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Dell PowerEdge Server Names: What Those Letters and Numbers Actually Mean

  • Writer: Zo Jakab
    Zo Jakab
  • Sep 23, 2023
  • 3 min read

Updated: 5 days ago

Have you ever wondered what those letters and numbers in the Dell PowerEdge server names actually mean? Let's figure it out.


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Dell PowerEdge server naming convention explained visually with examples of rack, tower, and modular PowerEdge servers from 14th, 15th, and 16th generations, showing how model numbers like R740, R6515, and MX740c indicate server type, generation, CPU manufacturer such as Intel or AMD, and system class. Server-parts.eu. Refurbished. Used.


The Logic Behind Dell PowerEdge Server Names


Starting with the 10th generation, Dell PowerEdge servers began using a consistent naming pattern combining letters and three or four digits (for example: PowerEdge R730, PowerEdge R6515, or PowerEdge MX740c).



Meaning of the First Letter - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


The first letter identifies the type of server:

Letter

Meaning

Description

C

Cloud/Compute

Modular and compute-optimized nodes for hyperscale environments

F

Flexible

Hybrid rack-based sleds for FX2/FX2s enclosures

HS

Hyperscale

Optimized for cloud service providers

M / MX

Modular

Blade servers for MX7000, M1000e, or VRTX systems

R

Rack

Standard rack-mount servers

T

Tower

Standalone tower servers

XE

Extreme

High-performance systems for AI, data analytics, or complex workloads

XR

Rugged

Industrial-grade systems for harsh or remote environments



Three-Digit Naming System - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


Older models like Dell PowerEdge R730 or Dell PowerEdge R640 use three digits.


  • First number: system class

    • 1–3 = single CPU

    • 4–7 = dual CPU

    • 8 = dual or quad CPU

    • 9 = quad CPU


  • Second number: generation

    • 0 = 10th gen

    • 1 = 11th gen

    • 2 = 12th gen

    • 3 = 13th gen

    • 4 = 14th gen

    • 5 = 15th gen

    • 6 = 16th gen


  • Third number: CPU manufacturer

    • 0 = Intel

    • 5 = AMD


Example:PowerEdge R740 → rack server, dual CPU, 14th generation, Intel processors.



Four-Digit Naming System - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


Newer models like Dell PowerEdge R6515 or Dell PowerEdge R7615 use four digits.


  • First number: performance class — lower numbers for entry models, higher for enterprise and high-end systems.

  • Second number: generation.

  • Third number: design or socket configuration (varies slightly between Intel and AMD models).

  • Fourth number: CPU manufacturer — 0 for Intel, 5 for AMD.


Example: Dell PowerEdge R6415 → rack server, 14th generation, single-socket AMD system.



Naming for Dell PowerEdge Enclosures and Chassis - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


1. Dell PowerEdge MX7000

Introduced with the 14th generation, this modular enclosure holds up to eight front slots that can fit compute or storage sleds.

  • Compute sleds include an extra “c” (MX740c, MX750c, MX760c).

  • Storage sleds include an “s” (MX5016s).

  • IO modules use an “n” or “s” (MX9116n, MXG610s).



2. Dell PowerEdge M1000e

Part of the 10th generation lineup, this enclosure can house up to 16 half-height, eight full-height, or eight quarter-height server modules. Supported modules are labeled Mxxx.



3. Dell PowerEdge VRTX

Introduced in the 12th generation, the VRTX enclosure supports up to four half-height or two full-height server modules.Modules use the same Mxxx naming pattern but are specifically built for VRTX.



4. Dell PowerEdge FX2 / FX2s

Released in the 13th generation, the FX2 system supports various compute sleds:

  • Up to four half-width

  • Up to eight quarter-width

  • Up to two full-width sleds


Compute sleds: FCxxx or FMxxxStorage sleds: FDxxx (FX2s only)



Legacy Naming (Before 10th Generation) - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


Before the 10th generation, PowerEdge servers had a four-digit model number (for example, Dell PowerEdge 2950).The first digit generally showed the performance class, and the second digit showed the generation.Other digits varied by model and were not consistent across product lines.


Example: Dell PowerEdge 2950 → a 2U rack server from the 9th generation.



Meaning of Common Suffixes - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


  • xd – Extended Drive, more storage bays

  • xa – GPU-optimized

  • xs – Compact version with fewer features or lower cost



List of Current PowerEdge Server Models - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


Dell PowerEdge C Series

  • 16G: C6600, C6615, C6620

  • 15G: C6520, C6525

  • 14G: C4140, C6400, C6420



Dell PowerEdge HS Series

  • 16G: HS5610, HS5620



Dell PowerEdge Modular

  • 16G: MX760c

  • 15G: MX750c

  • 14G: FC640, M640, M640 (VRTX), MX7000, MX740c, MX840c, MX5016s



Dell PowerEdge Rack

  • 16G: R660, R660xs, R6615, R6625, R760, R760XA, R760xd2, R760xs, R7615, R7625, R860, R960

  • 15G: R250, R350, R450, R550, R650, R650xs, R6515, R6525, R750, R750xa, R750xs, R7515, R7525

  • 14G: R240, R340, R440, R540, R640, R6415, R740, R740xd, R740xd2, R7415, R7425, R840, R940, R940xa



Dell PowerEdge Tower

  • 16G: T560

  • 15G: T150, T350, T550

  • 14G: T40, T140, T340, T440, T640



Dell PowerEdge XE (Extreme Performance)

  • 16G: XE8640, XE9680

  • 15G: XE8545

  • 14G: XE2420, XE7100, XE7420, XE7440



Dell PowerEdge XR (Rugged)

  • 16G: XR5610, XR7620, XR8000r, XR8610t, XR8620t

  • 15G: XR4000r, XR4000w, XR4000z, XR4510c, XR4520c, XR11, XR12

  • 14G: XR2



Dell PowerEdge Servers: Save Up To 80%

✔️ No Upfront Payment Required - Test First, Pay Later!



Sources - Dell PowerEdge Server Names


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