We have virtualization running on Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers. We have VMware. We have some physical workloads. We also have Oracle databases.
IT-Systems Administrator at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees
Reliable servers with easy management and good service
Pros and Cons
- "Reliability is important for us. They are reliable, and the service is very good."
- "The server itself is good, but sometimes, the salesperson forgets to sell us the right controller. It is related to sales. It is not related to the technical part."
What is our primary use case?
How has it helped my organization?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are reliable and do not require a lot of maintenance. We put them in the rack and forget them.
In terms of the overall flexibility of our operations, we have a lot of servers, and because of virtualization, it is very flexible, but it has nothing to do with the hardware.
What is most valuable?
Reliability is important for us. They are reliable, and the service is very good. iDRAC is a good feature that we use very often. We are rarely in the data center.
What needs improvement?
The server itself is good, but sometimes, the salesperson forgets to sell us the right controller. It is related to sales. It is not related to the technical part. There is nothing that can be improved in these servers technically.
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerEdge R-Series
August 2026
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerEdge R-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: August 2026.
908,877 professionals have used our research since 2012.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been working in this organization for nine years, and they were already using Dell servers when I joined.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
These servers are very stable.
How are customer service and support?
Most times, we take care of things on our own. Usually, when there is something that needs to be fixed or replaced, we take Dell's help. I would rate their support an eight out of ten. It is very good, but it can always be better.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We only use Dell servers.
How was the initial setup?
They are easy to deploy. There are no problems with that.
What was our ROI?
We have seen an ROI. We rarely have any problems with these servers. Overall, it is a good deal.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We have not compared them with others. The price is okay, but they can always be a little bit cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Consultant at ACES BV
Provides the flexibility and manageability necessary to streamline IT operations
What is our primary use case?
We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for our office automation and our VDI needs. It offers a robust and reliable solution that can scale with our business requirements while providing the flexibility and manageability necessary to streamline IT operations.
How has it helped my organization?
As a customer, we find that these servers offer excellent durability and require minimal maintenance over time. They deliver strong performance, backed by reliable support services. The ability to control the servers remotely through the rack interface is particularly valuable, as it eliminates the need for onsite visits or physical access. All that's required is the password, providing full access to manage the servers efficiently without any additional hassle.
The server energy consumption has shown significant improvement. Looking back about a decade, energy efficiency wasn't a major concern, leading to higher consumption levels. However, there's been a noticeable decrease in power consumption in recent years, resulting in a smaller environmental footprint. This reduction in power usage is largely attributed to the servers becoming more compact, requiring less power overall.
Addressing the evolving demands of high-performance workloads requires a versatile range of server options. By conducting a thorough assessment of our requirements and performance expectations, we identify the most suitable model from the diverse array of choices available. This process ensures that we select a server that aligns closely with our specific needs. With such a broad spectrum of products to choose from, there is consistently a model that fits our requirements effectively.
It significantly reduces unplanned production downtime. In our entirely virtualized environment, we can seamlessly place one server into maintenance mode, conduct complete hardware and software upgrades, and then transition to the next server. While the software solutions provided with virtualization products play a key role in this process, Dell servers also contribute to this uptime reliability. Remarkably, we have experienced no downtime whatsoever in the past five years.
What is most valuable?
The combination with the OpenManage, along with the ease of installation, configuration, and maintenance, is the most valuable aspect for me.
What needs improvement?
There have been certain environmental concerns, but they don't pose a significant issue for me as my focus is on maximizing performance, especially in providing a fast API environment for both my customers and myself. Larger customers might benefit from servers that strike a better balance between performance and environmental considerations.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been working with it for approximately twenty years.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
When comparing Dell's PowerEdge Rack Servers with competitors like HP's Proliant servers, as a Dell partner, we have experience with both brands and their respective services. In our assessment, Dell outperforms HP in several key areas, notably in terms of support and ease of maintenance. While HP offers OneView for server management, which some find easier to use than Dell's OpenManage, this might be a subjective opinion. Overall, Dell's PowerEdge servers excel in delivering superior support and streamlined maintenance processes compared to HP's Proliant servers.
What about the implementation team?
Deployment typically takes around one hour.
What was our ROI?
We have noticed a return on investment.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The pricing is considered fair.
What other advice do I have?
Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
Dell PowerEdge R-Series
August 2026
Learn what your peers think about Dell PowerEdge R-Series. Get advice and tips from experienced pros sharing their opinions. Updated: August 2026.
908,877 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Chef de project IT at Messer France
A strong and reliable solution that is easy to use and provides excellent technical support
Pros and Cons
- "The solution is very strong and reliable."
- "The vendor must provide cheaper versions of the tool for smaller use cases."
What is our primary use case?
The product is used for virtualization. I work for a gas company. We have a lot of locations in France. We use some applications to pilot the process of making gases. In each location, we use Dell PowerEdge to implement and supervise the process of gas production and processing.
What is most valuable?
The solution is very strong and reliable. The capacity is very good. Whenever I want to add an application server in a production location, I choose Dell PowerEdge. The solution is simple to manage. The maintenance and support are really good. It is easy to use. We did not face any big problems that we couldn’t resolve.
What needs improvement?
The solution’s sales policies must be changed. Sometimes, we need the tool for a small use case. The vendor must provide cheaper versions of the tool for smaller use cases.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using the solution since 2015.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The tool is stable compared to other products.
How are customer service and support?
The support is really good. The support team is reliable. Compared to HPE, Dell's support is better. The support contracts of Dell are very clear. The communication we have with the salespeople is also very clear. The support team is quick. When we have a problem, we can find a solution quickly. We do not have to wait or send multiple emails to explain our problems.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We were using other servers before. However, there were long delays in deliveries. We use Microsoft’s operating system. I choose Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers because its compatibility with Microsoft is really good. We can use it with other operating systems, too. We also use HPE's servers.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The solution is expensive. We buy it for three years but use it for five years by extending the guarantee. We have been using it for ten years. It makes it past the depreciation value for a long time. We have to buy new servers every five years. If we need two servers, we buy one, use it for five years, and replace it with a new one. We are using it economically.
What other advice do I have?
We provide products to beverage companies. We also provide medical gases to hospitals. In my company, we are not managing energy. We have a special team with many people who manage energy. We are buying energy. We need to do all the things that are needed to keep the production safe. Energy is not our focus. I have never thought about energy conservation in three years.
We use MPLS and SD-WAN. We have a private network for all our locations. The PowerEdge connects our VLAN and the users’ VLAN. When we want control of our servers, we can take the control directly. If we want to see whether the equipment is working well, we can take control of the switch that communicates to the server.
We have a special VLAN. It’s an administrative VLAN. Only IT persons like me have access to the VLAN. The access is quick and easy because of Dell PowerEdge. The implementation is simple. We use it every time and do not have a problem with it.
We don't use many other servers. We do not have problems with switching Dell PowerEdge on and off. It is really simple for our technicians. The tool has helped us reduce unplanned production downtime. In all our racks, we have an inverter. We have a program to notify the server to back up and shut down cleanly.
When there is a downtime, we only check whether the processing is fine. We have not had any problem with it for many years. It works well. We can do everything we want to do with the tool. When we chose other servers, we faced problems within a year. Dell PowerEdge is a good solution. We have been using it for a long time. The vendor must provide servers for smaller use cases.
Overall, I rate the solution an eight out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Adj Directeur at Boursorama
Fast delivery, reliable, and helpful for reducing data center footprint
Pros and Cons
- "The speed of delivery is something super valuable. Reliability and performance are also valuable."
- "Their support can be better. The speed of their support is not always great because the access to the data centers is sometimes complicated, so there is back and forth."
What is our primary use case?
We use Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for application servers, database servers, and virtualization. We also use them for hyperconvergence.
How has it helped my organization?
By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, we wanted to reduce the footprint in the data center and the costs. We also wanted to have better performance and, above all, durability because we keep them for a minimum of seven years.
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are well placed in comparison to their competitors in terms of energy consumption. They are even better now with the AMD processors.
At the moment, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers perfectly meet our needs. We have never reached the limit, or there has always been a solution offered by Dell to manage the evolving needs of the high-performance workloads. It is always evolving, and there are no issues.
With regards to the durability of the servers, the advantage is that we keep the servers for seven years before changing them. That is important for us. It allows us to avoid using them for nothing. The support is also there afterward. There is performance too because we are putting fewer of them.
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have helped to reduce unplanned production downtime. We have very rare breakdowns with it. That is why we keep them for seven years.
