Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server comparison

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series and Dell XR2 Rugged Server are both solutions in the Rack Servers category. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is ranked #10 with an average rating of 8.5, while Dell XR2 Rugged Server is ranked #14. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series holds a 1.1% mindshare in Rack Servers, compared to Dell XR2 Rugged Server’s 0.5% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Dell PowerEdge XE-Series users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Dell XR2 Rugged Server users who would recommend it.

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Read 11 Dell PowerEdge XE-Series reviews

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655 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Read 2 Dell XR2 Rugged Server reviews

387 Views
387 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 26, 2025

Dell XR2 Rugged Server and Dell PowerEdge XE-Series are prominent products in the server market. Dell XR2 possesses a slight advantage due to its durability and reliable support, while PowerEdge XE-Series excels in advanced features and superior performance.

Features: Dell XR2 Rugged Server offers robust chassis protection, enhanced thermal management, and suitability for extreme conditions. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series includes cutting-edge processors, comprehensive security features, and efficient management capabilities.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Dell XR2 supports straightforward deployment with strong technical support, ideal for challenging conditions. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series requires a more intricate deployment process suited to data centers, offering extensive customization and comprehensive customer service.

Pricing and ROI: Dell XR2 Rugged Server has a moderate setup cost favoring good ROI through its durability. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series involves a higher initial investment, offering substantial ROI through advanced functionalities and enhanced performance for data-intensive tasks.

To learn more, read our detailed Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server

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:

Categories and Ranking

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Ranking in Rack Servers

10th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Ranking in Rack Servers

14th

Average Rating

9.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of August 2025, in the Rack Servers category, the mindshare of Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is 1.1%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Dell XR2 Rugged Server is 0.5%, down from 0.8% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Rack Servers

Featured Reviews

Muzammil Nasim

Software Architect at a manufacturing company with 501-1,000 employees

We're hardly using 15 percent of their computing power, so there's a lot left over that we could utilize

It should be easier to extend PowerEdge XE servers. We haven't architected them with an eye toward scalability. They have a fixed number of slots for hard drives, which is enough for our present use case, However, we would have more options if we could extend that. We could deploy the servers in a broader range of use cases with different requirements. It's fine for our current deployment with only a few thousand users. We're exploring other solutions like such as VxRail or PowerFlex for larger public-facing use cases.

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Jesse_B

Manager of networks and infrastructure at a government with 5,001-10,000 employees

Simple to scale, high availability, and top level service and support

Dell XR2 Rugged Server's technology is always on the competitive edge, with the most current technology. They have proven reliability. If you're looking for a mission-critical system and support is important to you, then this is something a solution you should consider. I rate Dell XR2 Rugged Server a nine out of ten.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"One of the most valuable features of Dell PowerEdge XE Servers is the ease of fixing issues if there are any."

"The most valuable feature is that it can support up to 32 drives of internal storage."

"The solution is flexible in my experience."

"The most valuable feature of these servers is the ability to store a lot—the capacity and the number of hard disk drives."

"Its reliability and consistency are most valuable."

"PowerEdge XE servers are high-performing. We're hardly using 15 percent of their computing power, so there's a lot left over that we could utilize."

"The strong point of this solution is its compatibility with VMware and its resilience."

"In general, it works well. We haven't had issues."

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series pros

"The storage and the disc performance in terms of IOPS is great."

"The scalability of the Dell XR2 Rugged Server is good and easy to do."

Cons

"We use OpenManager a lot, and that can be a bit clunky at times. They can make that better."

"The quality and reliability could be improved."

"In future releases, there should be more support options for the latest processor."

"It should be easier to extend PowerEdge XE servers. We haven't architected them with an eye toward scalability. They have a fixed number of slots for hard drives, which is enough for our present use case, However, we would have more options if we could extend that. We could deploy the servers in a broader range of use cases with different requirements. It's fine for our current deployment with only a few thousand users. We're exploring other solutions like such as VxRail or PowerFlex for larger public-facing use cases."

"The support team must improve the speed of response."

"Dell PowerEdge XE Servers can improve by adapting HCI technology."

"Upgrading can be a bit difficult."

"It is mostly stable, but the usual problem would be, for example, upgrading to a newer version of VMware or dealing with compatibility issues during the process."

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series cons

"Dell XR2 Rugged Server could improve if there was more customization allowed."

"It lacks a modular option to expand to a 16-bay system."

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing model is quite competitive."

"Dell has competitive pricing."

"If you want an SLA for parts and equipment then you need to purchase a support agreement."

"You always want slightly cheaper, but overall, they are quite comparable and quite neutral."

"There are different types of licensing available, that works well for customers. The product is not very much to purchase."

"This solution is priced very reasonably."

"The price of one Dell XR2 Rugged Server is approximately $10,000."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

15%

Financial Services Firm

Energy/Utilities Company

Comms Service Provider

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

No data available

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

The resource management features are valuable.

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

Dell has competitive pricing.

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What needs improvement with Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

The support team must improve the speed of response. The product should be promoted more in the market.

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Comparisons

HPE Apollo Systems vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 35% of the time

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 26% of the time

IBM Power Systems vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 13% of the time

Dell PowerEdge R-Series vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 11% of the time

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series Competitors

HPE ProLiant DL Servers vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Compared 28% of the time

Dell PowerEdge R-Series vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Compared 21% of the time

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers vs Dell XR2 Rugged Server

Compared 21% of the time

More Dell XR2 Rugged Server Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

August 2025

Download Dell PowerEdge XE-Series product report

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

August 2025

Download Dell XR2 Rugged Server product report

Also Known As

PowerEdge XE Servers

XR2 Rugged Server

Overview

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series servers deliver extreme performance for demanding AI and high-performance workloads, supporting hyperscalers, AI leaders, and enterprises.

The Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is purpose-built for high-density computing, with capacity for up to 32 drives, and enhances data-intensive analytics. Its compatibility with VMware and trusted security integrations, such as CloudStrike and McAfee, make it highly scalable and secure. While excelling in big data and analytics, room for improvement includes enhanced processor support and pricing adjustments. It's versatile for businesses needing scalability with its focus on AI/ML and data warehousing.

What are the standout features of Dell PowerEdge XE-Series?

High Storage Capacity: Supports up to 32 drives for data-intensive operations.
Compatibility: Seamless integration with VMware ensures stability and scalability.
Security Integration: Incorporates CloudStrike and McAfee for robust security measures.
Resource Management: Offers excellent documentation for troubleshooting and resource use.
Data Deduplication: Efficient with Data Domain to enhance data storage.

What benefits should users consider in their reviews?

Performance Efficiency: High-powered capabilities for AI and high-performance computing.
Ease of Management: Simplified issue resolution and maintainability.
Scalability: Supports growing workloads and offers strong integration.
Data Security: Enhanced with trusted platform module and security integrations.

In industries like data warehousing, AI, and enterprise applications, Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is implemented for high-performance computing, general-purpose servers, and software hosting. Serving transactional systems, email, ERP, and more, it assists companies in handling workload and storage demands, beneficial particularly for big data and analytics tasks.

Dell Technologies

A high performance rugged server with workload acceleration and faster memory that is specifically designed to thrive in space constrained, rugged and harsh environments, at the edge. Make it yours.

Dell Technologies

Sample Customers

Epsilon, ROZETTA CORP, JIGUANG, RACKSPACE, NEW BELGIUM BREWING

DIGISTOR - Secure Data Storage

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. Dell XR2 Rugged Server

July 2025

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