Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs IBM Power Systems comparison

Dell Technologies and IBM are both solutions in the Rack Servers category. Dell Technologies is ranked #10 with an average rating of 8.5, while IBM is ranked #4 with an average rating of 8.9. Dell Technologies holds a 1.1% mindshare in Rack Servers, compared to IBM’s 9.0% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Dell Technologies users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 97% of IBM 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

IBM Power Systems

Read 71 IBM Power Systems reviews

3,981 Views
3,981 Comparison Views

97% willing to recommend

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

IBM Power Systems

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 26, 2025

IBM Power Systems and Dell PowerEdge XE-Series compete in the advanced server solutions category. IBM Power Systems holds an advantage in virtualization capabilities, while Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is noted for integration ease with security solutions.

Features: IBM Power Systems are known for exceptional virtualization, high performance, and robust security features. Users can efficiently manage complex workloads with features such as Live Partition Mobility and PowerVM. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series emphasizes ease of integration, extensive storage, and VMware compatibility, making it suitable for adaptable environments with external solutions.

Room for Improvement: IBM Power Systems receive criticism for complex licensing and high pricing, with users seeking more transparency. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series could improve in scalability and stability, particularly in hardware expandability and management interfaces for dynamic workloads.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: IBM Power Systems are often on-premises with reliable support, though responses can vary by region. Users value IBM's expertise but suggest faster support. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series offers on-premises and cloud deployment options, with responsive customer service; some users note location-based variability but appreciate the engagement.

Pricing and ROI: IBM Power Systems feature higher upfront costs, compensated by long-term reliability and performance, though challenging for smaller organizations. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series is more affordable, offering competitive initial pricing and adaptable licensing models, enhancing cost-effectiveness for various scales.

To learn more, read our detailed Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. IBM Power Systems Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. IBM Power Systems

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

IBM Power Systems

Ranking in Rack Servers

4th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

3.9

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 IBM Power Systems is 9.0%, up from 8.6% 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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Rohintan-Karanjia

Advisory Services at Nangia Andersen LLP

Offers security features, including HIPs, Postgres, intrusion prevention systems, and AI for specific tasks

We've found that sometimes, certain setups require better servers. Ideally, the next level of model that IBM offers would be perfect for those situations. Sometimes, the availability of additional services can be a challenge for some software. Certain IBM software takes time to deliver to the client. It can be slow. So deployment is an area for improvement.

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 solution is flexible in my experience."

"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 resource management features are valuable."

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

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

"Its reliability and consistency are most valuable."

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series pros

"BM Power Systems get updated every two years and are scalable and stable."

"The best features of the solution are its robustness and service level."

"I use the hypervisor of IBM Power Systems a lot."

"IBM Power Systems are secure and have fast processing."

"The performance is the solution's most valuable asset. It has one of the highest levels of performance I have ever seen. It's quite remarkable, in that sense."

"PowerVM."

"From a reliability standpoint it has provided us with excellent performance."

"When it comes to reliability, availability and profitability, nothing can beat IBM Power Systems."

More IBM Power Systems pros

Cons

"The quality and reliability could be improved."

"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."

"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."

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

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

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

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series cons

"Its price can be improved. It is too high."

"I would like to see IBM Power Systems integrate with all cloud types."

"Everyone likes speed. Not that speed has been an issue up until now but you can never be too fast."

"I would like to see firmware available to all of the systems."

"I think the cost should be cheaper."

"In Power6, latency was an issue, but nowadays, we are on Power8, which doesn't have any such problems. Sometimes, we have issues when we are moving to a new version, which is the case with almost every company. Some new issues or problems show up suddenly, and you do not have the time to research and find the solution. That's when we contact IBM technical support."

"The pricing is high."

"We have a problem with the storage software. The media to restore data is also not found."

More IBM Power Systems cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Dell has competitive pricing."

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

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

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

"The pricing model is quite competitive."

"This solution is priced very reasonably."

"The pricing is reasonable."

"IBM Power is more expensive than other rack-mount servers, and you have to have a license for everything, including cores and memory."

"Its price depends on the sizing."

"Power Systems is very cheap and provides good value for money."

"The machine is good and has a comparatively good price."

"The price of IBM Power Systems is expensive and could improve."

"Power Systems is a bit more costly than other products in the market, but in terms of ROI and the longevity, performance, and reliability that Power Systems provides, it's worth it in the long run."

"The price of the solution could be somewhat better and this is what lowers my rating of it to a seven or eight out of ten."

More IBM Power Systems pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Financial Services Firm

11%

Retailer

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

15%

Computer Software Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

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?

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

See all answers

What do you like most about IBM Power Systems?

IBM Power Systems provides very good performance and stability compared to other brands or processors.

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM Power Systems?

There are definitely areas for improvement, but that's not really from the technological side of things. I rarely find any people with Power skills on the market. When I get young people from unive...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for IBM Power Systems?

I use IBM Power Systems for online transactional processing, and in parts, also for online analytical processing. We mainly use IBM Power Systems' IBMI, which is an operating system with an integra...

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 16% of the time

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Compared 11% of the time

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Compared 38% of the time

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Compared 19% of the time

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Compared 16% of the time

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Compared 16% of the time

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Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

August 2025

Download Dell PowerEdge XE-Series product report

Buyer's Guide

IBM Power Systems

August 2025

Download IBM Power Systems product report

Also Known As

PowerEdge XE Servers

IBM OpenPOWER LC

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

IBM Power Systems are built to crush the most advanced data applications - from the mission-critical workloads you run today to the next generation of AI.

IBM

Sample Customers

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

Cipher

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. IBM Power Systems

July 2025

Free Report: Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. IBM Power Systems

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