Using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has affected the overall flexibility of our operations or business. It has had an impact on the growth because we can deliver fast. We can grow very quickly because we have a growth of 40% per year, and we have a supplier who can react and install very quickly, which allows us to grow.
What is most valuable?
The speed of delivery is something super valuable. Reliability and performance are also valuable.
What needs improvement?
Their support can be better. The speed of their support is not always great because the access to the data centers is sometimes complicated, so there is back and forth. This is where there is room for improvement.
We have a lot of issues with OpenManage. We are currently in talks with Dell to be able to roll it out within the company, but we are struggling because we are a bank, and there are many things that are out of bounds. It seems that the people working on it are not familiar with this type of business, and it is struggling to function properly. We would definitely like to have something better integrated. There is definitely some improvement needed in this software.
One area for improvement could be the capacity to evaluate all of our servers with one console. They might already have it, and I might not be aware of it, but it would be great to have one console that could tell us what, for example, the overall consumption from our servers is. I should be able to know about every rack too. That would help me with my choice related to the new generation and the model I should go for. Because of the rack configuration, I must be careful with each rack’s consumption. I must be careful that it is not too stretched.
Currently, I use one of their suppliers for PCs to get this kind of information. If I could obtain the information directly from the server itself, it would be more interesting.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for more than ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are stable. I would rate them a ten out of ten in terms of stability because I have no problem.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is very good. I would rate them a ten out of ten in terms of scalability because I do not reach the limit as far as my needs are concerned.
How are customer service and support?
Their support needs improvement. Delivery times are quite substantial, and customer service is very important to us.
I would rate their support a seven out of ten. They can improve the response time because it is always the same system. Bearing in mind that our teams are already pretty highly skilled, their support does not need to ask the same questions, such as:
Have you updated it?
Have you done the tests?
Generally, when we identify a problem, it ends up being that one, but we lose quite a bit of time doing the tests because we have to follow a certain procedure. They do not want to change the part until that procedure has been followed and completed. That is how we end up losing time with the support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We have had some from HPE and other brands. I switched because I have been working with Dell for several years now, and above all, because of the server’s modality and direct delivery. The delivery is very fast which is not the case with the others.
How was the initial setup?
What was our ROI?
The calculation for any return on investments is always a complicated matter. It is always complicated, but as far as durability is concerned, we always see some because we can absorb the costs over a longer period of time. So, that lowers our investment’s cost. In comparison to the competitors, they are in a fairly good position, and it is still the case today, but the ROI is difficult to calculate as we are still growing.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
We do not know why they have increased the price by 25%. This is a very steep increase. In my opinion, it is not justified, but it is the same case with everyone. Margins should certainly not be increased.
With regards to the licenses, I do not use any licenses from Dell.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten because there are a few areas for improvement. Overall, it is a good product.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Head of Backup at a financial services firm with 5,001-10,000 employees
Works perfectly and provides the cyber resilience and security that we need
Pros and Cons
- "It works perfectly, especially in terms of availability and reliability, without any type of issue, which is why we are very happy with it."
- "The cost can be improved. For other use cases, we use Hitachi servers, which are a little cheaper but have similar functionality."
What is our primary use case?
Mainly, we started using them when we implemented a cyber recovery solution with Data Domain, in which several Dell PowerEdge Rack servers are also involved.
By implementing this solution, we wanted cyber resilience. We wanted a 1/3 copy cyber recovery solution that would prevent us from losing all the data in the event of a cyber attack.
In terms of deployment, we use them on-prem, directly with Dell as our provider.
How has it helped my organization?
They provide the cyber resilience that we were looking for. They are working perfectly so far, and we are happy with them.
The PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security is very good. Overall, Dell's approach to security is pretty good. I like using Dell products because they always have security configuration guides.
In terms of energy consumption, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers can possibly be improved, but this is what I would say regarding any other type of server.
I do not know specifically about Dell's sustainability goals or how PowerEdge can help, but at the level of on-prem servers, it can always be improved by moving towards new virtualization to reduce the impact and perhaps reduce the number of servers.
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have helped to reduce unplanned production downtime. In our case, we have planned a maximum downtime of one week in the event of a cyber attack. These are the ratios we use.
The OpenManage console has affected our IT staff’s productivity. It has helped in a positive way because it is a console that centralizes many things that our staff manages every day. In that sense, it is in a centralized console. It helps a lot.
