Selecting the right server for your business is critical to optimizing performance, scalability, and reliability. With a wide range of models available, choosing the best option can be challenging. This guide provides an overview of some of the most popular servers from Dell and HPE, highlighting their key features, use cases, and comparisons between similar models. Whether you’re looking to support dense virtualization, manage large databases, or build a high-performance computing environment, this article will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
- Dell PowerEdge R640
- Dell PowerEdge R740
- Dell PowerEdge R740xd
- Dell PowerEdge R650
- Dell PowerEdge R750
- Dell PowerEdge R750xd
- HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10
- HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10
- Dell PowerEdge R730xd
- HPE Apollo 4200 Gen10
- Comparison of Similar Models
- Conclusion
Dell PowerEdge R640
A powerful 1U server designed for dense compute environments. Its compact size, extensive memory support, and NVMe drive options make it ideal for virtualized environments, databases, and cloud-native applications.
Form Factor 1U Rack Server
Key Features
- Dual-socket support for Intel Xeon Scalable processors
- Up to 3TB of memory with 24 DIMM slots
- Storage options: Up to 8x 2.5" drives or 4x 3.5" drives
- Optional NVMe drives for high-speed storage performance
- Advanced management with iDRAC9
Ideal for dense virtual environments, database hosting, and web applications where compute density in a 1U form factor is crucial.
Dell PowerEdge R740
Offering a balance of storage, GPU options, and performance, the R740 is well-suited for virtualization-heavy tasks, medium to large databases, and enterprise workloads requiring flexibility in configuration.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
- Dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable processors
- 3TB memory capacity with 24 DIMM slots
- Supports up to 16x 2.5" or 8x 3.5" drives
- GPU options for AI and ML workloads
- Excellent for virtualization with multiple VMs, software-defined storage (SDS), and hybrid cloud applications
Best for VMs, medium to large scale databases, and virtualization-heavy environments.
Dell PowerEdge R740xd
With expanded storage capabilities, the R740xd is perfect for data-heavy applications, such as software-defined storage, large-scale backups, and big data analytics. Its customizable storage options make it an excellent choice for enterprises needing robust data management solutions.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
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Enhanced storage capabilities with up to 24x 2.5" or 12x 3.5" drives
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Dual-socket support for Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs
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3TB memory capacity
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GPU support
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Highly customizable storage for SDS, big data analytics, and backup solutions
Focused on storage-intensive workloads, like SDS, large data lakes, and backup/archive tasks. Ideal for enterprises needing significant storage with compute power.
Dell PowerEdge R740xd prices >
Dell PowerEdge R650
This 1U server provides high performance with third-gen Intel Xeon processors and PCIe Gen4, making it ideal for compute-heavy applications, dense virtualization, and performance-critical tasks.
Form Factor 1U Rack Server
Key Features
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Dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable processors (3rd Gen)
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Up to 4TB of memory with 32 DIMM slots
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Supports PCIe Gen4 for faster I/O throughput
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Up to 10x 2.5" or 4x 3.5" drives
Suited for performance-heavy applications, dense virtualization, and compute-intensive environments, offering a balance of performance and space.
Dell PowerEdge R750
A high-performance 2U server built to handle demanding workloads like high-performance computing (HPC) and large-scale virtualization. Its memory capacity and storage flexibility make it a top choice for enterprise-level tasks.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
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Dual Intel Xeon Scalable CPUs (3rd Gen)
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Up to 8TB of memory with 32 DIMM slots
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PCIe Gen4 for enhanced performance
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Supports up to 16x 2.5" or 8x 3.5" drives
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Scalable for VMs, container-based environments, and general enterprise computing
High-performance computing (HPC), large virtualization environments, and workloads that demand significant memory and storage.
