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Cisco UCS B-Series vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] comparison

Cisco and Dell Technologies are both solutions in the Blade Servers category. Cisco is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.4, while Dell Technologies is ranked #1 with an average rating of 8.4. Cisco holds a 8.2% mindshare in Blade Servers, compared to Dell Technologies’s 16.9% mindshare. Additionally, 98% of Cisco users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Dell Technologies users who would recommend it.
Cisco UCS B-Series
Read 74 Cisco UCS B-Series reviews
  • 1,087 Views
  • 1,065 Comparison Views
98% willing to recommend
Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
Read 26 Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] reviews
  • 1,898 Views
  • 1,898 Comparison Views
95% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 26, 2025

Cisco UCS B-Series and Dell PowerEdge M compete in the enterprise server market. Cisco UCS B-Series holds an edge with advanced integration and scalability features ideal for large-scale deployments.

Features: Cisco UCS B-Series offers significant scalability and integration with virtualization and storage systems, ideal for expansive environments. It features centralized management, efficient VMware interoperability, and remote management capabilities. Dell PowerEdge M is recognized for its iDRAC feature, robust performance, and solid reliability but lacks advanced integration capabilities like Cisco's offerings.

Room for Improvement: Cisco UCS B-Series setup requires extensive knowledge and can be power-hungry, with a need for more user-friendly management interfaces. Dell PowerEdge M faces occasional boot delays and requires improvements in networking options and VLAN configuration settings to match Cisco's centralized management capabilities.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Cisco UCS B-Series is flexible across diverse environments, including hybrid and cloud setups, indicating robust deployment capabilities. Its technical support is dependable, though sometimes slow. Dell PowerEdge M is primarily deployed on-premises, offers reliable support, but faces regional support limitations. Cisco's customer support is strong, though it occasionally lacks immediate response speed.

Pricing and ROI: Cisco UCS B-Series is more expensive but provides long-term benefits and reliability, offering an attractive ROI due to its scalability. Dell PowerEdge M's competitive pricing, especially in the second-hand market, balances cost and features well. While Cisco's higher price is justified by performance benefits, Dell provides budget-friendly options with dependable performance metrics.

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To learn more, read our detailed Cisco UCS B-Series vs. Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] Report (Updated: July 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Cisco UCS B-Series vs. Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
July 2025
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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:
 

ROI

Sentiment score
7.6
Cisco UCS B-Series improved performance, reduced costs by 40%, and enabled management of 1600 servers with just two people.
Sentiment score
7.6
Dell PowerEdge M offers fast ROI and reliable performance, featuring PCIe 5 and AI-driven CloudIQ integration for cost-effectiveness.
Additionally, we achieved server consolidation, running multiple services on fewer servers without purchasing new ones, resulting in significant financial benefits.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
We utilize AI technology with Dell PowerEdge M through a module known as CloudIQ, which provides automation and takes care of predictive analysis and reporting.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
 

Customer Service

Sentiment score
7.1
Cisco UCS B-Series support is praised for efficient, proactive service, though improvements are suggested for response times.
Sentiment score
6.9
Dell PowerEdge M support receives mixed reviews, with notable praise for resources, despite inconsistencies and delays in service.
Cisco's technical support is highly helpful and responsive.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
Regarding technical support from Dell, I find them to be one of the best support providers in the industry right now.
They provide excellent help when needed.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
MB
AK
AB
 

Scalability Issues

Sentiment score
7.9
Cisco UCS B-Series excels in seamless scalability and integration, efficiently supporting thousands of servers for diverse industry needs.
Sentiment score
7.5
Dell PowerEdge M offers robust scalability through expansion and integrates well with platforms, though some limitations exist.
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
Regarding scalability, I can scale up to 64 enclosures, and each enclosure can hold around 7 blades.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
 

Stability Issues

Sentiment score
7.9
Cisco UCS B-Series is praised for its stability, reliability, and strong performance, with swift resolutions to occasional issues.
Sentiment score
7.8
Dell PowerEdge M is highly stable, efficiently handling virtualization with minimal maintenance and reliable uptime despite firmware issues.
The stability of Cisco UCS B-Series is impeccable, as it has been running smoothly without any need for maintenance.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
No quotes available
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
 