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have not impacted the overall flexibility of our operations or business. In our case, it is an isolated additional system, so it is not like adding an additional layer to improve the flexibility per se.
What is most valuable?
There is no specific feature that is more valuable than other servers for us. Because it is part of an overall solution that Dell has offered us, we opted for Dell's PowerEdge servers. Overall, it is a good solution. It works perfectly, especially in terms of availability and reliability, without any type of issue, which is why we are very happy with it.
What needs improvement?
The cost can be improved. For other use cases, we use Hitachi servers, which are a little cheaper but have similar functionality.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for approximately two years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
So far, we have had no stability problems. They are very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability is very good. We use them in several locations. The main department in which they are used is ours, which is for data protection backup. They are mainly used for a cyber recovery solution.
How are customer service and support?
I would assess their support very positively. I have been working with them for several years, and I am very happy with their support.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We also use Hitachi. We have not switched. We maintain two brands.
What was our ROI?
It has simply covered our use case.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
They can improve the costs.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated Veritas. We evaluated Netapp solutions. There were five or six different vendors. We did not see a critical difference. In general, they were similar, but Dell was more present throughout the process.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Competitive price, very reliable, and helpful for business continuity and efficiency
Pros and Cons
- "The most valuable features are that they are very reliable, and Dell's technical service is also optimal."
- "The price is the only thing that can be improved."
What is our primary use case?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are the production servers for the company.
By implementing Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, above all, we wanted to resolve issues of scalability and trust.
How has it helped my organization?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have improved our company in terms of efficiency and security. In terms of business continuity, they have never failed us, and they have helped us to have a good name in the market.
The PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture approach to security is very good.
Energy consumption is one of the things that I worry about. While looking at and comparing with other platforms, Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers seem to be very good. I realized that it is not a platform that consumes a lot of energy, and that calms us down. Their direct competitor is HPE. We always evaluate its energy consumption, and the comparisons come out very well in favor of PowerEdge.
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are good for handling the evolving needs of high-performance workloads. As a matter of fact, we have a virtual environment set up on one of their machines, and it is going very well. It has not disappointed us.
The impact of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has been good on our organization’s sustainability goals. We started using them as an initiative to improve our energy system, and it is worth saying that it was exactly what we needed.
Using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers has helped to reduce unplanned production downtime. In terms of reliability, the servers do not break down, which helps us a lot as service providers. I cannot exactly say how much, but I can say that we have moved on from the previous company, HPE, to these servers, and from having maybe three or four interventions a year, we went to having none.
The OpenManage console has not at all affected our IT staff’s productivity.
What is most valuable?
The most valuable features are that they are very reliable, and Dell's technical service is also optimal.
What needs improvement?
The price is the only thing that can be improved.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for more than 10 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The stability is very good. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are very stable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of Dell PowerEdge Rack Server is very good.
How are customer service and support?
Their support is very good. The only thing that I would improve is the language, which sometimes can be a problem. They can direct you to different centers depending on the product you are referring to, and the language often seems to be an issue. I remember a case of a breakdown that we had with a PowerEdge server. We had to escalate it. We talked about it with a center in India, and it was complicated and almost impossible, even with an English translator.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We used HPE servers. HPE is a direct competitor, and we were very happy, but we have noticed an improvement using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers.
We decided to switch because of what we read and what other colleagues in the sector recommended to us and also because at that time, the economic offer was better.
How was the initial setup?
The implementation was simple. There was no specific implementation strategy for it.
We implemented Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers in a hybrid cloud model. For the public part, we used ESSENCE IT. We have our servers deployed in several locations.
What about the implementation team?
We used the same company through which we purchased it, and together with their technicians, we implemented it.
What was our ROI?
One of the things we really like is being able to request a warranty extension of up to five years directly with the manufacturer. Not everyone does that, but that is an important ROI because the investment you make initially can be maintained for those five years with confidence.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
They are very competitive.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We evaluated HPE. The difference was the price. There was a lot of similarity at the level of functionality and internal components. For example, in terms of INTEL or NVIDIA, at the manufacturer level, you pretty much have to integrate the same thing, but it does have its nuances, such as the issue of energy savings due to power supplies and so on.
What other advice do I have?
I would rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Leiter interne IT und Rechenzentrum at a media company
Helps to enhance operational consistency and reliability of our applications
Pros and Cons
- "What truly impresses me about Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is their unwavering commitment to customer service, providing great assistance throughout the entire product lifecycle."
