Dell PowerEdge MX- Series Reviews

We primarily use Dell PowerEdge M for server purposes in solar power plants. The server is utilized as a simple data logger and for SCADA. Our use cases are primarily focused on solar power service for the solar power plant, which involves simple data logging and does not require heavy or complex calculations.

Our company operates in the energy sector and the Dell PowerEdge M serves our needs effectively. The equipment allows us to support SCADA and servers required by our customers. We do not delve much into the intricate configuration and parts specification. We ensure the equipment meets the operational requirements set by our clients.

The server is more common for the mass market and although it is nothing special, what stands out is the good after-sales service provided.

We work primarily with power plants such as thermal, solar, and wind power plants. There is no specific feedback on improvements directly from our usage. If areas need improvement, we would address them with our integrator. 

I have been dealing with Dell PowerEdge for five years.

I cannot say specifically about the stability as it is not my area of concern.

I don't know about the scalability.

I rate their customer service at nine out of ten since our requests have been attended to in a timely manner.

My customers prefer Dell, and for us, Dell has provided all the support we need. I cannot say about switching from another solution as Dell remains our preferred choice.

We have not specifically gotten into the initial setup details. It might be straightforward for the end-users, however, I do not directly deal with it.

We contact the integrator to handle the parts related to the implementation and maintenance.

I do not have any specific return on investment information regarding Dell's impact on our company.

The pricing is okay for us. For us, the confidence in Dell's equipment is higher than HP. HP is cheaper, however, our preference for Dell comes from its reliability and support.

I recommend Dell PowerEdge M. Over the past five to six years that I have worked with PowerEdge, I have had no complaints from my customers.

I'd rate the solution nine out of ten.

The tool aims to serve as a hypervisor service for hosting virtual machines.

The tool's most valuable features are high availability and scalability. Its integration is easy. 

Dell PowerEdge M is stable. 

As we need to grow our infrastructure, we can add extra host servers, expand the memory, and increase components as necessary.

I haven't contacted the tool's support yet. 

The tool's deployment is easy and takes around two days to complete. 

The return on investment for us comes from its reliability and stability. The tool has been a good investment because they haven't experienced any downtime, and they keep everything running. 

The product is budget-friendly. The initial cost for each server was around 10,000 euros. It's a standard price, not too high or too low.

I rate the overall solution an eight out of ten. 

Our facility relies heavily on PowerEdge, spanning multiple generations. It is the foundation of our entire infrastructure, supporting a wide array of workloads, ranging from administrative tasks to private cloud and scientific computing. PowerEdge is a versatile and reliable platform that we can depend on.

PowerEdge has been a foundational part of our IT infrastructure, and its Fresh Air configuration saved us from disasters on multiple occasions. The solution's ability to survive extreme conditions has been invaluable, and its reliability has been astounding. We currently run three generations of PowerEdge in our data centers.

The solution offers remarkable flexibility, reliability, and extensive software support. PowerEdge is capable of running Microsoft private cloud, VMware private cloud, OpenStack, Linux distributions, and scientific workloads. The infrastructure is truly remarkable.

We can typically expect a 20 percent improvement in performance from Intel processors with each new generation, depending on the workload.

Utilizing the OpenManage capabilities of the platform is essential for us since we have a limited number of personnel to manage the PowerEdge that we possess. Thus, OpenManage's console productivity is invaluable for our IT staff.

The PowerEdge servers have proven to be invaluable in preventing up to 90 percent of unplanned production downtime. When other servers were failing due to extreme heat, PowerEdge was able to withstand the conditions and keep running. This made the solution an invaluable part of our operations.

The introduction of PowerEdge servers drastically increased the flexibility of our operations. We are leveraging the solution's capabilities for a wide range of applications and it is certainly the most versatile platform available to us. We deployed a variety of server models in different sizes, ranging from 1U to 2U and beyond, providing us with the flexibility to handle almost any task.

We are testing the latest PowerEdge from Dell for scientific workloads such as machine learning, deep learning, data analysis, and engineering simulation. We see excellent performance improvement and power consumption control. This is part of our Green Data Center project, where we take into account the “green” capabilities of the hardware we buy.

We are beginning to employ cyber-resilient architecture features. It is no longer just the platform security of the past that we take into consideration when making a new acquisition, but now we are also bearing in mind the security features on the server side due to the ever-evolving environment.

We found that the power consumption inside the BIOS of the latest PowerEdge has been significantly improved. The power control capabilities are now much more precise and the iDRAC tool that allows external programs to control the system's power consumption is also much more detailed than its predecessor.

We have been utilizing OpenManage for many years as beta testers, and our experience with OpenManage has been overwhelmingly positive. Dell OpenManage console is incredibly user-friendly and has made our lives significantly easier.

I would like to have additional HPC and AI capabilities on general Dell PowerEdge servers. To optimize the PowerEdge for HPC and AI, modified designs may be necessary.

I have been using Dell PowerEdge .Next for two months.

