Dell PowerEdge R730xd 12-Bay SAS / SATA LFF Rack-Mountable 2U Server Chassis

Dell PowerEdge R730

The Dell PowerEdge R730 server is a 2U, 13th gen (13G), Intel-based rack server, which can weigh up to 72Lbs when fully configured. The server's motherboard supports 2x Intel LGA2011 / Socket-R3 sockets that accommodate Intel's Xeon E5-2600 V3 / V4 Series processors with a maximium TDP of 165W, maximum speed per processor of 3.50Ghz, and a maximum of 44 Cores. The Dell PowerEdge R730 server supports 12x DIMMs per CPU for a total of 24x RAM slots and a maximum of 3.1TB of PC4 / DDR4 ECC Registered memory with a max speed of 2666 Mhz.

The Dell PowerEdge R730 chassis takes 2x hot-plug / hot-swap redundant power supplies / PSUs with total wattage of up to 1,100 Watts. Total storage maxes out at 288.0TB without the optional flex-bay drives. Including optional flex-bay drives, max storage exceeds 399.4TB. Depending on the chassis configuration, the Dell PowerEdge R730 server can support a maximum of 26x SFF / 2.5 inch SATA / SAS drives or a maximum of 16x LFF / 3.5 inch SATA / SAS drives.

The Dell PowerEdge R730 server comes with a modular LOM / NDC slot that accommodates a wide range of network daughter card connections. Depending on the riser configuration, the Dell PowerEdge R730 server could take up to 7x PCIe 3.0 (Gen 3) NIC slots. Depending on the riser configuration, the Dell PowerEdge R730 server could accommodate up to 2x double-wide GPUs or up to 4x single-wide GPUs.

Key additional features include: Quick Sync setup features, flex-zoning, and DRAC 8 Dell remote access capabilities.

Select a Dell PowerEdge R730

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Rack-Mountable 2U 12-Bay PowerEdge R730 LFF quarter turn view DELL_PE_R730xd_12B
Rack-Mountable 2U 12-Bay PowerEdge R730 LFF front view DELL_PE_R730xd_12B
Rack-Mountable 2U 12-Bay PowerEdge R730 LFF back view DELL_PE_R730xd_12B
Rack-Mountable 2U 12-Bay PowerEdge R730 LFF quarter turn view with lid raised to show interior components, with 2 PSUs DELL_PE_R730xd_12B
Rack-Mountable 2U 12-Bay PowerEdge R730 LFF quarter turn view with lid raised to show interior components, with 2 PSUs, bezel, and rail kit DELL_PE_R730xd_12B
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Dell PowerEdge R730xd 12-Bay SAS / SATA LFF Rack-Mountable 2U Server Chassis
Starting at:
$284.95

High-capacity storage: with 12 x 3.5" large form factor (LFF) drive bays, the R730xd offers ample storage for demanding data workloads.  Also compatible with 2.5" drives, offering flexible options for high-volume data handling. 

Modular: options for Mid-Bays and Rear Flex-Bays allow for customizable configurations, accommodating expansion up to a total of 16 x 3.5” drives. 

GPU capacity: supports up to 3 double-width GPUs (300W each) or 6 single-width GPUs (150W each). Optimized for advanced graphics processing in compute-intensive tasks.

Expandable: with up to 8 PCIe slots, this R730xd supports easy upgrades, enabling scalability for virtualization, data processing, media streaming, and other high-performance workloads.

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FAQs

Yes, using Dell's iDRAC with Lifecycle Controller, you can perform automated OS deployment on the R730, making large-scale system setups quicker and more efficient.

You can change your R730's RAID configuration after deployment, but the process may require downtime depending on the RAID level and the amount of data being migrated. Dell OpenManage helps manage the reconfiguration process.

Yes, the R730’s high-performance networking, fast storage options, and robust CPU make it a strong candidate for media-rich environments like video streaming or CDN infrastructure.

Both options offer flexible storage options with front-loading drive bays that support SAS and SATA drives. As for flexbays, however, depends on the chassis: the R730xd has multiple options for mid and rear flexbays, while the R730 does not.

The R730 supports Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, and VMware ESXi, among others. And with virtualization platforms like Hyper-V, you can install and run multiple operating systems simultaneously.

Absolutely. The R730’s dual Xeon processors, large memory capacity, and high I/O throughput make it ideal for hosting relational databases like SQL Server and Oracle.

The R730 supports Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 and v4 processors, offering up to 22 cores per processor. It’s a versatile platform for multi-core applications (so when you’re building your configuration, make sure you’re considering cooling and power draw).