- "I would like enhanced latitude in the machine assembly process."
What is our primary use case?
To ensure the continued success of our clientele, we leverage the robust capabilities of Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers within the confines of our data center.
The straightforward implementation of firmware updates on servers can often prove to be an elusive objective. Recognizing this arduous challenge, we opted to incorporate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers into our infrastructure, thereby facilitating a more streamlined and efficient process.
How has it helped my organization?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have demonstrably bolstered the operational consistency and reliability of our applications, thereby enhancing the user experience for our esteemed clientele.
Given our exclusive reliance on Dell servers, conducting a direct comparison of energy consumption across different vendors proves to be a rather intricate endeavor. Nevertheless, I am confident that the power usage falls within a range deemed satisfactory for our operational requirements.
We leverage these server systems for an extended period of time, a practice that demonstrably contributes favorably to the principles of environmental sustainability.
Dell PowerEdge servers have demonstrably curtailed the incidence of production downtime, the precise extent of which remains challenging to quantify. Nevertheless, a marked decline in service outages and a concomitant upswing in availability periods are irrefutable indicators of this positive development.
The OpenManage Console serves as a streamlined nexus, consolidating a multitude of functionalities within a singular, intuitive interface. This holistic design fosters an enhanced level of productivity amongst IT personnel by eliminating the need to navigate through a maze of disparate applications.
Dell PowerEdge servers have contributed to the overall flexibility of our operations. This translates to relatively short delivery times, which is a significant advantage. We can quickly acquire new servers without facing lengthy lead times.
What is most valuable?
What truly impresses me about Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is their unwavering commitment to customer service, providing great assistance throughout the entire product lifecycle. This unparalleled level of support extends for an extended duration, ensuring that our servers remain reliable and secure for years to come. Furthermore, the exceptional quality of these servers is evident in their engineering and robust construction, guaranteeing peak performance and unwavering stability even under the most demanding workloads.
What needs improvement?
I would like enhanced latitude in the machine assembly process. The current constraints, limiting configurations to a select few, often lack inherent rationality. This rigidity makes it challenging to construct servers that are meticulously calibrated to specific requirements. Ideally, we should strive for a system that allows for the bespoke tailoring of servers, ensuring perfect alignment with each unique need.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for 15 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
While Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers have generally garnered a stellar reputation for their reliability and performance, we did encounter a recent hiccup on one of our machines. Thankfully, a dedicated support case was promptly established to address the issue. It turned out to be a faulty component, which was swiftly replaced, and the machine was soon humming along once more. All in all, our experiences with these servers have been overwhelmingly positive, with this singular incident serving as a minor bump in the road.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The servers are provisioned with their core hardware components at the time of acquisition. In most cases, further augmentation isn't particularly rational, although it is feasible to add supplementary memory or storage devices in exceptional circumstances. While this approach generally proves acceptable, it can present challenges in situations where the servers haven't been outfitted with the potential for future expansion. For instance, if a server is only equipped with a single processor, installing a second one later on is an impossibility. While this might seem suboptimal, it does offer the advantage of being cost-effective. After all, there's no need to construct the entire infrastructure if only a portion of it will be utilized.
How are customer service and support?
While previously the realm of technical assistance left much to be desired, with technicians rarely dispatched and resolutions often left frustratingly in our own hands involving the mere shipment of parts or miscellaneous supplies, a remarkable change has taken place. The current landscape of Dell support stands in stark contrast, characterized by the prompt arrival of technicians armed with the requisite materials or their express pre-delivery and a demonstrably high level of ongoing machine support, exceeding even our most exacting expectations.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
In the past, our server infrastructure relied on a patchwork of machines, cobbled together from various components and specifications. These solutions, while valiant efforts in their own right, often fell short in terms of reliability and consistency. Seeking a more robust and standardized approach, we migrated to Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers, enticed by their reputation for superior quality and comprehensive warranty programs.
How was the initial setup?
The initial deployment has been occasionally straightforward, but we have also come across instances where machines brought about challenging difficulties that were difficult to pinpoint. In the majority of situations, it's positive, but not consistently.
Given the confines of our restricted IT infrastructure, we opted for a meticulous, hands-on approach to server deployment, manually installing each one within its own designated space.
What about the implementation team?
