Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs HPE ProLiant DL Servers comparison

Dell Technologies and Hewlett Packard Enterprise are both solutions in the Rack Servers category. Dell Technologies is ranked #9 with an average rating of 8.7, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise is ranked #2 with an average rating of 9.5. Dell Technologies holds a 1.3% mindshare in Rack Servers, compared to Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s 22.0% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Dell Technologies users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 95% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise users who would recommend it.

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Read 11 Dell PowerEdge XE-Series reviews

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658 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Read 158 HPE ProLiant DL Servers reviews

8,775 Views
8,161 Comparison Views

95% willing to recommend

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 26, 2025

HPE ProLiant DL Servers and Dell PowerEdge XE-Series are both competing in the enterprise server market. In this comparison, Dell PowerEdge XE-Series holds a slight advantage due to its performance and compatibility with big data applications.

Features: HPE ProLiant DL Servers are recognized for their reliability, scalability, and effective remote management via iLO software. Additionally, they offer excellent RAID functionality and innovation within a competitive price range. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series stands out for its high performance, support for big data applications, and compatibility with third-party solutions, making it ideal for virtualization and complex workloads.

Room for Improvement: HPE ProLiant DL Servers need enhancements in boot-up times, power efficiency, and pricing strategies. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series can improve in integrating hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) technology, scalability, stability, and speed of support response.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: HPE ProLiant DL Servers offer versatile on-premises deployment and are backed by reliable technical support, providing an edge in service responsiveness. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is praised for ease of deployment, especially in cloud environments, though its customer service slightly trails behind HPE.

Pricing and ROI: HPE ProLiant DL Servers feature higher upfront costs but promise a strong cost-to-benefit ratio and quick ROI, positively impacting long-term investments. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series offers competitive pricing and a flexible licensing model, achieving a cost-effective solution with robust ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. HPE ProLiant DL Servers Report (Updated: September 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. HPE ProLiant DL Servers

September 2025

Download the complete report

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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

9th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Ranking in Rack Servers

2nd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.1

Number of Reviews

158

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Rack Servers category, the mindshare of Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is 1.3%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of HPE ProLiant DL Servers is 22.0%, up from 20.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Rack Servers Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
HPE ProLiant DL Servers	22.0%
Dell PowerEdge XE-Series	1.3%
Other	76.7%

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.

Read full review

SHIVAKUMAR A P

General Manager at orbit techsol w pvt.ltd

Addresses end-to-end customer needs and improves data center efficiency

The AI engines that HPE ProLiant DL Servers suggest for their customers include NVIDIA graphics and EnvyLink graphics for AI customers. The AI engines are more than sufficient for the current situation. HPE ProLiant DL Servers address end-to-end customer needs. It is a perfect combination with the generation 12 now, and there are absolutely no gaps. Customers usually deploy HPE ProLiant DL Servers on-premises, as on cloud, they do not have the option to specify the server model, and the cloud vendors will not specify which server it is. My usual deployment process involves checking the power AC requirements, power and cooling requirements, then the rack requirements, and then I proceed to deploy the servers based on the customer requirement. I rate HPE ProLiant DL Servers 10 out of 10.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

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

"The resource management features are valuable."

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

"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 solution is flexible in my experience."

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

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

"The most valuable feature is the trusted platform module."

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series pros

"The most valuable feature is stability."

"This solution is perfect. From the time of purchase, it was state-of-the-art, and still, after five, 10 years, they still meet our demands extremely well."

"We have had our system working for between two and three years with no downtime."

"We use HPE Datacenter support, and it is good support. It is automatic support. When I have a problem, the question is written automatically."

"This solution is very scalable. When we bought the DL580, we bought it with full capacity. It is great for our business."

"HP ProLiant servers provide redundant solutions for almost everything. You can set up multiple power supplies, with a primary power source and a secondary power supply connected on UPS. If the power goes out in the building, the UPS will supply power to the host at all times. The solution can run on batteries for many hours, depending on your battery and UPS capacity."

"It's reliable and stable."

"We have had no issues with the stability of the product."

More HPE ProLiant DL Servers pros

Cons

"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."

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

"I would like to have support for performing a detailed analysis of the server from a mobile device."

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

"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."

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

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

"Upgrading can be a bit difficult."

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series cons

"It would be great if HP could use a ProLiant Server to run HP-UX, the Unix build from HPE. Right now, HP-UX cannot run on the ProLiant architecture."

"It is too expensive. Its price should be improved. The system admin interface should have better visibility while troubleshooting a problem, even when the problem is coming from the application."

"Configurations could be simplified."

"The technical support is pretty good, however, they could be a bit faster and more responsive."

"There is a challenge sometimes with having quick access to some of these components when you need them. It takes a lot of time to get spare parts from genuine sellers."

"I would like to replace a hard drive that might be saved on the fly, on the server that I'm using currently, but I can't do that. I'm forced to power off my virtual machine, turn off the server, disconnect it from the power, replace the drive, rebuild the storage, and power it on again."

"The most pressing issue is that downloads depend at present on the current period."

"The technical support has room for improvement."

More HPE ProLiant DL Servers cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"This solution is priced very reasonably."

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

"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."

"Dell has competitive pricing."

"The pricing model is quite competitive."

"The solution comes with a one time perpetual license which is included with the server."

"The price of HPE ProLiant DL Servers is reasonable, but because of covid and other factors, the price could be reduced. The license is paid annually."

"I give the price a five out of ten."

"The price of the product is a little high."

"I give the cost a ten out of ten."

"The hardware should be cheaper."

"The iLO (integrated lights out) license is very expensive, but the functionality you receive is worth it."

"We have to pay for an annual license which is expensive."