Room For Improvement

Cisco UCS B-Series requires improved user-friendliness, integration, pricing, storage management, and software update processes per user feedback.
Dell PowerEdge M users face issues with boot time, connectivity, limited options, and require better support and enhancements.
Last year, we faced challenges with firmware upgrades, but they were quickly resolved with assistance from Cisco TAC.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
In terms of potential room for improvement regarding Dell PowerEdge M, I would want to see something such as dense nodes and additional storage, as well as multiple network connectivity on the blades.
There are differences in security configurations, particularly in SNMP and SNMP3, between HP ILO and iDRAC.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
MB
AK
AB
 

Setup Cost

Cisco UCS B-Series has high pricing, complex licensing, but offers discounts and long-term value through reliability and integration.
Dell PowerEdge M offers competitive pricing, valued for manageability and reliability, with negotiation opportunities and refurbished options available.
The management software, Cisco One, is priced a bit high but still considered reasonable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
Sometimes Dell may be a little costlier, but that is considering the services and solutions we are providing, which can be adjustable.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
 

Valuable Features

Cisco UCS B-Series provides centralized management, scalability, high memory, virtualization support, and reduced costs, enhancing efficiency and performance.
Dell PowerEdge M excels in density, performance, security, and management, offering scalability and reliability with strong support services.
Its administration capabilities provide easy access to performance reports, logs, and utilization data, which are essential for effective server management.
For more quotes and insights, download the Cisco UCS B-Series report
The ease of troubleshooting and managing through remote access, using tools like iDRAC, significantly saves me time.
If the customer is changing their network infrastructure from 1GB or 10GB to 25GB or 400GB, the MX7000 fabric switch can support that.
For more quotes and insights, download the Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] report
MB
AB
AK
 

Categories and Ranking

Cisco UCS B-Series
Ranking in Blade Servers
4th
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
6.4
Number of Reviews
74
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
Ranking in Blade Servers
1st
Average Rating
8.6
Reviews Sentiment
7.1
Number of Reviews
26
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Blade Servers category, the mindshare of Cisco UCS B-Series is 8.2%, down from 9.9% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] is 16.9%, down from 18.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Blade Servers Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Dell PowerEdge M16.9%
Cisco UCS B-Series8.2%
Other74.9%
Blade Servers
 

Featured Reviews

DavidMbugua - PeerSpot reviewer
Reliable product with efficient automation capabilities
Cisco UCS B-Series manages various processes, including handling payments for over 650,000 growers, running group financials, managing human resources, and operating our main ERP system, SAP. The servers' resilience was particularly impactful. Even during power outages, the servers resumed operations from the last saved point without human intervention. The enhanced processing speed also allowed us to complete tasks that took two days in just one hour. The automation capabilities enhanced efficiency and facilitated integration with our networking components, particularly since we also used Cisco switches. The servers' security was reliable, and formal training on Cisco products made management easier. I rate the product an eight.
Read full review
Brian Ricci - PeerSpot reviewer
Offers a good interface and return on investment to users
My impression of the scalability of the product is good. You can put a lot of memory in the tool now, and you have a good choice in processors, so you can go wherever you want or do whatever you want with your money. Scalability-wise, I rate the solution a nine out of ten.
Read full review
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
14%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
9%
Performing Arts
8%
Computer Software Company
13%
Financial Services Firm
11%
Manufacturing Company
10%
Government
8%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business19
Midsize Enterprise15
Large Enterprise41
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business12
Midsize Enterprise3
Large Enterprise10
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Cisco UCS B-Series?
The most valuable feature of the solution stems from the fact that it is easily scalable.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Cisco UCS B-Series?
Comparing Cisco UCS B-Series with traditional servers, while its initial cost may be slightly higher, it is not as expensive as Oracle Exadata, making it a worthwhile investment. It pays off in the...
See all answers
What needs improvement with Cisco UCS B-Series?
There is a need for Cisco UCS B-Series to evolve and scale vertically, particularly with the increasing data demands and the integration of AI, ensuring the solution remains certified and capable u...
See all answers
What do you like most about Dell PowerEdge M?
The solution's most valuable features are centralized monitoring and management and the ease of upgrading firmware.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Dell PowerEdge M?
When rating Dell's pricing model, it varies case by case and configuration by configuration. Sometimes Dell may be a little costlier, but that is considering the services and solutions we are provi...
See all answers
What needs improvement with Dell PowerEdge M?
In terms of potential room for improvement regarding Dell PowerEdge M, I would want to see something such as dense nodes and additional storage, as well as multiple network connectivity on the blad...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Compared 24% of the time
HPE BladeSystem vs Cisco UCS B-Series Logo
HPE BladeSystem vs Cisco UCS B-Series
Compared 17% of the time
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Compared 16% of the time
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Compared 33% of the time
HPE Superdome X vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] Logo
HPE Superdome X vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
Compared 22% of the time
HPE BladeSystem vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] Logo
HPE BladeSystem vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
Compared 13% of the time
Supermicro SuperBlade vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] Logo
Supermicro SuperBlade vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
Compared 11% of the time
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Fujitsu Primergy BX900 Series vs Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
Compared 6% of the time
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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Cisco UCS B-Series
August 2025
Cisco UCS B-Series reportDownload Cisco UCS B-Series product report
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
August 2025
Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] reportDownload Dell PowerEdge M [EOL] product report
 