Dell PowerEdge R750xd
The R750xd excels in environments that require both powerful compute and significant storage. With its massive memory and PCIe Gen4, it's ideal for software-defined storage, data lakes, and analytics applications.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
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Dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable (3rd Gen) CPUs
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Up to 8TB of memory
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Expanded storage options: up to 24x 2.5" or 12x 3.5" drives
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PCIe Gen4 support
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Superior storage and compute for SDS, big data, and data-intensive applications
Excellent for storage-heavy applications like software-defined storage, large databases, and high-performance computing environments needing a balance of compute and large-scale storage.
Dell PowerEdge R750xd prices >
HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10
Known for its versatility, the DL380 Gen10 combines robust compute power with flexible storage options. It’s designed for a broad range of workloads, including virtualization, data analytics, and enterprise applications, with strong security features built-in.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
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Dual-socket support for Intel Xeon Scalable processors
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Supports up to 6TB of memory
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Flexible storage options with up to 19x 3.5" drives or 20x 2.5" drives
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Support for NVIDIA GPUs for AI and ML
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Security features with HPE Silicon Root of Trust
Versatile for a wide range of workloads, including data analytics, virtualization, and medium to large databases.
HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10 prices >
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10
This 1U server is built for compute-intensive tasks where space is a constraint. With advanced security features and substantial processing power, it’s a great choice for virtualized environments and secure enterprise applications.
Form Factor 1U Rack Server
Key Features
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Dual-socket Intel Xeon Scalable processors
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Supports up to 3TB of memory
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Up to 10x 2.5" or 4x 3.5" drives
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Advanced security with Silicon Root of Trust
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Excellent performance for compute-intensive tasks in a compact 1U form factor
Best for dense environments where space is a constraint but high compute power and security are needed, such as in virtualization, web services, and secure enterprise computing.
HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10 prices >
Dell PowerEdge R730xd
A legacy model still capable of handling substantial storage and compute workloads at a competitive price. It’s best for enterprises looking for cost-effective performance in large-scale storage environments.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
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Dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 v4 processors
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Supports up to 3TB of memory
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Flexible storage with up to 16x 2.5" or 12x 3.5" drives
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Earlier generation of the R740xd, but still powerful for many enterprise tasks
Suitable for large storage needs combined with compute, but at a lower price point compared to newer R740xd models.
Dell PowerEdge R730xd prices >
HPE Apollo 4200 Gen10
Purpose-built for data-heavy workloads, the Apollo 4200 Gen10 delivers massive storage density and excellent compute power, making it ideal for AI/ML applications, big data analytics, and environments handling vast amounts of unstructured data. Check out a detailed overview in our blog.
Form Factor 2U Rack Server
Key Features
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Designed for data-heavy applications with support for up to 28x LFF or 54x SFF drives
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Dual Intel Xeon Scalable processors
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Enhanced I/O capabilities with up to 12 PCIe slots
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Built for data-intensive environments, AI, and analytics
Best for enterprises dealing with large-scale storage and analytics, including AI/ML workloads and big data environments.
HPE Apollo 4200 Gen10 prices >
Comparison of Similar Models
- Dell PowerEdge R640 vs. HPE ProLiant DL360 Gen10: Both are 1U servers targeting dense compute environments. The PowerEdge R640 edges out with more memory capacity and slightly more customizable storage options. However, the HPE DL360 Gen10 shines with better security features like Silicon Root of Trust.
- Dell PowerEdge R740 vs. HPE ProLiant DL380 Gen10: These are both 2U servers that offer excellent performance for enterprise tasks. The R740 provides more flexibility with GPU options and software-defined storage, while the DL380 Gen10 has better built-in security features and slightly more storage flexibility.
- Dell PowerEdge R750xd vs. HPE Apollo 4200 Gen10: Both are optimized for data-intensive applications, but the HPE Apollo 4200 Gen10 excels in massive storage density, making it ideal for analytics, while the PowerEdge R750xd strikes a better balance between compute and storage.
Conclusion
When selecting a server, it's essential to consider the specific needs of your workloads. For dense compute with limited space, the Dell R640 or HPE DL360 are excellent choices. If storage and performance are key, the Dell PowerEdge R740xd or HPE Apollo 4200 offer scalable solutions.
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