Dell PowerEdge R720XD Server review 16 Core Performance with 128GB RAM

Description

Powerful Performance with Dual Processors

I’ve been using the PowerEdge R720XD Server with its 2X E5-2690 16-Core processors, and I have to admit, the performance is stellar. With 32 threads of processing power, this machine handles multiple tasks seamlessly. Whether I was running virtualization scenarios, managing large databases, or testing complex workloads, the server didn’t miss a beat. The 2.9 GHz Xeon E5-2600 processors are genuinely built for heavy-duty operations, and I could feel the difference compared to other servers I’ve worked with in the past.

128 GB of DDR3 RAM also ensures that there’s plenty of memory to go around, even for memory-intensive applications. I found it particularly useful for rendering tasks and large-scale simulations. The 800 MHz memory speed might sound a bit dated compared to newer DDR4 standards, but for most server tasks, it held up surprisingly well.

Storage Flexibility and Expandability

One of the standout features for me was the inclusion of 12 HDD trays. This level of storage expandability is incredibly useful for businesses or individuals managing large datasets. The Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) interface provided fast and reliable data transfer rates, which became evident during backup operations and file migrations.

I tested it with a mix of HDDs and SSDs, and the flexibility of setup was impressive. The H710P RAID controller also deserves a mention here. It made configuring RAID arrays straightforward, and the performance boost from hardware RAID was noticeable, especially for I/O-heavy applications.

Solid Build and Reliability

At 46 pounds, this server is a beast, both in terms of weight and build quality. The 24 x 36 x 8-inch dimensions make it a sizable machine, so keep that in mind if you’re working in a confined space. However, the robust construction ensures that it can handle demanding environments without breaking a sweat.

The black finish and industrial aesthetic aren’t here to win design awards, but it screams functionality. I’ve placed it in a server rack, and it fits perfectly. The dedicated Intel UHD Graphics 630 coprocessor isn’t groundbreaking, but for server tasks that don’t rely heavily on graphics, it gets the job done.

Merits

• Dual processors offering unmatched multitasking capabilities.
• 128 GB DDR3 memory, great for handling memory-intensive applications.
• 12 HDD trays, providing excellent storage expandability.
• Reliable H710P RAID controller for optimal data security and performance.

Flaws

• At 46 pounds, it’s not the easiest server to move around.
• DDR3 memory feels a bit outdated in a world moving towards DDR4 and DDR5.
• The graphics coprocessor isn’t suitable for GPU-intensive tasks, but that’s expected in a server.

Challengers

When I compared this server to alternatives like the HP ProLiant DL380 G9 and the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550, a few differences stood out. The HP ProLiant DL380 G9 offers DDR4 memory, which is faster and more efficient than the DDR3 used in the PowerEdge R720XD. However, the Dell server’s dual E5-2690 processors outperformed the HP’s base configuration in multi-threaded tasks.

As for the Lenovo ThinkSystem SR550, its modern design and efficient power usage are appealing, but it lacks the same level of storage expandability. 12 HDD trays on the PowerEdge make it a better choice for storage-heavy operations.

Bang for the Buck

I found the server to be a great investment for what it offers. While it’s a renewed product, the performance and reliability were on par with newer models in this price range. The cost-efficiency of getting dual processors, a robust RAID controller, and ample storage potential in one package is hard to beat.

If you’re looking for a server that delivers high performance without breaking the bank, this one is worth considering. It might not have the latest hardware, but it provides a price-to-quality ratio that’s hard to ignore in its category.

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