerEdge R540 Server immediately caught my attention with its rugged, professional design. This 2U rackmount powerhouse is built for durability, clearly designed for data centers or businesses requiring robust server solutions. Its 12-bay 3.5″ chassis allows for significant storage expansion, and the black finish with a clean, minimal aesthetic adds to its professional feel. While it’s relatively compact given its capabilities, this server is not lightweight, which is expected for such a feature-packed machine. One minor gripe is the absence of rails or a bezel in the package, which could be inconvenient for some users who need a complete setup straight out of the box. Still, the overall build quality exudes reliability and sturdiness.

Performance and Features

I decided to test the dual Intel Xeon Gold 5120 processors with a combined 28 cores, and I was thoroughly impressed by their performance. These CPUs handled multitasking, virtualization, and demanding applications like a champ. The 64GB of DDR4 memory, clocked at 2133 MHz, ensures smooth operational speed even under heavy workloads. The Dell PERC H730P RAID controller adds another layer of reliability, offering various RAID configurations for data protection. Running multiple virtual machines was seamless, and data transfer speeds were consistently high, thanks to the 12x 6TB SAS drives spinning at 7200 RPM.

One feature I particularly liked was the inclusion of iDRAC 9 Express, which provides remote access and monitoring capabilities. It was easy to use and helped me keep tabs on server health. However, I did notice that an operating system is not included, which might be a hassle for those who prefer a ready-to-go setup. On the bright side, this omission allows users the flexibility to install the OS of their choice.

Positives

Key Benefits of this server stood out during my testing:

• High-powered processing with 28 cores from dual Intel Xeon Gold CPUs.
• Ample 64GB DDR4 memory for smooth multitasking.
• Massive storage capacity with 12 bays, each housing 6TB enterprise-grade SAS drives.
• Reliable RAID controller (PERC H730P) for data redundancy and performance tuning.
• Remote management via iDRAC 9 Express.

Areas for Improvement

While there’s a lot to love, some Caveats became evident:

• No rails or bezel included, which adds extra cost and effort for installation.
• Lack of an operating system, requiring additional time and expense for setup.
• The serial-attached SCSI drives are fantastic for enterprise users, but the 7200 RPM speed might be a bottleneck for niche high-performance scenarios.

Target Audience

This enterprise-grade server is undoubtedly aimed at small to medium businesses, IT professionals, or even larger organizations needing scalable storage and computing power. It’s perfect for virtualization, data hosting, and resource-heavy applications. However, individuals or small offices without an IT team might find it overwhelming due to the setup complexity and the absence of rails or an OS.

Product Competitors

In the world of enterprise servers, the HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 and Lenovo ThinkSystem SR650 are strong contenders. The HPE model offers more advanced security features and an optional Silicon Root of Trust, which might appeal to those prioritizing cybersecurity. On the other hand, Lenovo’s SR650 provides greater memory scalability, supporting up to 3TB of RAM, which dwarfs the Dell PowerEdge R540’s 64GB offering. However, the Dell server stands out with its massive storage capacity and balanced performance for the price, whereas competitors often charge significantly more for similar configurations.

One area where the Dell system shines is remote management through iDRAC 9 Express, which I found more intuitive compared to some of the solutions offered by its rivals. However, the competitors often include rails and bezels, offering a more complete package right out of the box.

Affordable Quality

If you’re looking for Cost Efficiency, the Dell PowerEdge R540 provides a solid return on investment. Its combination of high-performance processors, ample memory, and extensive storage capabilities makes it a highly competitive choice for businesses on a budget. While the initial cost might seem steep, the 90-day hardware replacement warranty adds peace of mind, ensuring reliability. The absence of an operating system and some accessories could slightly increase the overall expense, but the long-term performance and reliability outweigh these minor inconveniences. For businesses aiming to maximize their IT budgets, this server is worth every penny.

Testing this server was a satisfying experience, and despite a few minor hurdles, it’s a reliable and powerful tool that will meet the needs of most professional environments.

Additional information