Performance
This dual-socket server is powered by first or second-generation Intel's new Xeon Scalable processors which offer up to 28 cores each. Xeon Scalable processors are available in four different options: Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Xeon Platinum processors offer the highest core count and are built for I/O-intensive workloads like real-time analytics. For network communications, Intel's Omni-Path Architecture (Intel OPA) is a low-latency fabric with a 100 Gb/s link bandwidth divided into four 25 Gb/s lanes. Unlike previous generations of InfiniBand implementations, which shut down after one lane fails, Intel's OPA link continues to operate after a lane failure at 75 percent of the original bandwidth. Memory channel support has also increased from four to six channels with Intel's Xeon Scalable processors to satisfy memory-hungry applications. Data encryption overhead is almost non-existent allowing for faster performance on secure data transactions.
Memory
A maximum of 24 DDR4 registered (RDIMM), or load-reduced (LRDIMM) memory modules provide an impressive 3TB of memory. In order to achieve the maximum memory capacity of 3TB, the Dell R740XD server must be configured with either platinum or M-designated Gold processors. For added data protection and lower latency, administrators can opt to configure this system with one to 12 high-performance NVDIMMs. Memory speeds of up to 2933MT/s are supported, but this capability is dependent on the processor model, memory type, and memory configuration. Optane memory modules are supported but only with 2nd generation intel Xeon Scalable processors.
Storage
Storage options are extremely flexible with the ability to mix SSD, HDD, and NVMe drives to create the optimum data-tiered environment. In one of the configurations, up to 24 small form factor (SFF) drives sit at the front of Dell PowerEdge R740XD server, with four drive bays at the back of the chassis, and another four drives in a mid-tray for a total of 32 drive bays. Another configuration supports up to 24 NVMe drives to reduce I/O overhead and maximize storage performance, as well as two internal M.2 SSDs for super-fast failsafe boot or additional storage. An optional internal Dual SD Card Module with vFlash provides failsafe for the hypervisor and the vFLash card can store disk images used for bare metal configurations through iDRAC.
Expansion
In a dual-processor configuration, the Dell EMC R740xd server supports up to eight PCIe expansion cards across three risers. Several different network communications options are available depending on your choice of Network Daughter Cards (NDC) including: 4 x 1GbE, 4 x 10GbE, 2 x 25GbE, or 2 x 10GbE + 2 x 1GbE. At the front of the system there is room for a VGA port, two USB 2.0 ports, and a dedicated iDRAC direct mirco-USB port. The back of the chassis displays a VGA port, a serial port, two USB 3.0 ports, and a dedicated iDRAC network port.
Management
Dell's OpenManage portfolio provides this system with powerful hardware and software tools that simplify server management throughout its entire lifecycle. The OpenManage Deployment Toolkit (DTK) provides sample configuration option files that can be used to effortlessly deploy multiple servers in a timely manner. The integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 (iDRAC9) firmware provides advanced local and remote server management and is embedded into every PowerEdge server and starts working the minute the power and network cables are connected. Server redeployment is stress-free with Dell's System Erase, which provides a straight-forward process to wipe all data from the system's storage devices.
Summary
The Dell EMC PowerEdge R740xd server is built around Intel's new Xeon Scalable processors to deliver improved, workload-optimized performance for high-demand applications. Dual-processor configurations can support up to 3TB of memory and speeds of 2666MT/s can be reached, when using M-designated gold, or platinum processors. Administrators can mix and match SSDs, HDDs, and high-performance NVMe drives to create the optimal tiered storage environment for their anticipated application. The need for on-site support is reduced with Dell's integrated management tools, which provide on-site, on cloud, and remote management tools.
PowerEdge R740xd Features
Processor
Up to two Intel® Xeon® Scalable processors, up to 28 cores per processor
Memory
24 DDR4 DIMM slots, Supports RDIMM /LRDIMM, speeds up to 2666MT/s, 3TB max Up to 12 NVDIMM, 192 GB Max Supports registered ECC DDR4 DIMMs only
Storage
controllers Internal controllers: PERC H730P, H740P, Software RAID (SWRAID) S140 Boot Optimized Storage Subsystem: HWRAID 2 x M.2 SSDs 120GB or 240 GB External PERC (RAID): H840 12Gbps SAS HBAs (non-RAID): External-12Gbps SAS HBA (non-RAID): Internal- HBA330 (non-RAID)
Drive bays Front bays: Up to 24 x 2.5” SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD), NVMe SSD max 153TB or up to 12 x 3.5” SAS/SATA HDD max 144TB Mid bay: Up to 4 x 2.5”, max 25TB SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD), NVMe SSD max 25TB or up to 4 x 3.5”, max 48TB Rear bays: Up to 4 x 2.5”, max 25TB SAS/SATA (HDD/SSD), NVMe SSD or up to 2 x 3.5” max 24TB SAS/SATA HDD
Power supplies
Titanium 750W, Platinum 495W, 750W, 1100W, 1600W, and 2000W 48VDC 1100W, 380HVDC 1100W, 240HVDC 750W Hot plug power supplies with full redundancy Up to 6 hot plugs fans with full redundancy
Dimensions Form factor: Rack (2U) Max depth: 715.5 mm
Embedded management IPMI 2.0 compliant iDRAC9 with Lifecycle Controller (Express, Enterprise) Quick Sync 2 wireless module optional
Bezel
Optional LCD Bezel or Security bezel
OpenManage™ Software
OpenManage Enterprise OpenManage Essentials OpenManage Mobile OpenManage Power Center
Integrations and connections
Integrations: Microsoft® System Center, VMware® vCenter™, BMC Software
Connections: Nagios & Nagios XI, Oracle Enterprise Manager, HP Operations Manager, IBM Tivoli Netcool/OMNIbus, IBM Tivoli® Network Manager, CA Network and Systems Management
Security
TPM 1.2/2.0 optional Secure Boot System Lockdown Secure erase
I/O & Ports
Network daughter card options 4 x 1GE or 2 x 10GE + 2 x 1GE or 4 x 10GE or 2 x 25GE Front ports: VGA, 2 x USB 2.0, dedicated IDRAC Direct Micro-USB Rear ports: VGA, Serial, 2 x USB 3.0, dedicated iDRAC network port Video card: VGA Riser options with p to 8 PCIe Gen 3 slots, maximum of 4 x 16 slots
Accelerator options
GPU and FPGA options are available only on 24 x 2.5” drive chassis. Nvidia Tesla P100, K80, K40, Grid M60, M10, P4, Quadro P4000, NVIDIA V100 or Intel Arria® 10 GX See Dell.com/GPU for latest information.
Supported operating systems
Canonical® Ubuntu® LTS Citrix® XenServer® Microsoft Windows Server® with Hyper-V Red Hat® Enterprise Linux SUSE® Linux Enterprise Server VMware® ESXi Dell.com/OSsupport