At the outset, our implementation lacked external assistance. However, we have now brought on board LSK Storage, a value-added reseller, to superintend a wider range of tasks, as we no longer shoulder the entire burden ourselves. Our interactions with them have been exceptionally positive, exceeding our expectations. Indeed, continued collaboration would not be on the table if their performance had been anything less than stellar.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The cost structure associated with Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers presents itself as a potential point of contention for budget-conscious consumers, as it could be more strategically positioned to compete within the broader marketplace. Additionally, the degree of configurability offered by these server solutions might warrant further scrutiny, as it may not invariably align with the precise requirements of every individual user or organization.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
During our evaluation process, we meticulously assessed a diverse range of server solutions offered by multiple manufacturers. Ultimately, Dell emerged as the frontrunner due to their unwavering commitment to long-term product availability, ensuring the sustained viability and stability of our IT infrastructure.
What other advice do I have?
I would give Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a rating of nine out of ten. While they offer excellent flexibility, I find that it can be limited in certain situations. Users are required to commit to specific configurations and cannot always choose every desired processor or combination of components. Additionally, there are sometimes unclear dependencies between components, requiring the use of specific minimum amounts of certain resources. These limitations prevent me from giving them a perfect score.
Our infrastructure is optimized for stability rather than raw processing power. While our servers may not boast the most formidable specifications, they consistently deliver reliable performance within their established parameters.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
IT Engineer
Provides exceptional flexibility, reliability, and productivity, ensuring uninterrupted operations and scalability while minimizing downtime
Pros and Cons
- "Our overall experience with their product and support has been consistently excellent."
- "Occasionally, there might be extended wait times between placing an order and receiving the delivery."
What is our primary use case?
Previously, each branch or specific function had its own dedicated servers for tasks such as backups, file storage, print services, and directory management. However, the current approach has shifted towards utilizing VMware for site-related functions.
This means that instead of individual servers for each task, virtualization technology like VMware is employed to streamline and optimize server management for various purposes across the organization.
How has it helped my organization?
Implementing the solution with Dell servers addressed several challenges we encountered. The physical installation, especially in rack configurations, became significantly easier with a streamlined process - a simple click for various tasks.
In our energy research, we've been using Dell PowerEdge servers for an extended period. Recently, we introduced servers from IBM and HPE into our infrastructure. However, we haven't conducted a comprehensive comparison, particularly regarding power consumption.
The PowerEdge servers have proven to be highly effective in meeting our evolving needs. During server configuration, we strategically plan for around fifty to sixty percent usage, opting for a slightly higher configuration than is strictly necessary. This approach has ensured that we haven't encountered any issues thus far.
Dell PowerEdge servers have positively impacted our organization's sustainability requirements. We are extremely satisfied with their performance so far, experiencing minimal hardware issues. With their support in place, any problems, whether related to hardware or software, are promptly addressed and repaired.
The utilization of Dell PowerEdge rack servers has significantly enhanced the overall flexibility of our operations. The remarkable flexibility of these servers has contributed to increased productivity, eliminating downtime.
What is most valuable?
The integration of servers with VMware has been a smooth and positive process.
What needs improvement?
There is room for improvement in making it more cost-effective. Another area for improvement could be the delivery process. Occasionally, there might be extended wait times between placing an order and receiving the delivery.
For how long have I used the solution?
We have been using it for more than twenty years now.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
We are highly satisfied with the level of stability provided.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The scalability of the servers has been excellent. As we transition to VMware, scalability remains a strong point. Our approach of configuring slightly higher than immediate needs allows for easy scaling without significant challenges.
How are customer service and support?
Our overall experience with their product and support has been consistently excellent. We would rate their support as highly effective, as we have not encountered any significant issues. I would rate it eight out of ten.
How was the initial setup?
The initial setup is straightforward.
What about the implementation team?
The implementation strategy involves careful planning, determining the required components for the server, and configuring all aspects before proceeding with the actual implementation. Once everything is set up according to the plan, the implementation, whether for physical or virtual servers, typically proceeds smoothly without significant complications.
What was our ROI?
