Dell PowerEdge R740XD 12 Bay 3.5 LFF Server

The new Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd server is a 2U, dual-processor platform designed to maximize storage and memory performance. Powered by Intel’s new Xeon Scalable processors, this server offers up to 58 cores of performance to easily satisfy processor intensive applications. Xeon Scalable processors support NVDIMM memory modules to provide low latency and improved resiliency. Flexible storage options, and support for a mixture of drives allows administrators to create the optimal tiered storage environment for their data needs. Dell’s iDRAC9 is integrated into every PowerEdge server to provide local and remote management tools to minimize the need for on-site support.

Performance

This dual-socket server is powered by first or second-generation Intel’s new Xeon Scalable processors which offer up to 28 cores each. Xeon Scalable processors are available in four different options: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Xeon Platinum processors offer the highest core count and are built for I/O-intensive workloads like real-time analytics. For network communications, Intel’s Omni-Path Architecture (Intel OPA) is a low-latency fabric with a 100 Gb/s link bandwidth divided into four 25 Gb/s lanes. Unlike previous generations of InfiniBand implementations, which shut down after one lane fails, Intel’s OPA link continues to operate after a lane failure at 75 percent of the original bandwidth. Memory channel support has also increased from four to six channels with Intel’s Xeon Scalable processors to satisfy memory-hungry applications. Data encryption overhead is almost non-existent allowing for faster performance on secure data transactions.

Memory

A maximum of 24 DDR4 registered (RDIMM), or load-reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules provide an impressive 3TB of memory. In order to achieve the maximum memory capacity of 3TB, the Dell R740XD server must be configured with either platinum or M-designated Gold processors. For added data protection and lower latency, administrators can opt to configure this system with one to 12 high-performance NVDIMMs. Memory speeds of up to 2933MT/s are supported, but this capability is dependent on the processor model, memory type, and memory configuration. Optane memory modules are supported but only with 2nd generation intel Xeon Scalable processors.

Storage

Storage options are extremely flexible with the ability to mix SSD, HDD, and NVMe drives to create the optimum data-tiered environment. In one of the configurations, up to 24 small form factor (SFF) drives sit at the front of Dell PowerEdge R740XD server, with four drive bays at the back of the chassis, and another four drives in a mid-tray for a total of 32 drive bays. Another configuration supports up to 24 NVMe drives to reduce I/O overhead and maximize storage performance, as well as two internal M.2 SSDs for super-fast failsafe boot or additional storage. An optional internal Dual SD Card Module with vFlash provides failsafe for the hypervisor and the vFLash card can store disk images used for bare metal configurations through iDRAC.

Expansion

In a dual-processor configuration, the Dell EMC R740xd server supports up to eight PCIe expansion cards across three risers. Several different network communications options are available depending on your choice of Network Daughter Cards (NDC) including: 4 x 1GbE, 4 x 10GbE, 2 x 25GbE, or 2 x 10GbE + 2 x 1GbE. At the front of the system there is room for a VGA port, two USB 2.0 ports, and a dedicated iDRAC direct mirco-USB port. The back of the chassis displays a VGA port, a serial port, two USB 3.0 ports, and a dedicated iDRAC network port.

Management

Dell’s OpenManage portfolio provides this system with powerful hardware and software tools that simplify server management throughout its entire lifecycle. The OpenManage Deployment Toolkit (DTK) provides sample configuration option files that can be used to effortlessly deploy multiple servers in a timely manner. The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 (iDRAC9) firmware provides advanced local and remote server management and is embedded into every PowerEdge server and starts working the minute the power and network cables are connected. Server redeployment is stress-free with Dell’s System Erase, which provides a straight-forward process to wipe all data from the system’s storage devices.

Summary

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd server is built around Intel’s new Xeon Scalable processors to deliver improved, workload-optimized performance for high-demand applications. Dual-processor configurations can support up to 3TB of memory and speeds of 2666MT/s can be reached, when using M-designated gold, or platinum processors. Administrators can mix and match SSDs, HDDs, and high-performance NVMe drives to create the optimal tiered storage environment for their anticipated application. The need for on-site support is reduced with Dell’s integrated management tools, which provide on-site, on cloud, and remote management tools.