Dell PowerEdge servers are trusted by all kinds of businesses, big and small. They're built to help you get the job done, whether you're working with cloud computing or edge computing. But here is a question: ever wondered what those letters and numbers in the server names actually mean? If so, you're in the right place. We'll break down the naming conventions of Dell PowerEdge servers to help you better understand what you're looking at. Even seasoned Dell experts might discover something new. So, let's dive into the intricacies of these names to help you fully grasp the meaning behind each letter and number.
Decoding the Naming System for Dell PowerEdge Server Generations
Starting with the 10th generation, Dell PowerEdge server models usually have a name that combines a letter or letters with a sequence of three or four digits (e.g., PowerEdge R730, PowerEdge R6515, or PowerEdge MX740c).
The initial letter indicates the type (form factor) of the server:
C = C Series; Modular and compute optimized server nodes and servers for hyper-scale environments
F = Flexible - Hybrid rack-based sleds for rack-based FX2/FX2s enclosure
HS = Optimized solutions tailored for cloud service providers
M or MX* = Modular - Blade servers and other items for the modular enclosure MX7000, M1000e and/or VRTX
R = Rack-mountable servers
T = Tower Servers
XE = Purpose-built for complex, emerging workloads that require high performance and large storage.
XR = Industrial-grade servers for extreme environments.
Three-Number Naming Convention:
The first number after the initial letter signifies the system's class. Numbers 1-3 indicate single CPU systems, 4-7 are for 2 CPU systems, 8 can be either 2 or 4 CPU, and 9 is for 4 CPU systems.
The second number marks the generation, with 0 for the 10th generation, 1 for the 11th, and so on.
The third number identifies the CPU manufacturer: 0 for Intel and 5 for AMD.
For example, the R740 model is a rack-mountable, dual CPU system from the 14th generation, equipped with Intel processors.
Four-Number Naming Convention:
The first number after the initial letter shows the system class. Numbers 1-5 default to iDRAC Basic, and 6-9 default to iDRAC Express.
The second number marks the generation.
The third number often signifies the number of CPU sockets: 1 for a single CPU and 2 for dual CPUs.
The fourth number identifies the CPU manufacturer: 0 for Intel and 5 for AMD.
For instance, the R6415 model is a rack-mountable server with a single CPU socket, belonging to the 14th generation, and featuring an AMD processor.
Special Cases for MX7000 Modular Enclosure:
Compute sleds, storage sleds, and IO modules have an extra letter at the end of the model name:
MX750c, MX740c and MX840c have a 'c' added for Compute;
MX5016s has an 's' added for Storage.
MX9116n has an 'n' added for IO Module.
Naming Conventions for PowerEdge Enclosures and Chassis
1. PowerEdge MX7000:
Launched as part of the 14th Generation lineup, the PowerEdge MX7000 enclosure features eight slots at the front. These slots can accommodate either 2-socket single-width or 4-socket double-width compute sleds, as well as single-width storage sleds. Server module sleds that are compatible are labeled as MXxxxc, while storage module sleds go by MXxxxxs.
Special Note for MX7000 Modular:
MX760c, MX750c, MX740c, and MX840c include an extra 'c' to signify Compute sleds.
MX5016s has an 's' added for Storage sleds.
MX9116n and MXG610s have an 'n' and 's' added for IO Modules, respectively.
2. PowerEdge M1000E:
Introduced during the 10th generation, the PowerEdge M1000e enclosure can house up to 16 half-height server modules, eight full-height server modules, eight quarter-height server modules, or a combination of these. Server modules that are supported are marked as Mxxx.
3. PowerEdge VRTX:
Debuting in the 12th generation, the PowerEdge VRTX enclosure can accommodate up to four half-height or two full-height server modules, or a mix of both. These server modules are identified as Mxxx, specifically for PE VRTX.
4. PowerEdge FX2/FX2s:
Unveiled in the 13th generation, the PowerEdge FX2 enclosure can support a variety of compute sled types: up to four half-width, up to eight quarter-width, or up to two full-width compute sleds. The FX2s variant also supports half-width storage sleds that are mapped to the compute sleds. Compute sleds are labeled as FCxxx and FMxxx, while storage sleds are FDxxx.
5. Legacy PowerEdge Server Naming Before the 10th Generation
Prior to the 10th generation, PowerEdge servers followed a four-digit naming system (e.g., PowerEdge 2950). Here's how to decode it:
First digit: Server class
Second digit: Server generation (up to the 9th)
Third digit: Server form factor (5 for rack, 0 for tower)
Fourth digit: Indicates blade or standalone server (5 for blade, 0 for standalone)
For example, the 2950 model is a 2U rack server from the 9th generation, designed as a standalone system.
And finally let's see a list of some of the newer genreation Dell PowerEdge server models.
List of Gen 14, 15 and 16 Dell PowerEdge Server Models
C Series:
- 16G: C6600, C6615, C6620
- 15G: C6520, C6525
- 14G: C4140, C6400, C6420
HS Series:
- 16G: HS5610, HS5620
Modular Models:
- 16G: MX760c
- 15G: MX750c
- 14G: FC640, M640, M640 (for PE VRTX), MX7000, MX740c, MX840c, MX5016s
Rack Models:
- 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
Tower Models:
- 16G: T560
- 15G: T150, T350, T550
- 14G: T40, T140, T340, T440, T640
XE Models:
- 16G: XE8640, XE9680
- 15G: XE8545
- 14G: XE2420, XE7100, XE7420, XE7440
XR Models:
- 16G: XR5610, XR7620, XR8000r, XR8610t, XR8620t
- 15G: XR4000r, XR4000w, XR4000z, XR4510c, XR4520c, XR11, XR12
- 14G: XR2
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