The stability and power consumption of Dell PowerEdge .Next are incredibly impressive. We have been running a single unit 24 hours a day for a month, primarily to test its stability and understand the power consumption control capabilities, and it exceeded expectations. Compared to the previous PowerEdge models, the stability and power management of .Next are remarkable.

There are no issues with the scalability. Up to now, I haven't been able to identify any drawbacks of the platform I'm using.

Dell's technical support is perfect and one of the reasons we buy their solutions.

Positive

We see a return on investment. The performance of the platform, which we tested on virtualization platforms such as VMware, is very impressive. PCIe 5 has made great improvements in communication and storage. Depending on what we can afford, Intel Scalable Architecture CPUs are more powerful than ever before.

The pricing of Dell PowerEdge .Next has changed drastically due to the introduction of the latest technologies such as PCIe 5, DDR5, and the next generation of CPUs. This caused the prices of CPUs, DRAM, and PCIe cards to skyrocket. Consequently, it is difficult to compare the new pricing to what it was two years ago since the market has evolved significantly. The pricing of PowerEdge .Next is higher than it was before.

Our university is similar to a hardware supermarket, offering almost all brands of hardware, including Lenovo and HP. Although I have not had the opportunity to experience the newest HPE ProLiant 11 machines, I can say that PowerEdge is more reliable, more customizable, and has better management compared to other brands. The iDRAC capabilities, with its easy-to-use remote management, integrate seamlessly with OpenManage. When we purchase a PowerEdge server, we don't need to worry about hidden or additional costs for the management. As for the future, this remains to be seen.

I give Dell PowerEdge .Next a ten out of ten.

We have been testing the latest generation of Dell PowerEdge systems in our data center for the past couple of months, in addition to the generations already in production.

Since 2016, our data center experience has been excellent, with very few hardware issues, including machines that still run from that year.

In our PowerEdge servers, we predominantly use Intel Xeon scalable processors of various generations, with AMD processors making up the remaining 10 percent.

We see a lot of improvement over the generations of PowerEdge. I must admit that while there is plenty of competition, the difference is remarkable. Enhancing PowerEdge is no easy task, yet Dell Technologies took great strides to incorporate customer feedback. The platform grew in flexibility, such as the range of disks available, the evolving iDRAC features to meet customer needs, and so much more.

We host a substantial infrastructure at the University. While we utilize public cloud services such as Microsoft 365 and Google Meets, we do not use them for computing, engineering simulations, or any internal services. All of our services are kept in-house.

The PowerEdge .Next platform is more than just its CPU, it encompasses all the solution's features, from the iDRAC to the next-generation RAID controller, which is 20 to 30 percent faster than the previous generation. Furthermore, Dell PowerEdge .Next's new architecture helps to drive the entire platform, making its performance even more impressive.

There is no significant difference between HPE and Dell Technologies in terms of their use cases. Customers can choose solutions from HPE and Dell that are suitable for their environment. There is not a big difference in use cases for these brands.

Dell offers reliable solutions. When a customer deploys Dell in their environment, they don't usually experience major support requirements or part failures within two to three years, so they don't need much support.

The iDRAC feature is most useful for server management in Dell, comparable to HP iLO. Both Dell and HPE are continuously enhancing their feature sets in new generations. Dell is a reliable solution, and if a customer sets it up in their environment, they will find it dependable without significant support needs.

I do not know if I can comment about the tool itself since I do not have much experience with Dell. I work mostly with HP and only sometimes with Dell. I cannot say where improvement is needed. Dell support should be faster. Dell's technical support sometimes takes time, and there's a support gap issue. HP support is better than Dell's technical support.

I have been working with Dell Technologies for two years.

The stability of Dell PowerEdge is rated at eight. It offers easy setup and is generally considered stable.

Dell's technical support could be improved. HP support is seemingly more reliable and always available for customers.

Neutral

There is more trust in HP solutions as HP's market is bigger in Pakistan compared to that of Dell. HP is perceived as more reliable.

The initial setup is easy. I would rate it 7.5 out of ten.

Customers get a good return on their value of money with Dell PowerEdge. Dell is a reliable solution that does not usually require major support or experience part failures within two to three years.

The cost of Dell is reasonable. Dell is not expensive compared to HP. It is a little cheaper, but customers still prefer HP.

Dell PowerEdge and HP are broadly equivalent in performance. I would recommend choosing Dell PowerEdge if there are cost savings or budget issues, as it is a little cheaper than HP solutions. I rate Dell PowerEdge eight out of ten.

Our primary use cases are mostly for compute and consolidation. If our customer needs to consolidate their existing infrastructure, they are using many applications, software, and databases, and they need a significant number of virtual machines. 

For instance, they might need fifty virtual machines, and they try to consolidate all of this on one chassis, great chassis, and maybe four or five blades to reach good compute and memory performance. This setup allows them to start and explore fifty or sixty machines on the same platform.

We are able to consolidate the infrastructure, which allows us to deploy a large number of virtual machines on a single chassis to enhance performance.

