Dell PowerEdge R730 Server

Dell PowerEdge R730 Server: The Enterprise Standard for Scalable 2U Computing

In the demanding landscape of 2026 enterprise-grade hardware, the Dell PowerEdge R730 Server remains a definitive benchmark for versatility, reliability, and balanced performance. Originally introduced as the flagship of Dell’s 13th generation (13G) PowerEdge lineup, this 2U rack solution was engineered to handle the industry's most punishing workloads—ranging from intensive virtualization and high-density cloud applications to the burgeoning needs of edge computing.

Whether you are seeking a foundational workstation for a growing business, a reliable node for a large-scale data center, or a robust platform for a high-performance homelab, the Dell PowerEdge R730 Server delivers the computational density and architectural longevity required for modern IT environments. Even a decade after its initial debut, its support for the Intel Xeon E5-2600 v4 processor family and high-speed DDR4 memory ensures it remains a cost-effective powerhouse in the secondary and refurbished markets.

Engineering Excellence: The PowerEdge R730 Design

The PowerEdge R730 is more than a simple collection of components; it is a meticulously designed ecosystem. Its chassis dimensions ($8.73 \text{ cm} \times 44.40 \text{ cm} \times 68.40 \text{ cm}$) are optimized for high-density rack environments, occupying exactly 2U of vertical space. This form factor allows for superior airflow and thermal management via a multi-fan redundant cooling array.

Thermal efficiency is critical for maintaining peak performance during 24/7 operations. The R730 chassis features tool-less access to almost every internal component, including the dual-socket motherboard, cooling shroud, and hot-swap drive backplanes. This modularity ensures that maintenance and hardware upgrades—such as adding a second CPU or increasing RAM—can be performed with minimal downtime.

Processing Power with Intel Xeon E5-2600 v4

At the core of this Dell PowerEdge R730 Server lies the Intel Xeon E5-2620 V4. Built on the 14nm Broadwell-EP architecture, this processor features 8 physical cores and 16 threads, designed specifically for multi-tasking and parallel processing.

CPU Scalability

While this unit ships with a single E5-2620 V4, the R730 motherboard is a dual-socket (LGA2011-3) platform. This means as your business grows, you can install a second matching processor to effectively double your core count and thread density. The E5-2600 v4 series supports up to 22 physical cores per processor (44 cores total in a dual-socket configuration), providing a massive ceiling for compute-heavy applications.

Performance Efficiency

The Intel C610 chipset facilitates high-speed communication via Intel QPI (QuickPath Interconnect) links at up to 9.6 GT/s. This ensures that the data flow between processors, memory, and I/O devices remains fluid, minimizing latency in real-time processing environments.

Memory Architecture and Scalability

Memory is often the primary bottleneck in virtualization and database management. The Dell PowerEdge R730 addresses this with 24 DIMM slots, divided equally between the two processor sockets.

High-Density RAM Support

The server supports DDR4 ECC (Error-Correcting Code) memory, which proactively identifies and fixes single-bit memory errors to prevent system crashes.

• RDIMM (Registered DIMM): Offers a balance of cost and performance, supporting up to 768GB (with 32GB sticks).
• LRDIMM (Load-Reduced DIMM): Designed for maximum capacity, allowing the R730 to scale up to 1.5TB or even 3TB of total RAM, depending on the specific module density and processor configuration.

Data Integrity Features

Advanced memory modes such as Memory Mirroring and Memory Sparing are available through the BIOS. Sparing allows the system to reserve a memory rank as a backup; if a primary rank fails, the data is instantly copied to the spare, ensuring the server remains online without a reboot.

Storage and Advanced Data Integrity

The storage architecture of the Dell PowerEdge R730 Server is designed for speed, safety, and massive scalability. This specific configuration features 2x 600GB 10K SAS drives. SAS (Serial Attached SCSI) drives are the gold standard for enterprise environments, offering higher reliability and faster data transfer rates than consumer-grade SATA drives.

The PERC Advantage

The included PERC H330 RAID Controller is a vital component for data protection. Unlike software-based RAID, the PERC (PowerEdge RAID Controller) card handles all drive management, offloading the work from the CPU.

• RAID 0/1/5/10/50: The H330 supports a wide range of configurations.
• Upgradability: For users requiring even higher performance, the R730 supports the H730 and H730P controllers, which feature 1GB or 2GB of Non-Volatile (NV) cache. This cache significantly improves write performance by buffering data before it is committed to the physical disks.

Versatile Use Cases in 2026

The PowerEdge R730 Server is a flexible platform suitable for a wide array of professional applications. Its 2U form factor provides enough physical space for substantial storage and optional hardware accelerators.

1. High-Density Virtualization

The R730 is a certified host for VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Citrix Hypervisor. With its high memory ceiling, it can run dozens of isolated virtual machines (VMs) on a single physical footprint. This consolidation reduces power costs and hardware overhead for IT departments.