More HPE ProLiant DL Servers pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

18%

Financial Services Firm

Retailer

University

Computer Software Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

Financial Services Firm

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Midsize Enterprise	4
Large Enterprise	3

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	54
Midsize Enterprise	28
Large Enterprise	98

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

The resource management features are valuable.

See all answers

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

Dell has competitive pricing.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Dell PowerEdge XE Servers?

For Dell PowerEdge XE Servers, particularly for standalone servers, extendability would be a great improvement. This feature is currently available only with virtualization environment. Adding exte...

See all answers

How do Lenovo ThinkSystem rack servers compare with HPE ProLiant DL servers?

Lenovo ThinkSystem rack servers offer flexibility and efficiency in order to meet mission-critical demands. I like that Lenovo blends outstanding performance, reliability, and manageability. The bi...

See all answers

What do you like most about HPE ProLiant DL Servers?

The most valuable feature of the solution is HPE Integrated Lights-Out (iLO)...Stability-wise, I rate the solution a ten out of ten.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for HPE ProLiant DL Servers?

The pricing of HPE ProLiant DL Servers depends purely on the configuration, and it is not affordable. However, if you look at the technical caliber of the server, if a customer invests that additio...

See all answers

Comparisons

HPE Apollo Systems vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 23% of the time

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 18% of the time

Oracle SPARC Servers vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 15% of the time

Dell PowerEdge XR-Series vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 14% of the time

Dell PowerEdge R-Series vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 12% of the time

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series Competitors

Dell PowerEdge R-Series vs HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Compared 47% of the time

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers vs HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Compared 23% of the time

HPE Synergy vs HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Compared 9% of the time

IBM Power Systems vs HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Compared 6% of the time

HPE Apollo Systems vs HPE ProLiant DL Servers

Compared 5% of the time

More HPE ProLiant DL Servers Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

October 2025

Download Dell PowerEdge XE-Series product report

Buyer's Guide

HPE ProLiant DL Servers

September 2025

Download HPE ProLiant DL Servers product report

Also Known As

PowerEdge XE Servers

HP ProLiant DL series, HP ProLiant DL

Overview

The PowerEdge XE-Series caters to AI-centric workloads by offering exceptional GPU support and processing power for demanding tasks like inferencing and large-scale training, making it ideal for organizations aiming to innovate with AI.

PowerEdge XE-Series stands out in modern GPU-centric computing with its purpose-built design for AI acceleration. Known for handling extreme workloads like model fine-tuning and AI-driven applications, it supports high-density GPU configurations and advanced thermal management. Its vast storage capacity and compatibility with VMware ensure reliable performance across virtualization, big data, and analytics while providing trusted security integration and robust scalability options. However, improvements in processor support, reliability, and management monitoring are sought by users.

What are the key features of PowerEdge XE-Series?

High-Density GPU Support: Configures multiple GPUs for demanding AI tasks.
Advanced Thermal Design: Optimizes cooling for enhanced performance.
Vast Storage Capacity: Supports up to 32 drives for extensive data management.
Compatibility: Works seamlessly with platforms like VMware.
Security Integration: Includes trusted platform modules for data protection.

What benefits should users expect from PowerEdge XE-Series?

Efficient AI Management: Enhances AI workloads with advanced processing.
Scalability: Adapts to growing demands in virtualization and big data.
Security: Offers robust data protection and reliability.
Improved Resource Management: Facilitates straightforward setup and usage.

In different industries, PowerEdge XE-Series is utilized for hosting SaaS, high-performance computing, and general-purpose servers. System integrators use it in client networks for applications like Hadoop, backup, and ERP. It supports virtualization and hyper-converged infrastructure solutions. Real estate sectors leverage iDRAC for efficient management, enhancing data security, power, and network redundancy.

Dell Technologies

HPE ProLiant DL Servers are known for their reliability, scalability, and robust performance. They deliver advanced management capabilities and excel in handling high workloads, offering cost efficiency and versatile customization options suited for diverse enterprise needs.

HPE ProLiant DL Servers feature a user-friendly design that facilitates quick deployment and efficient maintenance. Their advanced iLO technology supports remote management, allowing users to handle server operations efficiently. Users appreciate the system's compatibility with multiple applications and infrastructures, along with robust support services. Despite these strengths, some models have issues like missing front ports, slow boot times, and a reliance on Java for management tasks. Suggestions for improvement include enhanced power monitoring, refined software, better redundancy, and energy-efficient operation. Many look for improved virtualization capabilities and faster processors. Support and documentation inconsistencies are also noted concerns.

What are the key features of HPE ProLiant DL Servers?

Reliability and Scalability: Designed to support mission-critical applications with outstanding reliability and scalability.
iLO Remote Management: Advanced iLO features enable convenient remote server management.
Customization Options: Highly flexible configurations ensure adaptability to specific business needs.
Redundant Power Supplies: Ensures uptime and reliability with dual power sources.

What benefits should users consider?

Cost Efficiency: Delivers consistent performance at a favorable cost ratio.
Flexibility: Accommodates a range of applications and infrastructures.
High Workload Support: Efficiently manages demanding workloads.
Strong Support Services: Backed by comprehensive support, aiding in trouble-free operations.

HPE ProLiant DL Servers are widely implemented in enterprise and educational settings, excelling in virtualization on VMware and Hyper-V platforms. They support databases like Oracle and MongoDB and are essential for high-performance computing and AI projects. These servers are integrated into system environments, supporting rack and hyperconversion setups effectively.

Hewlett Packard Enterprise

Sample Customers

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

AmeriPride Services, iSource, Bolagsverket, BlueShore Financial, British Columbia Assessment Authority, National Stock Exchange, Cardlytics

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. HPE ProLiant DL Servers

September 2025

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