Dell PowerEdge R840 Server

Dell PowerEdge R840 Server: Enterprise 4-Socket Performance in a 2U Chassis

The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server represents a pinnacle in high-density computing, designed specifically to address the most demanding data-intensive workloads. In the modern enterprise landscape, the ability to process massive datasets in real-time is no longer a luxury but a fundamental requirement. This PowerEdge R840 platform delivers 4-socket performance within a compact 2U form factor, providing an ideal balance of processor density, memory capacity, and storage flexibility.

By integrating up to four 2nd Generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors, the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server allows organizations to maximize their data center footprint without compromising on computational power. Whether you are managing complex artificial intelligence (AI) projects, high-performance computing (HPC) tasks, or large-scale virtualization, this R840 Server provides the robust architecture necessary for consistent, reliable performance.

High-Density Performance for Mission-Critical Workloads

The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server is engineered to minimize latency and maximize throughput. While many enterprise environments rely on standard dual-socket systems, the PowerEdge R840 Rack Server jumps to a quad-socket architecture. This shift is critical for workloads that are traditionally bottlenecked by CPU or memory constraints.

Accelerated Analytics and AI

The integration of up to 24 direct-attached NVMe drives ensures that the Dell EMC PowerEdge R840 Server can feed data to the processors at incredible speeds. This makes it an exceptional choice for machine learning and predictive analytics. By reducing the distance between storage and the CPU, the R840 Rack Server eliminates the typical "I/O wait" times that slow down complex calculations.

Database and Virtualization Prowess

With 48 DIMM slots supporting up to 6TB of memory, the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server is a powerhouse for in-memory databases like SAP HANA or Oracle. It allows IT heads to consolidate multiple virtual machines (VMs) onto a single physical unit, significantly reducing the total cost of ownership (TCO). The PowerEdge R840 ensures that even under heavy virtualization loads, system responsiveness remains fluid.

Advanced Hardware and Configuration Flexibility

One of the defining traits of the Dell PowerEdge R840 Rack Server is its internal modularity. It offers a level of configuration flexibility that is rare in the 2U category.

Memory Architecture

The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server supports both RDIMMs and LRDIMMs. With speeds up to 2933MT/s, the memory bandwidth is optimized for high-speed data transfers. This vast memory pool is essential for research institutions and financial sectors where historical data analysis requires massive amounts of active RAM.

Storage and RAID Performance

The storage subsystem of the Dell EMC PowerEdge R840 Server can be tailored to your specific speed and capacity needs.

• Performance Tier: Utilize up to 12 NVMe PCIe SSDs for ultra-low latency.
• Capacity Tier: Leverage up to 24 SAS/SATA drives for a maximum of 184.32TB of local storage.
• RAID Reliability: The PERC H740P controller provides advanced RAID management with 8GB of NV cache, ensuring data integrity even during unexpected power events.

Power and Thermal Efficiency

To support four high-performance processors, the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server utilizes high-wattage, hot-plug power supplies. Options range from 750W for leaner configurations to 2400W for fully loaded systems. The $N+1$ fan redundancy ensures that the R840 Server stays cool even when all 112 possible cores are under maximum load.

Comprehensive Remote Management and Security

Dell’s OpenManage ecosystem is a cornerstone of the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server experience. Efficient management reduces the time IT staff spends on routine maintenance, allowing them to focus on strategic initiatives.

• iDRAC9: The Integrated Dell Remote Access Controller 9 provides a comprehensive, "agent-free" management platform. From initial deployment to firmware updates, the PowerEdge R840 can be managed entirely from a remote console.
• System Lockdown: This unique feature prevents unauthorized or malicious changes to the system configuration or firmware, adding a layer of hardware-level security.
• Quick Sync 2: By using a mobile device, technicians can access the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server at the rack via Bluetooth, simplifying the initial setup and troubleshooting process without needing a crash cart.

Investment Protection: Rental and History

The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server has a strong history of reliability within the PowerEdge lineup. It was introduced to bridge the gap between standard rack units and massive blade chassis systems. Today, the price of the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server reflects its status as a premium enterprise asset that holds its value due to its sheer computational density.