2. GPU-Accelerated Computing & AI

The R730 can be equipped with up to two double-wide GPUs (such as NVIDIA Tesla or newer A-series cards) or four single-wide GPUs. This makes it an excellent choice for:

• Machine Learning (ML): Running local inference models.
• VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure): Providing graphics-heavy desktop environments to remote workers.
• Medical Imaging: Processing complex 3D scans and radiological data.

3. Database Management & Analytics

The high-speed SAS backplane and ECC memory ensure fast query responses and data integrity for SQL, Oracle, or SAP HANA databases. When configured with all-flash SSDs, the R730 transforms into a high-speed analytics node capable of processing millions of transactions per second.

Remote Management and Security with iDRAC8

One of the standout features of the Dell PowerEdge series is the Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller (iDRAC8). This is a dedicated hardware chip on the motherboard that allows IT professionals to manage the server "out-of-band."

• Remote Console: Access the server’s keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) from any web browser worldwide, even if the primary operating system is crashed.
• Lifecycle Controller: A built-in tool that simplifies firmware updates and OS deployment without requiring external media.
• Enhanced Security: Features like System Lockdown prevent unauthorized changes to the BIOS or firmware, while Secure Erasure ensures that sensitive data is permanently wiped from drives before the server is retired or repurposed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the maximum core count supported by the Dell R730?

The R730 supports two Intel Xeon E5-2600 v3 or v4 processors. With two E5-2699 v4 processors installed, the server can provide a total of 44 physical cores and 88 threads.

2. Can I mix different types of RAM in the R730?

No. You cannot mix RDIMMs and LRDIMMs. Furthermore, while the server supports various speeds (e.g., 2133MT/s and 2400MT/s), all modules will operate at the speed of the slowest module installed.

3. Does the R730 support NVMe drives?

Yes, the R730 supports PCIe-based NVMe storage for high-speed data access. However, it does not natively support booting from NVMe; the operating system should be installed on SAS/SATA drives or the Internal Dual SD Module.

4. What is the benefit of the Redundant Power Supplies?

The dual 2x PSU setup ensures that if one power supply fails—or the electrical circuit it is plugged into goes dark—the server continues to run on the second unit without interruption.

5. How many PCIe slots does the R730 have?

Depending on the riser configuration, the R730 supports up to 7 PCIe 3.0 slots, allowing for additional NICs, HBAs, or GPU accelerators.

6. Is the iDRAC8 Enterprise license included?

Standard units typically come with iDRAC8 Express. The Enterprise license is a separate upgrade that enables the full Virtual Console and remote media mounting.

7. What operating systems are compatible?

The R730 is certified for Windows Server 2012 through 2022, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Ubuntu, CentOS, and various VMware ESXi versions.

8. Can I use the R730 for a homelab in 2026?

Absolutely. It is highly sought after by homelab enthusiasts because of its low cost on the refurbished market, high RAM capacity, and relatively quiet operation compared to 1U servers.

9. What is the difference between the R730 and R730xd?

The R730 focuses on PCIe expansion and general-purpose compute, while the R730xd (Extreme Disk) is specialized for storage, offering up to 28 drive bays.

10. How do I update the firmware?

Firmware can be updated directly through the iDRAC8 web interface using the Dell Repository Manager or by downloading update packages from the Dell Support site.

11. Does the R730 support 10GbE networking?

Yes. The R730 features a modular Network Daughter Card (NDC). You can choose between 4x 1GbE ports or 2x 10GbE + 2x 1GbE ports.

12. What RAID levels does the PERC H330 support?

The H330 supports RAID 0, 1, 5, 10, and 50. It does not support RAID 6; for RAID 6, you would need the H730 or H730P controller.

13. Is a rail kit included?

This specific unit includes the ReadyRails Rail Kit, allowing for easy installation into any standard square-hole or unthreaded round-hole 4-post rack.

14. Can I add a GPU later?

Yes, but you may need the GPU Enablement Kit, which includes specific power cables and potentially low-profile heatsinks to accommodate the card's physical dimensions.

15. Why choose a refurbished R730 in 2026?

It offers the best "performance-per-dollar" ratio. For many SMBs and development environments, the R730 provides 90% of the utility of a newer R740 at approximately 40% of the cost.

Secure Your Infrastructure Today

The Dell PowerEdge R730 Server remains a titan of the data center. Its blend of processing power, 2U dimensions, and massive expansion capabilities make it a cornerstone of modern IT strategy. Whether you need a single unit or a full rack of refurbished nodes, this server provides the reliability you need at a price point that fits your budget.

Ready to upgrade your data center?

Contact our technical sales team today for a custom quote on the Dell PowerEdge R730 Server. We offer flexible configurations and worldwide shipping to ensure your infrastructure is ready for the challenges of tomorrow.