Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server

The Dell PowerEdge R720xd server is an excellent solution for storage applications. The R720xd provides more drive bays than the R720. There is a total of two chassis options for the PowerEdge R720xd server: 12 Bay LFF and 24 Bay SFF. The differences between each chassis have to do with the number of drive bays as well as the form factor of those drive bays.

12 Bay LFF

The 12 Bay LFF chassis for the R720xd accepts up to twelve 3.5" SAS/SATA hard drives. 2.5" HDDs and SSDs can be installed with using a 2.5" to 3.5" drive converter. This chassis is also equipped with two rear 2.5" drive bays. There are three low-profile and three full-height PCIe slots.

24 Bay SFF

The 24 Bay SFF chassis supports up to twenty-four 2.5" SAS/SATA hard drives and/or SSDs. Just like the 12 Bay LFF chassis, the 24 Bay SFF chassis has two rear 2.5" drive bays. There are also three low-profile and three full-height PCIe slots.

The Dell PowerEdge R720xd server is a dual processor system that accepts Intel Xeon E5-2600 or E5-2600v2 Processors. In order to use an E5-2600v2 processor, you may have to update your server’s BIOS. Each socket is an LGA2011 socket that supports up to 12 cores per socket. A total of 24 cores be installed. One thing to note is, that in order to use Intel Xeon E5-2600v2 series processor with the R720xd, you must have an up to date BIOS.

DIMM Slots & Channels

The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server has a total of 24 DDR3 DIMM slots. There are 8 memory channels that each consist of 3 DIMM slots.

Memory Types & Module Capacities

The R720xd accepts either ECC Registered Memory (RDIMMs) or Load Reduced Memory (LRDIMMs). You can use capacities of 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, and 64GB. Do note that 64GB modules can only be used with Load Reduced memory. Because of this, you can achieve a larger maximum RAM capacity.

Max Configurations

With ECC Registered memory, a max size of 512GB can be reached with a configuration of sixteen 32GB modules. Load Reduced memory on the other hand can reach a max of 1.5TB of RAM with a configuration of twenty-four 64GB modules.

RAM Speeds

The R720xd supports memory speeds of 1066MT/s, 1333MT/s, and 1600MT/s. 1866MT/s modules can be installed, but they will clock down to the true fastest speed of 1600MT/s.

The R720xd chassis that you have will determine whether you can install 2.5" or 3.5" drives. The R720xd accepts SAS, SATA, and SSD drives. There are also two 2.5" rear drive bays that allow you to install an extra two 2.5" HDDs or SSDs. All chassis options support hot-swap drives, meaning you can remove and/or add drives while the machine is powered on.

Supported Drives

How Many Power Supplies does the R720xd Take?

The Dell PowerEdge R720xd Server can hold a maximum of two hot-swap power supplies. Because the power supplies are hot-swap, you can remove one from the system while the server is powered on. This will only work as long as one power supply remains plugged in.

Wattage Options

The R720xd server has three power supply wattage options: 495W, 750W, and 1100W. All three options are great choices, but which one you choose depends on your application. Systems that have high end components generally require more power. Also, if the system is performing resource intensive tasks, then there will be more of a demand for power. In both cases, going with a 750W or 1100W PSU is the way to go.

Voltage

An important thing to pay attention to when buying a power supply for you R720xd, is the voltage. R720xd power supplies can be either 110V or 220V. If you purchase a 220V power supply, but only have a 110V connection, then the system will not power on. Most outlets in American homes are equipped with 110V connections, while homes in Europe use 220V connections. 220V connections are also commonly seen in data centers. Before purchasing a power supply for your server, find out what connection you need, and then make sure the PSU you purchase supports that connection.