Documentation

  • Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd Getting Started Guide

    The Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd servers, regulatory models E315 Series and E315001 manufactured by Dell Inc., are engineered to deliver scalable compute density for modern enterprise data centers. These systems support dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 and v4 processor families, with core counts scaling from six to twenty-eight cores per socket to handle heavy virtualization and database workloads. Memory architecture accommodates up to seven hundred sixty-eight gigabytes of DDR4 RAM across twenty-four slots, while the R730xd variant specifically targets storage-intensive applications through twelve internal drive bays configured for flexible SAS and SATA deployment. The standard twelve-inch rack form factor integrates seamlessly into existing infrastructure, expanded by multiple PCIe Gen 3 slots for network interfaces and accelerator modules.

    Operational resilience is emphasized through highly adaptable power and thermal specifications. The documentation details configurable hot-plug power supplies ranging from four hundred ninety-five watt to one thousand one hundred watt Platinum efficiency units, alongside a direct current option restricted to specific international markets. Standard cooling maintains stable performance at ambient temperatures up to thirty-five degrees Celsius, while validated Fresh Air configurations extend this range to forty-five degrees Celsius with humidity levels reaching ninety percent, significantly lowering facility cooling costs. System stability is further supported by a three-volt CR2032 backup battery and strict compliance with phase-to-phase voltage limits not exceeding two hundred thirty volts for IT power distribution networks.

    Security and lifecycle management rely on mandatory operating system deployment protocols and comprehensive regulatory documentation before hardware or third-party software installation. Buyers seeking centralized administration will utilize Dell OpenManage and remote access controllers for secure boot validation, firmware updates, and real-time hardware diagnostics. The provided materials stress adherence to global safety standards, software licensing agreements, and proactive maintenance schedules. Ultimately, infrastructure architects and procurement teams selecting the Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd target mission-critical deployment scenarios where power efficiency, thermal flexibility, and scalable compute density drive long-term operational cost reductions and continuous workload availability.

    Updated: October 1, 2026Download
  • Dell PowerEdge R730xd Owner's Manual

    The Dell PowerEdge R730xd is a 2U rack chassis server engineered by Dell specifically for enterprise data centers requiring high availability and dense compute performance. Built on a robust physical layout, the system supports dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4 processor families, delivering extensive core counts and advanced virtualization capabilities to handle demanding workloads. Memory architecture is equally expansive, featuring twenty four DDR4 slots that accommodate RDIMM and LRDIMM modules for configurations reaching up to three terabytes. Administrators can tailor these memory resources across various operational modes, including error correction checking, mirroring, sparing, and optimizer settings, ensuring optimal reliability and throughput for virtualization platforms and database applications.

    Storage flexibility remains a cornerstone of the Dell PowerEdge R730xd, offering multiple drive chassis options that house either twelve three point five inch or twenty four two point five inch drives within hybrid configurations. The system integrates dedicated SAS and SATA backplanes alongside optional internal dual SD modules for operating system boot media, complemented by an internal USB key for auxiliary storage and security tasks. Expansion capabilities are managed through three PCIe riser modules that support RAID controllers, convergence network adapters, and other accelerator cards, with strict installation priority rules to maintain optimal thermal airflow. Power delivery is handled by hot swappable units ranging from four hundred ninety five watts to one thousand one hundred watts in alternating or direct current formats, operating in redundant configurations with an integrated hot spare efficiency feature that dynamically allocates load across the installed modules.

    Operational oversight and hardware integrity are maintained through Dell EMC integrated platform services, primarily centered on the iDRAC remote management controller and Lifecycle Controller software ecosystem. These tools enable out of band administration, firmware updates, OS deployment, and continuous system health monitoring without requiring physical access to the rack. Security implementations include Universal Extensible Firmware Interface initialization, Secure Boot validation, Trusted Platform Module encryption, and granular password protection that locks out unauthorized configuration changes. Routine maintenance follows standardized diagnostic workflows utilizing enhanced pre boot assessment utilities and clear LED indicator systems for rapid fault isolation across processors, memory ranks, drive arrays, and network interfaces. IT buyers targeting scalable infrastructure solutions will find the Dell PowerEdge R730xd aligns with enterprise procurement needs by combining dense compute architecture, flexible storage mapping, comprehensive out of band management tools, and strictly documented service protocols to minimize downtime and extend hardware lifecycle.