The most valuable aspect of Dell PowerEdge M is the time of consolidation. It allows us to consolidate our infrastructure very efficiently, enabling us to deploy eight servers in a seven-unit density. This setup provides us a unified interface for management, allowing us to manage several rack servers from the same interface. The consolidation provides good compute and memory performance across the board.

One area for improvement is the connectivity, specifically the backplate and switch connections. Currently, for direct-attached connections to storage arrays, we need to install two switches to connect. A more intuitive setup interface could enhance user experience as well.

I have been using Dell PowerEdge M with the first generation and series for about 12 to 13 years.

I rate the stability of the solution very highly, around nine out of ten.

Scalability is straightforward within the same generation or class, yet becomes difficult if the server exceeds three years in age due to software version compatibility issues.

Customer service and support in Tunisia are quite good, and I would rate them nine out of ten.

Positive

We have used other solutions. For example, Lenovo does not have strong support in Tunisia, whereas Health Packard Enterprise provides good technical support but is more expensive.

The initial setup is somewhat complex. A more intuitive and unified setup interface would significantly enhance the initial experience.

Pricing is relatively high. I would rate it as a six. It is somewhat expensive but manageable.

Besides Dell, Health Packard Enterprise and Lenovo are possible evaluations. They each have their own limitations.

Overall, I have a positive experience, and my customers have had good experiences as well. Some of my customers have been using Dell PowerEdge M solutions for fifteen years. 

I would rate the overall solution an eight out of ten.

I mainly use PowerEdge M for virtualization and HDC cluster management. It is effectively managed from a single console, which greatly supports my admin tasks.

PowerEdge M allows me to manage all servers and blades from one admin console. It is essential for my virtualization tasks and proves very effective in HDC cluster management. The scalability is excellent, and it is well-suited for my virtualization needs, especially with Linux. The ease of troubleshooting and managing through remote access, using tools like iDRAC, significantly saves me time.

There are differences in security configurations, particularly in SNMP and SNMP3, between HP ILO and iDRAC. When configuring SNMP or SNMP3, I face challenges that require additional support, although Dell support is generally helpful.

I have been working with Dell for the last 15 to 20 years.

Scalability is excellent and suitable for my virtualization needs.

I am very satisfied with Dell's technical support. They provide excellent help when needed.

Positive

For my large setup, the initial configuration took a couple of days. The Dell part of the installation process is quick, however, it also involves various network parties, which can cause some delays.

I rate Dell PowerEdge a ten out of ten as it is a great tool with perfect support. 

We primarily use the solution for web services.

Dell PowerEdge M has a centralized administration for networks; instead of working with standalone servers, you have a centralized administration console. So you can administrate all servers from one location.

The networking features for administration and working with the server are valuable.

There is currently a new generation of Dell Blade Systems, so it requires time to transition to the new generation. However, the current version of the solution we are working with meets our requirements.

We have been using the solution for approximately twelve years and are currently using series 620.

The solution is stable and works on customized sites and virtual classes.

The solution is scalable, and you can scale the resources up and down, which was very important for us in the COVID-19 situation. The servers work to verify, and the resources are raised up and handle all the web applications that are working and installed on it.

Our first contact is our partner Dell, who provides us with customer support directly.

We previously used HPE standalone and Lenovo standalone servers, either rack or tower servers. However, we prefer Dell servers because the pre-installation and preparation process is easy, and the user interface is more friendly for the administrators.

The initial setup was straightforward for our team because we have years of experience and complete documentation in case we face any issues during deployment.

We implemented the solution in-house.

We have seen a return on investment.

The price of the solution is reasonable.

I rate the solution as ten out of ten. The solution is good, and I recommend it to users considering implementing it depending on their business needs, as some businesses require standalone servers and some require central servers.

Our customers only have light use cases of this solution, deploying one or two applications because they do not want to spend too much money.

The most valuable feature of Dell PowerEdge M is iDRAC.

The product is very solid, never fails, and runs forever.

Dell PowerEdge M needs to run AMD CPUs on it. 

For future releases, I would like to see the Ethernet connectivity updated. It is a very old technology. Dell has alliances with other companies that make their networking components, like Cisco and Brocade, but the choice is very slim. Dell also has their own networking products which are good however, there needs to be a better selection of networking components.

I have been using Dell products and platforms for 20 years.

This solution is outstanding when it comes to stability.

Dell PowerEdge M has its limits. There are only so many blades that you can put in a chassis. As far as blade service goes, it's good, but it has limits with scalability.

Technical support from Dell is not good. I rate it a zero out of five.

Negative

The initial setup of Dell PowerEdge M is easy. The applied servers are very easy, making it one of the most straightforward products to deploy.

Deployment and maintenance of this product require two engineers.

You will see the return on investment of Dell PowerEdge M in about two months.

Anyone looking to implement Dell PowerEdge M into their organization should make sure that they have a channel partner that knows the product inside and out.

I would rate this solution a nine out of 10.