Refurbished PowerEdge R940 Server

Dell PowerEdge R940 Server – Unmatched Power for Mission-Critical Workloads

The Dell PowerEdge R940 is a top-tier 3U rack server designed to handle the most demanding, mission-critical applications. Built for high-performance computing (HPC), enterprise resource planning (ERP), in-memory databases, and large-scale virtualization, the R940 is engineered for speed, scalability, and reliability. With support for up to four Intel Xeon Scalable processors, massive memory capacity, and extensive storage options, the PowerEdge R940 is ideal for enterprises looking to manage and process vast amounts of data with minimal latency. It’s a powerful solution for environments where downtime is not an option and where complex workloads require robust and consistent performance.

Internal view of the Dell PowerEdge R940

Powerful Multi-Socket Processing

The Dell PowerEdge R940 is equipped with up to four Intel Xeon Scalable processors, providing a total of up to 112 cores. This multi-socket configuration offers extreme parallel processing power, making it perfect for compute-intensive applications such as real-time data analytics, machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI), and in-memory databases like SAP HANA. With Intel Turbo Boost Technology, the R940 dynamically increases the frequency of each core, delivering enhanced performance during peak workload periods. This server’s processor power allows businesses to handle massive datasets and complex applications quickly, efficiently, and reliably.

Expansive Memory Capacity

Designed to support memory-intensive applications, the PowerEdge R940 boasts 48 DIMM slots with support for up to 12TB of DDR4 memory using load-reduced (LRDIMM) or registered (RDIMM) modules. This huge memory capacity allows for extremely fast data access, which is crucial for applications like real-time analytics, high-performance computing, and large-scale virtualization. For even greater performance, the R940 supports Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory technology, which combines the speed of DRAM with the persistence of traditional storage, enabling rapid access to large datasets even after a power cycle. This feature is essential for businesses running in-memory databases or any application where fast restart times and data retention are vital.

Flexible and Scalable Storage Options

The Dell PowerEdge R940 is designed with storage flexibility in mind, supporting up to 13 x 3.5-inch drives or up to 24 x 2.5-inch drives. This configuration allows for a mix of SAS, SATA, and NVMe storage drives, providing the perfect balance between storage capacity and performance. The R940 can be configured to handle vast amounts of data at high speeds, making it ideal for data-heavy applications like business intelligence, data warehousing, and big data analytics. Additionally, Dell’s PowerEdge RAID Controller (PERC) technology provides enhanced data protection and optimized data access, ensuring that critical information is secure and quickly retrievable when needed.

Enhanced Workload Performance with GPU Support

To further accelerate compute-intensive applications, the Dell PowerEdge R940 offers support for up to two double-width GPUs. This capability makes the R940 well-suited for applications requiring massive parallel processing power, such as AI, ML, and scientific computing. GPU acceleration provides the R940 with additional processing power, reducing computation times and increasing efficiency in data-intensive environments. With GPUs, the R940 is equipped to handle deep learning workloads, complex modeling, and simulation tasks with ease.

Advanced Remote Management with iDRAC

The Dell PowerEdge R940 comes equipped with iDRAC9 (Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller), which allows IT administrators to remotely manage, monitor, and troubleshoot the server from anywhere. iDRAC provides real-time alerts, automated management, and detailed system information, which helps prevent downtime and reduces the need for on-site maintenance. When combined with Dell’s OpenManage software suite, the R940 enables seamless and automated server lifecycle management, making it easier for IT teams to deploy, configure, and manage the server infrastructure. These features are essential for large enterprises managing multiple servers and data centers, where efficient monitoring and troubleshooting are key to maintaining high uptime.

Robust Security Features for Data Protection

Security is paramount in the PowerEdge R940, with a range of features designed to protect data and maintain system integrity. Dell’s Cyber Resilient Architecture includes Secure Boot, System Lockdown, and Silicon Root of Trust, which protect the server’s firmware from unauthorized modifications and potential malware attacks. System Erase allows administrators to securely and quickly wipe all data from storage devices when decommissioning or repurposing the server, ensuring data privacy and compliance. These features, combined with secure remote access through iDRAC, provide an end-to-end security framework that keeps data safe and accessible only to authorized users.

Efficient Design and Energy Optimization

Despite its immense power, the PowerEdge R940 is designed to operate efficiently. Dell’s multi-vector cooling technology optimizes airflow and reduces power consumption by dynamically adjusting fan speeds based on workload requirements. This intelligent cooling system helps keep the server at optimal temperatures while minimizing energy use, reducing operational costs and supporting sustainability goals. The R940’s compact 3U design also maximizes rack space, allowing businesses to fit more processing power into their existing data center footprint.

Key Use Cases

The Dell PowerEdge R940 is designed to handle complex and mission-critical workloads, making it ideal for the following use cases:

In-Memory Databases: With high memory capacity and Intel Optane DC Persistent Memory support, the R940 is perfect for in-memory databases like SAP HANA, enabling real-time data processing and analytics.
High-Performance Computing (HPC): The four-socket design and GPU support allow the R940 to handle scientific simulations, engineering workloads, and computational tasks in HPC environments.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: With GPU acceleration and high processing power, the R940 can manage AI and ML workloads, making it suitable for deep learning, predictive analytics, and complex data modeling.
Large-Scale Virtualization: The R940’s scalability in memory and processing power make it an ideal choice for consolidating multiple virtual machines, enabling enterprises to reduce their hardware footprint and operational costs.
Big Data Analytics: With extensive storage, fast memory access, and powerful processing, the R940 provides the infrastructure needed for big data and business intelligence applications.

Conclusion

The Dell PowerEdge R940 is one of the most powerful and versatile servers in Dell’s PowerEdge lineup, delivering unmatched performance, reliability, and scalability. With up to four Intel Xeon Scalable processors, up to 12TB of memory, extensive storage options, and GPU support, the R940 is an ideal solution for organizations that require top-tier performance for mission-critical workloads. Its advanced management tools, robust security features, and energy-efficient design make it a reliable choice for enterprise data centers that need to process large volumes of data quickly and securely. For businesses in sectors such as finance, healthcare, research, and manufacturing, the PowerEdge R940 offers the processing power, flexibility, and durability to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.