In terms of ROI, we have experienced zero downtime with Dell PowerEdge servers. Proactively, if there is any indication of potential issues or planned maintenance, we always prepare alternative solutions. This approach has proven to be highly cost-effective, ensuring uninterrupted operations in our environment. Over my thirteen years with the company, I cannot recall a single instance where colleagues had to wait due to server issues or encountered any significant problems. Overall, the reliability of Dell PowerEdge servers has contributed significantly to a seamless and dependable work environment.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We are continuously exploring offerings from various companies, always seeking the best solutions. Currently, we have servers from both HP and IBM, and specifically, we've integrated IBM storage and Solar devices for evaluation. This approach allows us to compare and assess their performance before making informed decisions based on our specific needs.
What other advice do I have?
Adopting the PowerEdge Cyber Resilient Architecture for security involves ensuring that all firmware updates released by Dell are diligently applied. Regular updates are consistently implemented to meet standard security protocols. However, there is also a proactive stance in preparing for unforeseen circumstances, acknowledging the importance of expecting the unexpected.
Overall, I would rate it nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer. Partner
System Engineer at Parkstad IT
Can be used for SQL servers, domain controllers, virtual center servers, and backup environments
Pros and Cons
- "Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are easy to manage and install, and it gives us a lot of time to do other things."
- "Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers could improve the bezels in front of it."
What is our primary use case?
We are local governments, and we use the solution for computing power and view. We use the Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for our ESX cluster, SQL servers, domain controllers, virtual center servers, and backup environment.
What is most valuable?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are easy to manage and install, and it gives us a lot of time to do other things. We hang it in a rack, install software on it, and it is automatically deployed for the environment.
What needs improvement?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers could improve the bezels in front of it. Because they always change the bezels, it's strange when you come with the customer into your cell room and see ten different bezels hanging.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have been using Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers for 25 to 30 years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers is a pretty stable solution. When there's something wrong with the hardware or hard drives, it can be changed in a running system.
How are customer service and support?
The solution's technical support is good. I call the technical support team when I have a question or problem, and it's always fixed within 30 to 60 minutes. The technical support team resolves our issues on the phone, or the next day, an engineer would come with spare parts to fix the issue.
I rate the solution’s technical support eight and a half out of ten.
How would you rate customer service and support?
Positive
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
We previously used HPE Compaq Server.
After surveying what was better for us, we came to Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers and stayed with it because it was good. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers' price is better than HPE Compaq Server, and it's easy to rack mount. You don't need equipment to hang it on a rack. With other equipment, you need a screwdriver and a bolt. Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers are easy to hang and get out of the systems.
How was the initial setup?
The solution's initial setup is a bit complex because we have a fiber environment and a network environment, which we always have to configure. The fiber environment takes a lot of time. The network environment takes some time, wherein you install the OS and deploy your configuration file on it. The implementation is pretty fast and takes five to ten minutes. Then, you do all the configuring around it because you want to connect it to your power store.
What about the implementation team?
In our environment, it takes between 30 and 60 minutes to get the solution out of the box into a running system.
What other advice do I have?
The solution's power consumption has improved a lot. We always have two power supplies on it. When there's a power outage, and one doesn't work, we have the other spare one. The power consumption is always balanced over two. So, power consumption has gone from high to medium and is even lower now. We are not using the spinning disk anymore.
The solution's ability to handle the evolving needs of high-performance workloads is good. We have a couple of power racks exclusively used for SQL storage. Since the SQL databases are running on them, they need performance, and they perform perfectly.
The solution has helped reduce our unplanned production downtime, but that is because we are also using VMware. So, you can do downtime during the daytime and plan it. Our hardware doesn't power off once a year.
We check every month for OpenManage updates. We check the OpenManage appliance, get a catalog, look at it to see if there is new hardware or firmware, and always deploy them every month. So we are always on top of the new updates.
Overall, I rate Dell PowerEdge Rack Servers a nine out of ten.
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
System Administrator at a construction company with 10,001+ employees
Decreased time to deploy new data centers, improved IT staff's productivity and reduced unplanned downtime
Pros and Cons
- "The iDRAC is an excellent service; it allows us to install and deploy our software remotely."
- "Using the OpenManage console decreased the time it takes us to deploy new data centers; we can do in one hour what previously took us four hours."
- "Overall, the solution is excellent, though Dell could improve the monitoring."
What is our primary use case?
We are a construction company operating worldwide, and we use PowerEdge servers for local storage at our construction sites. Each site has its own infrastructure, including a Dell server. When construction is completed at one place, we decommission the server and then recommission it to another location. There are many Dell servers in the company, somewhere around 3000-5000.
