Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers comparison

Dell Technologies and Lenovo are both solutions in the Rack Servers category. Dell Technologies is ranked #10 with an average rating of 8.5, while Lenovo is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.4. Dell Technologies holds a 1.1% mindshare in Rack Servers, compared to Lenovo’s 15.7% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Dell Technologies users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Lenovo users who would recommend it.

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Read 11 Dell PowerEdge XE-Series reviews

655 Views
655 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Ser...

Read 27 Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers reviews

6,493 Views
6,493 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Ser...

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Aug 26, 2025

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers and Dell PowerEdge XE-Series are competitive offerings in the server market. While Dell PowerEdge XE-Series often stands out for its advanced features, Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers present a compelling option due to their competitive pricing and support.

Features: Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers are recognized for their scalability, energy efficiency, and simple integration with UPS systems, making them ideal for data center optimization. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series offers exceptional processing power, robust performance capabilities, and a secure, compatible platform, especially beneficial for big data solutions.

Room for Improvement: Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers could enhance their solution for blade servers and refine virtualization support features. Improvements in GUI usability and integration with additional security solutions might be beneficial. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series could work on reducing the complexity of setup for some configurations and aim to lower energy consumption. Further expanding compatibility with various software environments may also be beneficial.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers provide a streamlined installation process with reliable support. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series ensures efficient deployment with extensive resources and highly responsive service. Dell's support is often noted for its flexibility and quick resolution capabilities.

Pricing and ROI: Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers typically offer a lower initial setup cost, providing a quicker return on investment for budget-conscious businesses. Their competitive pricing can lead to faster ROI in various environments. Dell PowerEdge XE-Series, though starting with a higher initial cost, tends to offer greater long-term performance benefits, giving a higher ROI for enterprises with demanding computational needs.

To learn more, read our detailed Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers Report (Updated: July 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

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

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Ser...

Ranking in Rack Servers

3rd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.1

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 Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers is 15.7%, down from 17.2% 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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Adalberto Giaretta

Technology director at Infodive Representações e Serviços ltda

Reliable with an easy setup and good support

These are rack servers. We use them for applications. It stores everything including VM servers, application servers, Windows, et cetera The reliability is great. The solution is like any other commodity like Dell or HPE. These are all very similar. Setting up the solution is easy. It is stable.…

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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

"The solution is flexible in my experience."

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

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

"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 the trusted platform module."

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

"The resource management features are valuable."

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

More Dell PowerEdge XE-Series pros

"It is a stable solution."

"The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is the easiest product to set up and maintain."

"The IMM tool is great because we can upgrade different views and device versions very quickly. We can upgrade everything from a single point through a single dashboard, which is great for us because we also have Lenovo storage. Lenovo ThinkSystem also has Xclarity built into the system."

"I like everything about this solution. It is a very good server, with excellent availability. The size of the power is adequate and the low heating is beneficial."

"Its performance and the local support of Lenovo in my city are the most valuable features. Its performance is the best, and its user interface is also very easy."

"It is a scalable product."

"Easy integration with UPS systems provides added convenience and efficiency for our operations."

"The hardware is good."

More Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers pros

Cons

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

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

"The quality and reliability could be improved."

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

"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."

"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

"To be frank, the technical support from Lenovo's team needs improvement. There seems to be a lack of support, and it is important for Lenovo to address this issue."

"I do not have any notes for improvements."

"Performance and scalability-wise, there are certain areas where the product lacks and needs improvement as it does not provide a lot of fancy features presently."

"HP has a riser inside, but Lenovo does not have a riser. It would be good to have a riser with Lenovo. The GUI of the system is really bad. HP has a very good UI for smart memories and everything inside, but in Lenovo, we have a black-and-white UI. HP right now manufactures a server with scalable SP1 and SP2 on a single machine, which is not the case with Lenovo. They are changing the machine. For SP 1, there is one server, and for SP2, there is another server, which is really bad. In HP, we can use two models of processors in a single case. Lenovo should also be improved to have SP1 and SP2 scalable processors simultaneously on a single machine. They should not release another machine. This issue is also there in H3650 severs. They are all inside, but only V3 CPU or only v4 CPU can work, whereas, in HBG9, we can deploy V3 and V4 simultaneously. Lenovo also needs to advertise more because I can't see advertisements anywhere."

"Upgrading firmware is easier in Dell than in Lenovo."

"For the price my company pays for Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers, we can have more from other vendors offering the same functionalities that are present in Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers at a lower price."

"I have a few notification alerts about PCI cards but it's rare."

"The performance of the solution could be better."

More Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"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."

"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."

"The pricing model is quite competitive."

"It is too expensive. Because we are a university and we have to look for our money, many times we buy some refurbished machines or equipment at reasonable prices from IBM or Lenovo. We are a little bit limited in terms of money, and we buy as much as we can. If they were cheaper, we would buy more."

"The cost of the solution depends entirely on the client. There are not any additional costs other than the standard licensing fee."

"The price of Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers is competitive."

"The licensing cost is the same as HP. It doesn't have any additional cost. However, the price, for example, for the memory option, does not match other vendors such as HP or Dell. They should work on the pricing of Lenovo. It is a great competitor, and it should compete with the price."

"The price of the solution is very expensive when compared to other solution like HP or Dell."

"Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers can be categorized as a product falling under an affordable price range but more expensive than its competitors."

"Other than the standard licensing fees there are no other additional costs. The price of Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers could be better, and the availability of the solution could improve. We have been waiting two months for one server."

"Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers are cheaper than HPE...It is a good product that offers value for money."

More Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers 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

Computer Software Company

13%

University

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

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

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...

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When shopping for a rack server, would you go with Dell EMC Poweredge or Lenovo Thinksystem?

Our organization ran comparison tests to determine whether the Dell EMC Poweredge or Lenovo Thinksystem rack servers were the better fit for us. We ultimately decided to go with Dell EMC Poweredge....

See all answers

What do you like most about Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers?

The most valuable feature of the solution is that it is the easiest product to set up and maintain.

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 35% of the time

Dell XR2 Rugged Server vs Dell PowerEdge XE-Series

Compared 16% 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

Dell PowerEdge R-Series vs Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

Compared 54% of the time

HPE ProLiant DL Servers vs Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

Compared 37% of the time

Cisco UCS C-Series Rack Servers vs Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

Compared 3% of the time

IBM Power Systems vs Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

Compared 3% of the time

Oracle SPARC Servers vs Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

Compared 1% of the time

More Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Rack Servers

August 2025

Download Dell PowerEdge XE-Series product report

Buyer's Guide

Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

August 2025

Download Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers product report

Also Known As

PowerEdge XE Servers

SR Series, Lenovo SR Series, ThinkSystem Rack Servers, IBM Rack Servers, ThinkSystem SR Series, Lenovo Rack Servers,

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

From growing small businesses to enterprise workloads, Lenovo rack servers offer the unmatched value, flexibility and industry-leading efficiency to meet mission-critical demands with legendary quality and reliability.

Lenovo

Sample Customers

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

immixGroup, Komsomolskaya Pravda, SRG Global, Seekr, Infiniti Red Bull Racing, jKool, Tennis Australia, VEKA, Netpoints, Gamma Powersports

Buyer's Guide

Dell PowerEdge XE-Series vs. Lenovo ThinkSystem Rack Servers

July 2025

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