Rental Options Available

For organizations that require temporary spikes in compute power—such as for seasonal data processing, short-term research projects, or software testing—we offer flexible rental programs for the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server. This allows you to leverage world-class hardware without the upfront capital expenditure. Our rental agreements include full support and can be customized based on the specific CPU and memory requirements of your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why choose a 4-socket R840 over a 2-socket R740 if they both fit in 2U?

While both occupy 2U of space, the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server provides double the processor density and significantly higher memory capacity (48 DIMMs vs 24 DIMMs). The R840 Rack Server is designed for workloads that are compute-bound or require massive in-memory datasets that a 2-socket system simply cannot accommodate.

2. Can the R840 run with only two processors?

Yes, the PowerEdge R840 can be configured with only two processors. However, this will limit the available PCIe lanes and half of the DIMM slots will be inactive, as those resources are hard-wired to the specific CPU sockets.

3. What are the UPI links, and why do they matter?

Ultra Path Interconnect (UPI) links are the high-speed pathways that allow the four processors in the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server to communicate with each other. The R840 supports up to 3 UPI links per CPU, reducing latency when one processor needs to access data held in the memory controller of another processor.

4. What is the "thermal wall" for 256GB LRDIMMs?

The "thermal wall" refers to the heat threshold reached when using high-density 256GB LRDIMMs. In a Dell PowerEdge R840 Server, using these modules may require the system to operate in a specific temperature-controlled environment or require the fans to run at higher duty cycles to prevent throttling.

5. Can I mix RDIMMs and LRDIMMs in the R840?

No. You cannot mix different types of memory (RDIMM and LRDIMM) within the same R840 Server. All installed DIMMs must be of the same type to ensure system stability and successful booting.

6. Does the R840 support 12Gbps SAS drives?

Yes, the Dell PowerEdge R840 Rack Server fully supports 12Gbps SAS interfaces, provided you use a compatible RAID controller like the PERC H740P or H730P.

7. Is the R840 capable of training Large Language Models?

The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server can be used for training smaller models or fine-tuning existing LLMs. While it is a powerhouse, extremely large-scale LLM training is usually handled by multi-node clusters with specialized GPU accelerators. However, the R840 is excellent for the inference stage.

8. How many GPUs can I physically install?

The Dell EMC PowerEdge R840 Server supports up to 2 double-width GPUs or up to 6 single-width GPUs, depending on the PCIe riser configuration and power budget.

9. Which NVIDIA GPUs are most commonly used in the R840 for AI?

The NVIDIA T4 and NVIDIA V100 are frequently paired with the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server for AI inference and data analytics workloads due to their balance of performance and thermal requirements.

10. How do I access the server if the network port is down?

You can access the R840 Rack Server via the front-panel micro-USB port using the iDRAC Direct feature, or via the Quick Sync 2 wireless module if configured, allowing for local management without a standard network connection.

11. What is the "System Lockdown" mode?

System Lockdown is a security feature within iDRAC9 that prevents any changes to the BIOS, iDRAC, or firmware settings. It is a vital tool for the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server in high-security environments to prevent "insider threat" configurations.

12. How do I find the hard drive serial number without opening the server?

The serial numbers (and other telemetry) for all drives in the Dell PowerEdge R840 Server can be viewed through the iDRAC web interface under the "Storage" tab, or via the OpenManage command-line interface.

13. Is the R840 quiet enough for an office?

Generally, no. The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server is a high-performance enterprise machine. Because it packs four CPUs into a 2U space, the fans spin at high RPMs to maintain cooling. It is designed for installation in a climate-controlled data center or a sound-dampened server room.

Why Partner With Us?

When sourcing a Dell PowerEdge R840 Server, you need a partner that understands the nuances of enterprise hardware and long-term infrastructure lifecycles.

• Affordable Pricing: We provide competitive market rates for the Dell EMC PowerEdge R840 Server, ensuring you get the best performance-to-cost ratio for your budget.
• Support for EOL & EOSL Products: Unlike many vendors, we specialize in supporting End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Service-Life (EOSL) hardware. If you need parts or a full R840 Server that the manufacturer no longer stocks, we have you covered.
• Worldwide Shipping: We offer reliable, secure, and fast worldwide shipping, ensuring your R840 Rack Server arrives safely regardless of your location.

Secure Your Dell PowerEdge R840 Server Today

Elevate your computational capabilities with a platform designed for the future of data. The Dell PowerEdge R840 Server provides the density, speed, and reliability required to transform your IT operations into a competitive advantage.

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