I used the solution to create a cluster consisting of three servers plus storage, and it automatically failed over using VMware. The OS on top of VMware is usually Windows, which is used for financial systems.
We leverage native Windows OS security features in our environment; we need third-party security tools to ensure the safety of our servers.
Our infrastructure is extensive, so we rely on the reliability of the servers. If a server is down, we need to deploy the support team to fix any issue.
We use the solution as a kind of high server, and they are our go-to servers for data forms. The overall integration of our workloads with PowerEdge Rack Servers is critical.
To protect from malware and other firmware attacks, we use McAfee and other antivirus software. We have our firewall and other layers of protection.
How has it helped my organization?
Using the OpenManage console decreased the time it takes us to deploy new data centers. We use efficient division of labor and the technologies offered by the solution, so we can do in one hour what previously took us four hours.
OpenManage very much improved our IT staff's productivity. We are part of a larger organization, and there is Dell service worldwide. As such, we can centrally control firmware updates and turn the power on and off to the servers. This feature works very well for us.
Using the solution reduced our unplanned downtime by 20% to 30%.
What is most valuable?
The iDRAC is an excellent service; it allows us to install and deploy our software remotely.
The OpenManage app is another excellent service, and VMware supports it. There is no problem with drivers because we can get all of them via VMware or Dell.
The solution is an excellent platform for handling the needs of high-performance workloads, it's a good server for high performance.
The solution's approach to security with signed firmware, drift detection, and BIOS recovery is robust and accessible. We can monitor the security landscape easily via OpenManage.
The solution's energy consumption is excellent for managing the power supply, as it is very efficient thanks to built-in power factor correction. The power consumption depends upon the load; it increases with a high CPU load, and we manage this through Windows. We can also use OpenManage to fine-tune the power management.
The major market players are HP and Dell, and we find Dell to be the more cost-effective server. We're also satisfied with its features; the security, management, remote management, and reliability are all favorable.
What needs improvement?
Overall, the solution is excellent, though Dell could improve the monitoring.
The solution could be more friendly in terms of cost.
For how long have I used the solution?
I have worked at several companies using Dell PowerEdge Rack servers for over ten years.
What do I think about the stability of the solution?
The solution is very stable and reliable.
What do I think about the scalability of the solution?
The solution is scalable; we can increase capacity by adding CPU and memory as required.
How are customer service and support?
The customer service is good. We do a lot of remote work, so we sometimes contact them from sites to assist in making changes, doing updates, or installing remotely.
Which solution did I use previously and why did I switch?
I previously used HP servers, which are also good, but I switched due to the high cost.
How was the initial setup?
The initial deployment is straightforward, and that improved over time. Our project management is pleased with the quick deployment; nowadays, we can even deploy remotely. Deployment takes no more than one hour.
Our deployment strategy is to work remotely; technicians install a rack on site, and I can deploy as soon as I get iDRAC.
What was our ROI?
Typically, we receive an ROI. By the time construction has finished on a site, the server will already have covered its cost and more.
What's my experience with pricing, setup cost, and licensing?
The product is cheaper than HP servers, but the price could always be better.
Which other solutions did I evaluate?
We considered public cloud servers, but PowerEdge wins in cost versus public cloud. We also have a vast number of files and operate a large number of sites. One of our requirements is to store files locally, so we need to place physical servers at our locations. That's why we went with the Dell Technologies solution.
The latency of PowerEdge versus public clouds was critical to us as end users don't want issues on the network. Some people prefer to go with the cloud no matter the cost, but the price is essential for us, and the PowerEdge servers are more affordable, especially over the long term. In the short term, going with the cloud could be cheaper.
What other advice do I have?
I rate the solution ten out of ten.
We use the Dell OpenManage console for our PowerEdge Rack Servers, and it's easy to use.
PowerEdge servers are a good choice, as many people use Dell services on the market, and we find Dell to be the most cost-effective server. In terms of long-term cost, we would choose this solution over a cloud solution every time, so I highly recommend this product.
I recommend a good server room or rack with air conditioning to provide a favorable physical environment for the servers. I also recommend a good network as we can use 10G nowadays, and a good network contributes to computation.
Which deployment model are you using for this solution?
On-premises
Disclosure: My company does not have a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer.
Buyer's Guide
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Updated: August 2026
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