    Updated: October 1, 2026Download
  • Dell PowerEdge R730 Spec Sheet

    The Dell EMC PowerEdge R730 is a versatile two-socket 2U rack server designed for midsize to large enterprises requiring high compute performance and flexible configuration options. Powered by the Intel Xeon processor E5-2600 v4 product family, this system supports dual processors with core counts ranging from 4 to 22 per socket, delivering robust processing power for demanding workloads. The PowerEdge R730 accommodates up to 24 DIMMs of high-capacity DDR4 memory running at speeds up to 2400MT/s, offering a total maximum memory capacity of 3TB with ECC protection and advanced availability features like single device data correction. Its compact 2U chassis measures 8.73 cm in height, making it ideal for dense data center deployments while maintaining extensive resource capabilities.

    The PowerEdge R730 provides extensive I/O and storage versatility to meet diverse application needs. Users can configure up to 16 small form factor drives or 8 large internal hard drive bays, supporting SAS, SATA, and nearline SAS media with maximum capacities reaching 29TB for 2.5-inch configurations and 64TB for 3.5-inch setups via 8TB drives. The system features up to seven PCIe 3.0 expansion slots alongside a dedicated PERC slot, allowing integration of internal controllers such as the PERC H730P or H830, external HBAs, and up to two internal GPU accelerators for graphics-intensive tasks. This hardware architecture enables the PowerEdge R730 to excel in virtual desktop infrastructure deployments, high-performance computing nodes, database operations, medical imaging solutions, and dense virtualization environments where consolidation and scalability are critical.

    To maximize operational efficiency and simplify administration, the Dell EMC PowerEdge R730 integrates advanced management tools including iDRAC8 with Lifecycle Controller technology, which supports agent-free deployment and configuration automation. IT administrators gain deep visibility through iDRAC Direct, iDRAC Quick Sync, and the OpenManage portfolio, enabling centralized monitoring via OpenManage Essentials and mobile access through OpenManage Mobile. The server enhances reliability with hot-plug redundant power supplies and cooling fans, proactive systems management alerts, and support for high availability clustering. Energy optimization is addressed through titanium and platinum efficiency power options up to 1100W, ensuring the PowerEdge R730 delivers cost-effective infrastructure management for enterprises seeking reduced time-to-production, lower operational costs, and robust data center performance.

    Updated: October 1, 2026Download
  • Dell PowerEdge R730 Owner's Manual

    The Dell PowerEdge R730 is a 1U rack-mounted enterprise server engineered by Dell to deliver robust computational flexibility for demanding data center environments. Designed around dual Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4 processors supporting configurable core counts, the platform accommodates extensive DDR4 memory across twenty-four DIMM slots, holding up to seven hundred sixty-eight gigabytes with RDIMMs or three terabytes using LRDIMMs. Storage versatility defines the chassis design, offering either eight 3.5-inch or sixteen 2.5-inch hot-swappable drive bays that accept SAS, SATA, and Nearline SAS media, alongside optional tape and optical backup units. The system integrates PCIe Gen 3 expansion through three riser options with half and full height slot support, dual AC or DC power supplies rated between four hundred ninety-five and one thousand one hundred watts, and built-in one gigabit or ten gigabit network interface controllers.

    Remote administration and system control are handled through Dell Integrated Remote Access Controller and UEFI-based System Setup utilities accessible at boot. Administrators can configure processor virtualization, power throttling, memory ECC modes, and boot sequences using the embedded firmware interface without requiring host operating system installation. The R730 emphasizes strict security protocols, incorporating a cryptographically bound Trusted Platform Module, Secure Boot enforcement, configurable setup passwords, and hardware watchdog controls. Out-of-band management via iDRAC allows full remote lifecycle oversight through static or DHCP networking, while Dell Lifecycle Controller streamlines operating system deployment, firmware synchronization, and automated hardware diagnostics through the embedded diagnostics utility.

    This architecture targets IT administrators and infrastructure buyers who require a highly configurable, serviceable platform for virtualization, database workloads, and storage-intensive applications. The server supports rapid component upgrades through straightforward hot-plug drive swaps, modular cooling shrouds, and detailed thermal management guidelines that prevent air blockage during maintenance. Dell explicitly structures the hardware servicing procedures to align with enterprise support expectations, reserving complex system board or processor replacements for certified technicians while providing comprehensive jumpers for BIOS reset and warranty tracking via the front service tag. Ultimately, the Dell PowerEdge R730 delivers a balanced combination of dense processing power, scalable storage expansion, rigorous data protection controls, and streamlined remote provisioning to meet modern enterprise deployment standards.