Also Known As

UCS B-Series, Unified Computing System B-Series
No data available
 

Overview

Based on Intel Xeon processor E7 and E5 product families, Cisco UCS B-Series Blade Servers work with virtualized and non-virtualized applications to increase: Performance, Energy efficiency, Flexibility and Administrator productivity.
Cisco

Dell PowerEdge M is known for maximizing efficiency with high core and RAM density, supporting virtual environments and ensuring reliable performance and impressive scalability.

Known for its cost-effectiveness, Dell PowerEdge M offers robust performance and extensive management features like iDRAC and OpenManage for centralized monitoring. It provides strong security capabilities and flexible interface options. Key areas for improvement include boot time delays from POST checks and challenges with iDRAC instance, needing better networking and connectivity options including AMD CPUs and Ethernet enhancements. Users highlight the need for improved scalability, VLAN configurations, and caching. Dell PowerEdge M primarily supports applications like server virtualization and data center consolidation, operating effectively in cluster environments like solar power plant data logging.

What are the key features of Dell PowerEdge M?
  • High Core and RAM Density: Supports efficient virtual environments with high core and RAM density.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Offers robust performance and reliability at an exceptional value.
  • Management Capabilities: iDRAC and OpenManage enable precise power control and centralized monitoring.
  • Scalability: Delivers impressive scalability to handle expanding workloads.
  • Security Features: Provides strong security for data protection.
  • Interface Flexibility: Flexible options to meet various connection needs.
  • Quick Setup: Designed for easy deployment and configuration.
What benefits or ROI should users consider in reviews?
  • Performance and Reliability: Users find cost-effectiveness paired with dependable performance.
  • Management and Monitoring: Centralized capabilities to streamline operations.
  • Scalability and Flexibility: Adaptable to growing organizational needs.
  • Security and Support Quality: Trusted for strong security features and quality support.
  • Setup and Service: Quick installation with excellent after-sales services.

Dell PowerEdge M finds its implementation in critical applications such as server virtualization and compute, addressing wide-ranging workloads from administrative tasks to scientific computing. Organizations leverage its capabilities in virtual machine hosting, hyper-converged infrastructure management, and balanced load handling, enhancing its effectiveness in environments like solar power plant data logging.

Dell Technologies
 

Sample Customers

Aegean Motorway, Anilana Hotels and Resorts, Anonymous Banking Group, Artoni Transporti, Bellevue, BH Telecom, Bowling Green State University, Children's Hospital Colorado, City of Biel, Dimension Data, Dualtec Cloud Builders, Hertz, Houston Methodist, Kuwait Petroleum Italia, Lufthansa Systems GmbH & Co.KG, Outscale, Sony Corporation, Talbots
Newport City Homes, Neuroblastoma and Medulloblastoma Translational Research Consortium (NMTRC), Georgian College, AgreeYa Solutions, IIHT Cloud Solutions, Arizona State University, AudienceScience, University of the Incarnate Word (UIW), The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen), Holy Cross School
Buyer's Guide
Cisco UCS B-Series vs. Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
July 2025
Free Report: Cisco UCS B-Series vs. Dell PowerEdge M [EOL]
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