    Updated: October 1, 2026Download
  • Dell PowerEdge R730xd Technical Guide

    Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd servers are highly configurable 2U dual-socket rack systems engineered by Dell to deliver robust compute performance and adaptable storage architectures for modern enterprise data centers. Each chassis accommodates Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 processors, with each socket supporting up to eighteen cores and thirty-six threads alongside forty PCIe lanes. Memory capacity reaches seven hundred sixty-eight gigabytes across twenty-four DIMM slots using DDR4 RDIMM or LRDIMM modules operating at speeds up to two thousand one hundred thirty-three megatransfers per second, while built-in reliability features ensure continuous uptime through mirroring, sparing, and system-level redundancy. The R730 focuses on compute optimization, offering sixteen 2.5-inch or eight 3.5-inch hot-plug drive bays and internal GPU support for acceleration workloads, whereas the R730xd prioritizes data density with configurations supporting up to twenty-four 2.5-inch, eighteen 1.8-inch, or twelve 3.5-inch drives plus four optional Express Flash PCIe SSDs. Both models utilize next-generation PERC9 storage controllers with twelve gigabit per second SAS connectivity and flexible rack network daughter cards that enable customizable one-gigabit or ten-gigabit Ethernet integration without consuming precious expansion slots.

    Operational efficiency and environmental adaptability remain central to the Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd design, as hot-plug power supplies ranging from four hundred ninety-five watts to one thousand one hundred watts feature Titanium and Platinum 80 PLUS certifications alongside active power capping capabilities. Advanced cooling architecture permits stable operation at ambient temperatures up to forty-five degrees Celsius through dynamic fan regulation that balances airflow demands against acoustic output, which remains relatively quiet during idle cycles. Enterprise-grade management is delivered via the embedded iDRAC8 controller available in Express and Enterprise tiers, providing agent-free provisioning, firmware synchronization, remote virtual media access, hardware health monitoring, and optional two-factor authentication with directory service integration. Complementary Dell OpenManage Portfolio tools extend oversight across distributed infrastructures by automating OS deployment, tracking power consumption, and interfacing seamlessly with VMware vCenter and Microsoft System Center environments.

    IT professionals deploy the Dell PowerEdge R730 to handle virtual desktop infrastructure projects, high-performance computing tasks, database clusters, medical imaging archives, and general-purpose enterprise workloads that demand scalable processing power. Organizations requiring massive local storage capacity turn to the Dell PowerEdge R730xd for email and mail routing systems, backup replication repositories, big data analytics pipelines, and tiered storage deployments where dense disk arrays and rapid SSD caching directly impact throughput. Both platforms support major Windows Server, RHEL, SLES, VMware ESXi, Hyper-V, and Citrix XenServer operating systems, and ship with tool-less ReadyRail mounting hardware along with front diagnostic displays and QR-coded documentation access to streamline initial rack installation and ongoing maintenance cycles.

    Updated: October 1, 2026Download
  • Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730xd Statement of Volatility

    The Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730XD servers deliver enterprise infrastructure designed for datacenter environments that require precise memory volatility tracking and scalable storage expansion. Each multi-core processor socket supports up to twelve DIMMs scaling to sixty-four gigabytes of volatile DRAM for active operating system workloads. Storage flexibility is achieved through multiple chassis backplanes including dual 2.5-inch quad 3.5-inch eight 2.5-inch twelve 3.5-inch twenty-four 2.5-inch expander sixteen 2.5-inch expander and eighteen 1.8-inch drive configurations. The Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730XD utilize H730 H830 and H330 PERC controllers that combine non-volatile configuration SRAM manufacturing FRU data default property EEPROMs sixteen megabytes of flash firmware and four gigabytes of ONFI backup memory to preserve write-back cache during power loss.

    System management and security rely on an iDRAC subsystem equipped with four megabytes of SPI flash and four gigabytes of BMC eMMC storage. These components retain bootloader images secure boot routines lifecycle controller diagnostics virtual planar identification data system event logs and firmware repositories across reboots. Hardware write protection is enforced via embedded strapping bits manufacturer-programmed EEPROMs and power supply microcontroller profiles capped at two megabytes per unit to block unauthorized configuration changes. A Trusted Platform Module supplies one hundred twenty-eight bytes for encryption keys while BIOS CMOS parameters and voltage regulator ROM preserve essential initialization values without continuous power.

    IT procurement teams select the Dell PowerEdge R730 and R730XD when they need transparent component retention boundaries robust data protection mechanisms and predictable recovery workflows for production server fleets. The explicit volatility documentation allows administrators to accurately configure BIOS reset procedures lifecycle log archival and secure remote provisioning without risking firmware corruption or cache data loss. By pairing high-density storage backplanes with RAID cache preservation and isolated management partitions, this platform provides the reliability security tracking and scalable architecture demanded by modern enterprise computing requirements.

    Updated: October 1, 2026Download

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